Derry Area School Board began its March 1 meeting with a moment of silence to remember slain middle school teacher Rebecca Stahl and to offer thoughts of support for her family. The body of the popular sixth-grade math instructor, who was on medical leave, was found Feb. 24 in shrubbery off a Unity Township road three days after the 37-year-old Hempfield Township woman was reported missing by her father. Authorities have said she was strangled and have arrested her husband, David Frank Stahl, 41, for criminal homicide in her death.

At last week's meeting, Derry Area Superintendent Roberta McCahan remembered Rebecca Stahl as a "consummate professional" who "always had a smile on her face and was that haven in the storm for any student who needed academic or emotional support." McCahan also recalled Stahl's "compassion for children, her enthusiasm and amazing work ethic" and noted she remained at Derry Area after serving as a student teacher.

"She loved to teach math, and her enthusiasm for her content area was contagious. Many of her more reluctant learners were successful under her care," McCahan said, adding, "Rest in peace, Becky."

The superintendent also thanked Derry Area staff as well as others from Greater Latrobe and Ligonier Valley districts and Westmoreland Intermediate Unit who helped provide guidance and counseling as Derry Area students and faculty coped with Stahl's death. Last week, Derry Area middle school students organized a "Mrs. Stahl Spirit Week," wearing a different color to school each day to remember their late teacher.

Money matters

In other business, the school board approved a 2012-13 Westmoreland Intermediate Unit budget of $4.8 million, representing an increase of $434,486 from the current school year.

Derry Area administrator Cheryl Walters reported that the district has made the cut in a pre-application phase and has been invited to submit a follow-up application for a federal Keystones to Opportunity grant of up to $1 million; the application is due by March 16. If the funding is approved, Walters said, it would support literacy programs for district youngsters from birth to grade 12.

The school board withdrew its offer to Bob Slezak to continue as head coach of the varsity baseball program and authorized administrators to declare the position open for applications for the 2012 season. soon to get under way. Board member Ralph Neiman -- who cast the sole vote opposing the coaching move -- declined to comment, noting it was a personnel matter. School board President Dave Krinock, who is a volunteer baseball coach, abstained.

At the August board meeting, when a number of 2011-12 coaching slots were filled, several parents expressed concern about Slezak continuing as head baseball coach.

After that session, one of the parents, Marsha Reitz, indicated several players were discontent under Slezak's leadership and might not return for their senior year with the team this spring.

More here:
Derry Area board remembers teacher, OKs Westmoreland IU budget