PA SECRETARY OF EDUCATION MEETS WITH LOCAL LEADERS
AT PIC'S GREENSBURG OFFICE

Thursday, November 8, 2007 - the Private Industry Council was honored by the presence of Dr. Gerald L. Zahorchak, PA Secretary of Education at a luncheon organized by the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board and hosted by the Private Industry Council.

The luncheon provided a venue for local leaders to express their educational concerns and for Mr. Zahorchak to give details on the direction the Department of Education is taking to address the competencies of Pennsylvania students and their readiness for post-secondary education and/or employment.

Several WIB Board Members were present at the luncheon including William Thompson, Executive Director of the WIB; Bill Yant, Chairman of the WIB Board and owner of Securitronics; Tim Yurcisin, President of Private Industry Council; Jeff Kelly of Hamill Manufacturing and past WIB Board Chairman; Dr. Phil Savini, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Connellsville Area School District; Dr. Steven Ender, President of Westmoreland County Community College; Pat DeConcilis, and Ray Green.

John Sproull, Vice President of the Private Industry Council and additional staff members were present as well as representatives from CareerLink and area educational institutions including St. Vincent College and Central Westmoreland Career & Technology Center. Dr. Zahorchak graciously answered a variety of questions while continuing to reiterate the importance of the graduation proficiencies of Pennsylvania students.