The Montgomery Area School Board is seeking new legal counsel after it formally accepted the resignation of long-time solicitor McNerney, Page, Vanderlin & Hall. The firm had represented the district for forty years.

Despite a 7-2 vote to appoint Thomas Marshall as the district’s solicitor, and an 8-1 vote in favor of appointing McNerney, Page, Vanderlin & Hall as the district’s assistant solicitor, the administration was directed by the board to prepare and issue a Request for Proposals for the role of school district solicitor.

The firm has chosen not to submit a response to the request, and their resignation will take effect Jan. 30, 2026.

“It’s sad that we’ve pushed it to this. Our district could be blacklisted from people who know anything about school law because people on this board have decided against this, without knowing that we have 40 years with them and they were working at the will of the board,” said board member Dana Pick.

“All we did is put it out for a proposal,” board member Roger McRae said.

“No we didn’t. Some people voted to not even have a solicitor,” Pick countered.

“I am appalled at the decision you all made in looking for a new school solicitor,” said former board member Paula Yeckley during public comments.

“It puts the district at a huge risk. It takes one lawsuit to come in the doors after January 30 and bury the district,” she said.

“Our firm has enjoyed the relationship with the district, and we wish you guys the best,” said attorney David Sterngold, who filled in for Marshall at the meeting.

“I personally want to thank David, Tom and McNerney, Page for everything you’ve done for the school district. I personally appreciate it,” said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Stoudt, noting that he has worked with the firm going back to his ten years as principal.

“They never steered me wrong,” he added.

In financial matters, the board approved the purchase of six gaming laptops at a cost of $964.00 each, plus shipping; the purchase of a ballistic vest to be used by the school police officer, at a cost of $1,575.00; and the proposal from Port Elevator to repair the controls in the tech wing elevator, at a cost of $2,925.75.

Other actions taken by the board include the approval of the E-Rate Consulting Letter of Agreement between the district and BLaST IU17 for the 2026-27 school year; a Customized Technical Service Agreement with Nexgen; and an Affiliation Agreement between the district and Slippery Rock University for student teaching placement in the spring.

In staffing issues, the board approved Jacob Mrochek as Elementary Band and Chorus Advisor at a salary of $1,550.00; and a number of athletic coaches, volunteers and event workers, with stipends ranging from $2,550 to $4,100.

The next school board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.