Peter O’Hanlon appointed to fill vacancy on Manassas City School Board

The School Board of the City of Manassas unanimously voted on Jan. 4, 2017 to appoint Peter B. O’Hanlon to serve as its newest member. O’Hanlon was appointed to fill the vacant seat previously held by Pamela J. Sebesky, who resigned effective Dec. 31 to serve on the City Council for the City of Manassas.

O’Hanlon will serve until Dec. 31, 2017. A special election will be held in November, 2017 to fill out the remainder of Sebesky’s term, which is set to expire Dec. 31, 2018.

During his first appearance with the board at its Jan. 10 regular meeting, O’Hanlon stated he was humbled by the appointment and thanked friends, family and the board for their support.

“Mr. O’Hanlon has been a familiar face in the City of Manassas for many years, leading and volunteering as his children progressed through the school division,” Tim Demeria, board chairman, was quoted as saying in a press release.  “With this appointment, we trust that he will bring a different, but welcomed perspective to the board and we look forward to working with him.”

O’Hanlon has been involved in the community and Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) for several years, including serving on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Haydon Elementary, Mayfield Intermediate and Metz Middle schools.  He also served in leadership capacities in his homeowners association and other civic organizations.  Additionally, he is a 2015 graduate of the MCPS Parent and Community Leadership Academy (PCLA).

O’Hanlon and his wife, Ann, are the parents of five children who received their education through Manassas City Public Schools, the youngest now a senior in high school.

“I retired in June 2015 after 34 years of government service,” said O’Hanlon. “I now plan to utilize my time and experience to increase my service to the Manassas City community.”

The appointee was a candidate for Manassas School Board in the November 2016 election.