BUTLER TWP — The Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School hired Ernest Orelli as the dean of pupil services, who will be paid with the school’s American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund.

The Joint Operating Committee approved the hiring of Orelli with a salary of $75,000 on Thursday, Oct. 6.

The board voted to post the available position at its September meeting. Regina Hiler, vo-tech executive director, said the position is new for the school, and the person filling it will work with students and faculty.

Hiler also said Orelli will be a good addition to the school’s staff.

“He has been a teacher for many years at another vo-tech,” Hiler said. “He does have stellar recommendations and lots of experience.”

As per the board vote, Orelli will begin work at the school Friday, Oct. 7.

The board also recognized senior Steven Painter, of Knoch Area School District, as the school year’s first outstanding student. Painter, who is in the building construction program at the vo-tech, said that earlier on Thursday he was accepted into the Pennsylvania College of Technology.