For over 21 years, H. Charles "Charlie" Hoffman served the Pleasant Valley Board of Education. Hoffman, who had just won re-election, passed away on March 6 at the age of 81.

"Charlie was born and raised here. His whole life he was involved in our community, school and church," said board member Robert Serfass. "This building sits on his grandfather's homestead. He was a good man from a good family."Linda Micklos remembers Hoffman as a man of few words."Charlie had an understanding of how to move things forward. He had few words, but deep meaning."Serfass will complete Hoffman's term as treasurer through the remainder of this year. The board has 30 days to fill the vacancy left by Hoffman.Any person interested in serving on the board of education must meet the following qualifications:• Must be 18 years of age.• Must be a resident of Chestnuthill, Polk, Eldred or Ross townships.Must be of good moral character, be a registered voter and have lived in the district for at least one year.Interested parties must submit a letter of interest, a resume listing their qualifications, and letters of support and recommendations to Superintendent Carole Geary no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday.Other businessIn good news, Erica Greer, PVE Principal was on hand to celebrate volunteerism at Pleasant Valley Elementary. Greer and PTO President Michelle Westerman presented a slideshow that showed all the ways volunteers serve the elementary school.In 2013 the school began a long term substantial contact program. These volunteers go through a more substantive screening process. In 2013 there were 42 in the program. That number has increased to 83 for this school year. In addition, the total number of adult volunteers at the school has increased from 50 in 2013 to 202 this year.There is a PTO website where volunteers can go online and register for activities. Last year 765 total volunteer shifts were filled by 136 individual volunteers."We couldn't do what we do at PVE without our volunteers," Greer said. "They help us keep doing incredible things.""I am so glad you are here today and I get to thank you," said Director Len Peeters. "Before I was on the board, I volunteered from kindergarten through high school. I was president of the PTO at PVE and I know what you are doing, and I am amazed by what you have accomplished. You should be very proud."Superintendent Geary also had some good news. The Pleasant Valley School District was just named one of the "Lehigh Valley Top Workplaces" by the Morning Call. Pleasant Valley was one of the top five in the large employer category. The category only included businesses with 500 or more employees.