The Bradford Area School Board Tuesday appointed a new member to
fill the seat of resigned director and former president Bob
Tingley.

Don Keck was appointed director in a special morning meeting
after the Rev. Arthur Cox nominated him, with Rita Dincher
seconding it.

But the nomination and vote were not accepted unanimously as Pat
Vigliotta was absent and Joseph “Jose” Troutman nominated Dr.
August Freda, who lost his bid for re-election in the May primary
last year.

“I nominate Augie Freda,” said Troutman and after a few moments
said, “I don’t really expect a second fellas.”

As board president Paul Ridley asked for a roll call vote,
Troutman stopped them and asked if they could have a
discussion.

“(Freda) was four years elected and I thought he did a
tremendous job. He was interested in the students and the school
system. Don’t you agree Tim?” Troutman asked of director Tim
Bean.

Bean answered, “Yes, I think he served us well and we got a lot
done.”

Troutman added, “I just don’t understand. I would like to see a
second fellas.”

After a few moments of silence, resident Dorothy Frontino asked
if she could speak, even if it was out of turn based on the agenda.
She was allowed.

“I feel like (Troutman) does. Who knows what’s going on. (Freda)
has been off two months and you don’t need another ‘yes’ person,”
she said to the directors. “There is never any discussion anymore
about what it’s all about.

“I feel bad – people from Bradford get what they deserve. They
don’t come to the meetings, not even to these,” she added. “Has he
(Keck) ever come to a meeting? I don’t know who he is,” she said
asking who Keck is. “I don’t think it’s fair.”

Bean responded, “Augie did well with his style. The election
process did not allow him to be elected to the board. It’s a
different time now. The district is moving in a different
direction.”

Frontino continued, “Dincher was appointed to the board, and she
was running for the school board. Augie ran and goofed up by not
running on both parties – it’s going in a different direction yes –
nobody says no anymore.”

Troutman said, “The election was totally monetary …”

Bean said, “But don’t you think Dorothy the different direction
is the right direction?”

Troutman said, “Augie questioned things …”

Later, Frontino asked how many letters of interest for the
position were received and she was told there were five.

Keck is the vice president of refining operations for American
Refining Group Inc., and has been there for 19 years. He worked for
Witco from 1987 to 1997 in the refinery until he started working
for ARG eight years ago.

The next school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Feb.
13.