School Board Honors Brewster, Donato

Retiring state senator recognized for long-standing support; school director has served for 25 years

By Adam Reinherz
The Tube City Almanac
December 16, 2024
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

School Board President Mark Holtzman Sr. congratulates Sen. James Brewster. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)

Two longtime public servants were honored by McKeesport Area School District during Thursday’s meeting. Retiring state Sen. James Brewster and school director David Donato were recognized for decades of service to the district.

Brewster, a 1966 graduate of McKeesport Area High School, praised his alma mater, its educators, coaches and the city at-large for providing a surplus of edifying and meaningful experiences.

“I always talked about it in the senate. Jay Costa will tell you I talked about it ad nauseam,” Brewster said. “McKeesport has had four NFL players and a number of good athletes, attorneys, judges, you name it. We’ve had a lieutenant governor, senators — and that's a tribute to the city and the school district.”

Throughout his political career, Brewster promoted the region and its educational endeavors.

According to Pennsylvania Senate Democrats, Brewster’s efforts helped secure nearly $350 million toward development, safety, transportation and education to 56 communities and 23 school districts in Pennsylvania’s 45th District.

“Jim has been diehard McKeesport his entire life,” School Board President Mark Holtzman Sr. said. “I know he had many other municipalities he had to deal with, but his heart has always been in McKeesport.”

“Sen. Brewster has consistently been a strong advocate for public education, championing the needs of students, teachers and families within a community,” Holtzman continued. “His commitment to ensuring quality education for all has had a lasting impact, and his efforts continue to make a positive difference in the district.”  

Director David Seropian joined others in congratulating Brewster and said, “I want to thank you for everything you did, not only for the state but for the school district, for so many years.”

Before beginning his political career, Brewster, a former banker and vice-president of operations for Mellon Bank, graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in education.

“My heart is in education. I have three daughters that teach. I have a teaching degree,” he said. “McKeesport is special. It's still the hub. It's still a third-class city, and it's still the gateway into Pittsburgh.”

School Director David Donato receives recognition from Acting Superintendent William Pettigrew. (Adam Reinherz photo for Tube City Almanac)

Also Thursday, acting superintendent William Pettigrew recognized school director David Donato for 25 years of service on the McKeesport school board and for his work with Pennsylvania School Boards Association.

Donato, who graduated from McKeesport Area High School in 1966, said that he’s “seen it all” since first joining the board in 1984.

“I served during 12 superintendents, so I've seen the best, and I've seen some that could have tried a little harder,” Donato said. “By the same token, I've enjoyed my service to young people. I can't get away from it. I've made a life out of it — in my personal life, in my public life — kids just mean so much.”

Donato acknowledged that he’s considered walking away from public service, but ultimately forgoes the thought because of “all the unfinished business.”

“You think of all the good things the district is getting involved in, all the good things that can happen, you can be part of them,” he said.

Serving the district is not only a privilege but an opportunity to promote others, he continued. “Often, we don't get enough voices on behalf of the kids.”

He said the board is both “committed” and “dedicated” to advocating on behalf of students, even when the outcome is questioned.
 
“We're going to make mistakes. We're going to make mistakes because we have tried every option, exhausted every opportunity, and have come to a decision that all of us have made for the right reasons,” he said. “If we do that and we remember that, I don't think we could fail.”

Donato closed by poking fun at his penchant for adding levity and frankness to procedural gatherings.

“I have been open,” he said. “I'm an open book and candid on almost every subject to a fault, and so consequently I will remain the same for the remaining time I am on the board.”

Adam Reinherz is a Pittsburgh-based journalist. He can be reached at adam.reinherz@gmail.com.

Originally published December 16, 2024.

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