The Tamaqua Area School Board held its organization meeting on Tuesday night at the Tamaqua Area High School.

The meeting marked the first in which school board members Tom Bartasavage and Trina Schellhammer were formally in their seats at the table.

“I’m very excited to be a part of it. There are some great people in this room right now. I’m excited to work with them and make some changes maybe. … It was exciting. First of all, my goals are to keep the students and faculty safe; whatever it takes. And also help the students to realize their full potential and lead them to the right future that’s best for them. Have them focus on what’s best for them, not what somebody thinks is best for them.”

With both Eileen Meiser and Wanda Zuber no longer tenured, Bartasavage and Schellhammer will take their place on the education committee for the foreseeable future.

Larry Wittig was re-elected as board president, as Tom Rottet was re-elected vice president.

“I’m happy that the election is over and I’m excited to get to work with these great people,” said Schellhammer. “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to make a difference in the community. I was assigned the education committee, and my heart is for the trades.

“I would love to get involved in promoting the trades to the students a little bit more.”

It’s a busy week for many members of the board. The group will meet regularly, as scheduled the second and third Tuesday of the month. Next Monday, will be the monthly safety meeting at the high school.