Breaking News
Local news

Win4Bellefonte announces five candidates for BASD board

5 min read

BELLEFONTE -- Win4Bellefonte is announcing its candidates to support in the 2023 election cycle for the five open seats on the Bellefonte Area School District Board of Directors.

Win4Bellefonte was formed in early 2021 to recruit and elect four members for the four open seats in the 2021 election. The group was successful in electing two Republican and two Democrat candidates, and in the upcoming election Win4Bellefonte is backing three Republicans and two Democrats.

"We are very pleased with this group of candidates. They are capable, dedicated and determined," said Kathy Evey, Chair of Win4Bellefonte.

Win4Bellefonte's candidates are:

KIMBERLY WEAVER

Kimberly Weaver is a 1995 graduate of Bellefonte Area School District and is currently a kindergarten teacher at a neighboring school district. Kim is a current school board member that has been elected two times, the first being in 2015 and again in 2019. Kim earned an associate degree in business from the South Hills School of Business and Technology and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Phoenix. Kim is a strong supporter of public education and wants to be part of the many important projects and initiatives that the district is moving forward in the near future. Kim is seeking another term for the Bellefonte Board of Directors because she believes in the students, the district, the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology and the importance of what public education has to offer. She says, "There is no greater gift than to see a student succeed and know I may have played a small part in helping to pave the way."

JENN BARNHART

Jenn Barnhart has been a part of the Bellefonte community since 2004, enticed by the community and the Bellefonte Area School District for her children's school experience. She is a strong believer in the many advantages, skills and life lessons extra-curricular activities provided to youth. She has actively embraced roles, including Little League coach, team mom, Booster Club Board member, PTO member and founder of a non-profit travel softball program. Jenn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication arts and sciences from Penn State in 2003 and currently works at the university as a member of the Development and Alumni Relations team. Of all that she is and has accomplished, she is most proud of her family and the characteristics those who know her have noted, including that she is passionate, sincere, caring, ethical, team oriented and driven. "I sincerely believe that I can make a difference and give a voice to so many in our district with my ability to listen and speak up for what is right with formidable character," Jenn said.

DARRELL SHARP

Darrell Sharp was born and raised in Loretto in Cambria County and graduated from Penn Cambria High School, attending Penn State University where he obtained an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a bachelor's degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. Darrell has worked for Graymont for over 17 years and is the Mine Superintendent. He has lived and worked in the Bellefonte Area School District since 2005, and he and his wife Heather have three children that currently attend Marion Walker Elementary. "I am passionate about joining the Bellefonte Area School Board of Directors because I believe in the small-town values that I see and feel throughout Bellefonte," he said. "I want to ensure those values remain instilled in our school and contribute positively to the growth of our next generations."

TIMOTHY KESSLING

Timothy Kessling graduated from Bellefonte Area High School in 2004 and from Pennsylvania College of Technology in 2008, acquiring a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management. Tim has worked for Glenn O. Hawbaker since 2009, where he worked in on-site development, helping to build the Weis Market infrastructure in Bellefonte and Pegula Ice Hockey Arena at Penn State. In 2020, Tim was promoted to Project Manager and has been instrumental in P3 & PennDOT structure projects. He was the chair of the Associated Builders and Contractors from 2020 through 2021 and is currently the co-chair of the Glenn O. Hawbaker Charity Golf Outing, co-owner of 2 Dads & a Truck Contracting Company, and most importantly, a proud husband to Kati Kessling and father to Emma and Ella who are enrolled in BASD. Tim said he is runing, "to be a voice for my children, a voice for our future and community, and to work together to make a positive difference."

PATRICK BUCK

Patrick Buck moved to Bellefonte in 2019, where he currently resides with his wife and two children, one of which attends Marion-Walker Elementary. Patrick is a Process Engineering Manager with a degree in Mechanical Engineering that he received from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2009. Patrick strongly believes in embracing tradition and history as it is the core of who we are. When asked why he wants to run for school board, Patrick stated that he "would like to instill a focus on furthering the development of STEM initiatives in our district, as well as focusing on providing students with the experiences and skills necessary to be successful upon graduation, including life skills, preparation for college and opportunities to develop trade skills." Patrick also believes the district should focus on the development of critical thinking, as it is an essential skill to help students think for themselves, challenge ideas and push boundaries.

Starting at /week.