The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit marked the end of an extraordinary era at its Nov. 19 board meeting, offering a heartfelt tribute to longtime board member Pat McGeehan, who concluded 52 years of distinguished service to the BVIU. Representing the Western Beaver School District since the early 1970s, McGeehan is one of the longest-serving school board members in Pennsylvania history.
The tribute came at the end of the meeting, when BVIU Executive Director Dr. Eric G. Rosendale led a reflection on McGeehan’s remarkable tenure. Dr. Rosendale opened by acknowledging an achievement few in public service can claim: “I think Pat is the longest serving board member in the state.”
McGeehan served as BVIU Board President from 1996 to 2020, guiding the organization through decades of growth, new programs, and major facility improvements. Dr. Rosendale recalled the lighthearted origin of McGeehan’s service—one of Pat’s favorite stories about how his friends once urged him to “just serve two years.” Rosendale added with a smile, “Fifty-some years later, he’s still here, doing great work with us, greatly appreciated.”
While McGeehan is not the longest-serving board member, he’s certainly in the top five. Beyond longevity, Dr. Rosendale emphasized the depth of McGeehan’s influence:
“He’s been sitting on the Western Beaver board for over 52 years. He’s been nothing but a great educational leader in this county.”
Western Beaver Superintendent Dr. Robert H. Postupac continued the tribute with reflections on McGeehan’s legacy across Beaver County’s educational institutions. He highlighted McGeehan’s critical role in shaping key programs that continue to serve students today:
“The New Horizon School exists because of people like Pat. Again, the Vocational Center exists because of people like Pat McGeehan back in the day.”
Postupac noted McGeehan’s deep personal connection to the students served by special education programs: “Pat loves that place. He loves those children, and he certainly wants that legacy to continue.”
Current BVIU Board President Ronald Miller added his own reflections on McGeehan’s influence—not only on the IU, but on his own journey into board service. Miller, who serves on the board at Big Beaver School District shared how McGeehan encouraged him to step into leadership even when he hadn’t planned to run again.
Miller said McGeehan’s breadth of service is extraordinary:
“You have probably served on just about every board that Pennsylvania has to offer over your 50-some years in the position you are—and that’s commendable,” Miller said.
As the tribute concluded, Dr. Postupac expressed the collective sentiment of the community: “The Western Beaver community will miss Pat… We love you. We appreciate you. Thank you.”
McGeehan’s 52-year tenure stands as a rare and exceptional chapter in Beaver County educational history—one defined by consistency, compassion, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to children. His leadership leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to guide the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit for generations to come.