EXETER — Anthony Burke, 38, who was elected to a four-year term on the Wyoming Area school board in November, was sworn in Wednesday at a reorganizational meeting along with four others. Mara Valenti was chosen as this year’s board president.
Following the meeting, Burke, a resident of Exeter, said he was “looking forward to working with some great people as far as trying to get our main goal of taxes lowered.”
“I always want to work toward better education of our students to make sure test scores are good and, of course, the safety of our students,” he continued.
Burke, the only newcomer in the election aside from John Bonin, who did not secure a seat, was sworn in by Judge Joseph J. Carmody.
Burke now occupies the seat previously held by Michael Supey, who did not seek reelection.
Incumbents Joseph Kopko, David Alberigi, and Erica Gazda, who won four-year terms, and Philip Campenni, who ran unopposed for a two-year term, were sworn in by Judge Lesa S. Gelb.
Also at the reorganizational meeting, Mara Valenti, who has been on the board since 2023, was voted as this year’s president, taking over the position from Campenni. Valenti was the only person nominated.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Campenni for his year as president. He certainly has accomplished a lot, and the fruits of his labor will continue for future generations here at Wyoming Area. I’d also like to thank my colleagues for putting their faith in me to lead this board into the next year,” Valenti said during the meeting.
Additionally, Campenni, who has been on the school board since 2019, was voted in as vice president, taking over for Peter Butera.
Dave Alberigi was chosen as secretary, and Joseph Kopko was chosen as treasurer, roles they both held last year.
The board also voted to continue to retain Jarrett Ferentino as solicitor.
The next Wyoming Area School Board meeting will be a combined work session and regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the high school auditorium.