Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Services honoring the former coach, teacher and school board member will be held Saturday.
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Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The following is a press release from the West Chester Area School District. James T. Smith, former educator and West Chester Area School District school board member, passed away over the weekend from complications following kidney surgery. Jim was 74 years old. Jim was an active member in our community for more than 40 years. He taught social studies in the WCASD and was one of the first to teach at East High School when it opened in the mid-1970s, moving there from B. Reed Henderson High School. At both schools Jim also guided young student-athletes as a football coach, and was a strong supporter of school athletics as a way to help students learn more about themselves and their potential. Jim Smith was a member of the West Chester Area…
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Former West Chester School Board member, teacher and coach Jim Smith passes away at the age of 74.
Former West Chester School Board member, teacher and Coach Jim Smith passed away unexpectedly early Sunday morning at the age of 74. “It’s a big loss for the community,” said former school board member Jim Davison who served with Smith from Dec. 2003-2011. “He didn’t hold back. Whenever he talked about something he was very serious, but he was a puppy dog underneath.” Smith taught history in the West Chester School District for more than 30 years, and he also served several years as the head football coach at Marple-Newtown High School as well as the quarterback coach at Henderson high school. “He was a very dear friend,” Davison said. “We used to talk everyday.” Davison added, "It came as a real shock to all of us," Davison said. "We …
Monday, December 19, 2011
The West Chester School Board pulls an agenda item dealing with the hiring of a negotiator.
The newest incarnation of the West Chester School Board had to deal with a procedural hiccup Monday night as an item was pulled off the agenda because it was not voted on in a public meeting. “Votes are not allowed to be taken in executive session,” said former school board member Jim Davison. “It’s against the state sunshine law.” The school board had prepared to vote on an agenda item that would authorize the board to hire a negotiator to work with the West Chester teachers’ union. The teachers’ contract expires next year. “I would like this item pulled off the agenda,” said school board member Sean Carpenter. “I would hate to have something important like this nullified on a technicality.” According to state law, an agenda item must …
Fiat Lux
7:51 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Jim was a giant among men. A dedicated and committed leader of this community. He wore his passion on his sleave and you always knew exactly where you stood with Jim. He also was not afraid to change his mind when presented with facts that might suggest a differing opinion. I will forever be indebted for his tutelage while on the Board and the mentoring he readily gave. God Bless you friend and … more ›