Politics & Government

Crescent to Help Fund Township Manager's College Education

Patience Eckhardt to receive $1,900 in aid for fall semester at Mountain State University.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Eckhardt's major. Eckhardt majored in business administration while at the Allegheny County Community College. She is majoring in organizational leadership at Mountain State University. The township did not help fund Eckhardt's previous education, but has contributed to the education of past employees. 

agreed last night help fund Township Manager Patience Eckhardt's education at Mountain State University. 

The board agreed to pay $1,920 toward Eckhardt's fall semester tuition at the university, where she is working toward a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership.

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The township in previous years has contributed to the education of other Crescent employees.  

Eckhardt will take 12 credit hours of evening classes this fall at the Beaver County university. She will complete the 48-credit program in December 2012. 

Find out what's happening in Robinson-Moonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The township will reimburse Eckhardt for the portion of her tuition after completion of the courses. She said at the meeting that she planned to attend the university regardless of the township's financial contribution.

"I think this is an investment in the township," said board President Bill Cook. 

The township this year budgeted $2,500 for educational expenses. Cook said that at a later time the board may ask Eckhardt to agree to continue working for the township for a set period of time as a contingency of the funding. 

Other items of interest: 

  • The board approved the advertising of the open position of public works supervisor in local newspapers. 
  • The board approved the hiring of township solicitor Richard Start's firm to represent the township on issues related to Allegheny County property reassessment. 
  • The board reported that solicitor Start attended a settlement mediation session with Crescent Police Chief Todd Miller. Miller has been on leave from the department for three years as a result of a knee injury he sustained while on duty.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here