CANFIELD — The Canfield Board of Education received an official notice Wednesday from Treasurer Patricia Prince that she will retire effective Dec. 31.

“My grandchildren are waiting for me to spend more time with them,” Prince said.

Prince has been the school treasurer for the past 39 years. School Board President Nader Atway said she has been a huge asset for the district during those years.

“Who would have thought that in June 1986 such a great person would be hired?” Atway said. “Pattie has helped the district weather many storms, including getting us through the COVID years. Because of our strong cash reserve, we have a strong school district. We thank Pattie for her dedication.”

Earlier in the meeting, Prince reported there is a $22 million general fund balance. She said the district earned $87,000 in interest this year.

“We are very healthy for this time of the year,” she said.

Superintendent Joe Knoll said it has been a pleasure to work with Prince.

“When I got here five years ago, I could see this district was in good hands,” he said about Prince.

Board member Steven DeMaiolo said, “Everyone in this district owes you a big thank you for a job well done.”

Prince added she will work with a new treasurer as long as it takes for a smooth transition. Atway said the board will work hard to fill the position.

Another retirement announced at the meeting was actually a retire-rehire for John Vitto, assistant superintendent and director of curriculum and instruction. The motion to rehire him for the coming school year on a three-year contract at $95,000 per year, with no benefits, was passed by a 3-2 vote, with Atway, Betsy Ahlquist and Traci DeCapua voting yes and board members Matt Campbell and DeMaiolo voting no.

In other business, the board:

• Heard from Jason Henry, who spoke during public comments that he felt the board should add an item on the agenda for board member comments. “It will let people know they have been heard,” he said. Atway replied it was a good idea, but there are times when they can’t respond for legal reasons.

• Heard from Prince that Baird Tree Service has been hired at a cost of $5,500 to remove trees at C.H. Campbell and the middle school. Atway added the company also will be checking trees at Hilltop Elementary and the high school.