School Board
2nd row, left to right, Michael Wiethorn, Board President Philip Morrissette, Joseph Cassidy, Treasurer Marc Casciani
School Directors
- Philip Morrissette, President
- Lisa Hillman, Vice President
- Marc Casciani, Treasurer
- Christina Brussalis
- Joseph Cassidy
- Ashley Fortier
- Leslie Miller
- Amy Terchick
- Michael Wiethorn
- Barbara Williams, Board Secretary
Philip Morrissette, President
Lisa Hillman, Vice President
Marc Casciani, Treasurer
Christina Brussalis
Joseph Cassidy
Ashley Fortier
Leslie Miller
Amy Terchick
Michael Wiethorn
Barbara Williams, Board Secretary
School Board Governance Areas and Subject Leads
Governance Area | Subject Lead |
Academic Achievement | Mrs. Christina Brussalis |
Building & Grounds | Mr. Joe Cassidy |
Finance | Mr. Marc Casciani |
Operational Services | Mrs. Amy Terchick |
Staff Services | Mr. Mike Wiethorn |
Student Services | Mrs. Leslie Miller |
External Assignments
Food Service Advisory and Wellness Committee
- Mrs. Ashley Fortier, Representative
A.W. Beattie Career Center
- Mr. Joe Cassidy, Representative (1-year term ending 12/2025)
- Mrs. Leslie Miller, Representative (2-year term ending 12/2026)
Pennsylvania School Boards Association
- Mrs. Leslie Miller, Representative
Pine Township Parks and Recreation
- Mrs. Amy Terchick
Planning
Board members are required to engage in strategic planning by regulations of the State Board of Education. Reports of the results of the planning efforts must be filed with the Department of Education. Planning activities must include enrollment projections, staffing needs, building usage and budget requirements.
Setting Policy
The central responsibility of a board, both in theory and in law, is to be the policy-forming body. The idea of local control of education means the policies governing the operation of schools are to be formed in response to local needs and desires. Policy means actions of the board that set written goals and objectives for the school district. A process of systematic policy review contributes significantly to the smooth operation of the district.
Evaluating Results
The board must evaluate the results of planning. Evaluation completes the loop and, in fact, leads to more planning. Evaluation occurs all the time. Curriculum reviews, reports of student achievement, budget forecasts and facilities studies are examples of formal reports, presented to the board and the public at open board meetings.
Once the board sets direction, the superintendent of schools, the administrative team and the entire staff work cooperatively and creatively to carry out the board's objectives.
Board Representation
The school board approved a plan to re-align the electoral districts for the election of school directors. The plan expanded Region # 2 and added three electoral districts from Pine. Regions # 2 encompasses portions of both townships. Information on the realignment, polling locations and a map of voting districts
All school directors serve four-year terms and receive no compensation for their commitment of time and energy. The school board secretary and solicitor are elected by the board and serve in a non-voting capacity.
Learn more at What is a School Board
Roles and Responsibilities of Pine-Richland School Board Leadership

Purpose and Philosophy
Board Leadership
Responsibilities of Board Leadership Positions
Board President
The board president is elected at the annual reorganization meeting in December. He/she assumes responsibility for the overall function of the board including presiding over and conducting all board meetings per board policy and Roberts Rules of Order.
The board president also plays an extremely important role on the interpersonal side of the board. He/she must solicit and be responsive to other board members’ views, manage different personalities and perspectives, and work to create and maintain a trusting relationship with the administration. Monitoring and nurturing positive dynamics by creating an environment in which board members feel engaged, included, respected, and able to make a positive contribution are important aspects of the position.
In addition, the board president has the responsibility to:
- Ensure the entire board governs effectively;
- To support and maintain positive relationships with each board member;
- Ensure the entire board collaborates cohesively through the DECIDE model;
- Work with board secretary, board leadership and/or superintendent when appropriate;
- Lead the whole board in focusing on completing its strategic plan goals;
- Appoint subject leads for each specific governance area (finance, building and grounds, academic achievement, student services, staff services and operational services);
- Network and engage with community members;
- Direct the interview process for the appointment of any board vacancy that may occur;
- Direct the search and interview process for the appointment of the superintendent of schools;
- Gather entire board feedback on the superintendent’s performance for a mid-year and end-of-year evaluation; and
- Collect, compile and distribute an annual board self-assessment report.
Board Vice President
The board vice president is elected at the annual Reorganization meeting in December. In the board president’s absence, the vice president presides at and conducts any board meeting per board policy and Roberts Rules. The vice president also works in conjunction with the board president to ensure the board works towards its strategic goals.
Board Treasurer
The position of treasurer is board-approved during the month of May. The treasurer maintains a close relationship with the district’s director of finance in all aspects of financial management. The treasurer serves as a liaison between district administration and the entire board as well as serves as subject lead for Finance meetings.
Subject Leads
Subject leads are assigned annually by the board president following the reorganization meeting. Each subject lead spearheads meetings scheduled for specific areas of governance, including but not limited to finance, academic achievement, building and grounds, student services, staff services and operational services. Each subject lead maintains a relationship with an individual senior leadership team member(s) with the expertise of his/her specific subject.