When Russ Spicuzza heard about an opening on the Bethel Park school board, he figured it was time to try.

"I'd always thought about it, but I thought it was such a difficult decision, running," said Mr. Spicuzza, 54. "Every decision you make [as a director], someone is going to disagree with you."

Mr. Spicuzza was elected and sworn in by the board at last Thursday's monthly meeting. Bethel Park had an opening after Charles Koch, who had been a member for many years, suddenly resigned in late May.

A school district has 30 days to elect or appoint a replacement, after which it becomes a matter for the courts.

Mr. Koch's term was set to expire in 2009.

"I thought with my past involvement with the district, knowing a little bit about a lot of things, would be an advantage," Mr. Spicuzza said.

In the past, he has served on various curriculum and budget committees within the district, including the citizens budget advisory committee and the tax study commission.

In the community, Mr. Spicuzza has been involved in recreation and athletic programs, as well.

His two daughters, Tracey and Sarah, are graduates of Bethel Park High School, as is his wife, Renee. A son, Matt, will be a sophomore at the high school in the fall. Mr. Spicuzza graduated from St. Basil in Carrick and the University of Pittsburgh.

"I realize what challenges are ongoing, and the current board is doing a nice job," he said. "I've said to my fellow board members that I plan to attend as many [committee] board meetings as I can, just so what I think I know is, in fact, reality."

Mr. Spicuzza was one of eight candidates who filed applications for Mr. Koch's place on the board. At a special meeting June 24, each was given a chance to answer five questions from the board and made a 5-minute statement.

Two days later, the board took nominations from the floor. Mr. Spicuzza, Taylor Zimmer and Carolyn Hinson received consideration; Mr. Spicuzza eventually got the final approval with a 6-1 vote.

The political elephant in the room is the school board's plan to build a new senior high school on the site of its existing campus on Church Road. In May, the district's request for a variance was denied by the Bethel Park Zoning Hearing Board and the matter has moved into the county legal system.

Mr. Koch, who is a member of the zoning board, had spoken against new construction while a member of the school board.

"I think I have an open mind about it," said Mr. Spicuzza.