Schweda Resigns From Wv Board

Sat., June 17, 2000

By Stacy Schwandt stacys@spokesman.com

West Valley School Board member Pete Schweda resigned this week after 14 years in the post.

“I think it’s important to have people on the school board who have kids in the school system,” he said. “I even made the motion to accept my own resignation.”

Schweda’s oldest son, Sam, graduated from West Valley High School in 1999. Because of other changes taking place on the school board at that time, Schweda postponed his retirement for a year.

“It wasn’t a surprise,” said West Valley Superintendent Dave Smith. “But we’re really going to miss him. He’s been a good friend, a good board member, and a good advocate for children.”

The district will begin accepting applications for the position next week, Smith said. From the applicants, the board will select someone to fill Schweda’s term, which ends in November. The board hopes to have the position filled by early July.

Smith said Schweda, who submitted his resignation at Wednesday’s meeting, would be remembered for his leadership on policy issues and for encouraging parent participation in school matters.

Early on, Schweda helped create the WISH committee to coordinate the district’s parent volunteers. (WISH stands for West Valley Includes School Helpers.)

He also used his background as a lawyer to review the district’s policies on everything from harassment to allocating resources.

“That’s a field of real expertise for Pete,” said Bill Zimmer, current school board president. “It will be hard to replace his wealth of knowledge.”

Zimmer added that he respected Schweda’s straightforward demeanor. “He speaks his mind and he’s very willing and ready to take positions,” he said.

The board honored Schweda with a small luncheon on Tuesday. Schweda plans to continue practicing law and looks forward to playing in a summer hockey league with his sons.

“I can still try to keep up with them,” he said.

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