In a unanimous 5-0 vote last Thursday, the Buena Vista School Board appointed former Parry McCluer High School athletic director Mike Ca r tol a ro to one of the two open seats on the board.
“I am honored for the opportunity to serve on the School Board because I firmly believe that education is the foundation of a strong and thriving community,” Cartolaro told The News-Gazette in an
, page 5 email on Monday. “With 42 years of experience in various capacities in education, I feel that I can continue to contribute to the success of Buena Vista City Schools.”
Cartolaro retired from his role as the athletic director for Parry McCluer High School earlier this year, having worked in the school for 10 years, first as the assistant athletic director and alternative education teacher. He also coached the boys’ basketball team from 2016 to 2022, leading the Blues to the state championship in 2021.
Prior to coming to Buena Vista, Cartolaro coached at several schools throughout the commonwealth, leading teams to 14 state championship appearances and earning five state championship titles.
Prior to returning to Buena Vista, where he grew up and graduated high school, Cartolaro earned a bachelor’s degree in history and social sciences from Emory & Henry College and taught history and geography at Ervington High School, Orange County High School, Monacan High School and Altavista High School.
Cartolaro will fill the seat previously held by John Rice who recently moved out of the city. That seat is one of three up for election this year, so Cartolaro will hold it until the end of the year.
Also at last Thursday’s meeting, the School Board went into closed session to interview two applicants for a second vacant seat on the Board – Brent Styler and Allen L. Felts Jr.
The Board will appoint one of the two applicants to the seat, which had been held by the late Wayne Flint, at a special meeting on Oct. 2. That term runs through the end of 2027 and a special election will he held next fall to elect someone to fill out the remainder of the term.
Paula Charlton made the motion to appoint Cartolaro and Roy Mohler provided the second.
