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MILL HALL -- Three newcomers and two incumbents have been elected to represent five regions within the Keystone Central School District.
This includes Region I -- which encompasses Greene, Logan and Porter townships and Loganton Borough -- which was won by Chris Scaff.
According to preliminary results Scaff earned a total of 765 votes - 705 were made in person and 60 were cast via mail-in ballot.
"I am honored to be chosen by the people of KCSD Region 1 in the Nov. 7, 2023 election. I truly look forward to working with the students, parents, staff and all involved. We all know things aren’t perfect in our district and changes need to be made," Scaff said. "We MUST all act in the name of safety, security and be financially responsible with tax dollars, all while giving our students the best educational experience of a lifetime, as it IS the first step towards teaching and starting goals that will lead them forever into the future. One person can’t do it all, but it CAN be done with a team spirit and drive."
"Parents are trusting KCSD with their children’s lives, and although it’s the parent’s job to raise them with morals and teachings, it’s OUR job to provide the routes and teachings to get there," he concluded.
Challenger Mary Ann Clark followed behind with a total of 305 votes. Of that number, 222 were made in person and 83 were cast via mail-in ballot.
Region III incumbent Polly Donahay was the sole candidate and will retain her seat in 2024.
In total, Donahay received 434 votes on the Democratic ballot, with 368 being cast in-person and another 66 that were cast via mail-in ballot.
"I am very happy to continue to be a part of the KCSD school board for another term. I am excited to see the Liberty-Curtin Elementary project through," Donahay said. "This project is very near to my heart and I’m humbled to be a part of it. I want to thank everyone who voted. I hope that I am able to represent them well for the next four years."
Region III encompasses Beech Creek Borough, Beech Creek Township, Curtin Township (Centre County) and Liberty Township (Centre County).
Newcomer Tom Cannon is poised to take the Region VI seat from incumbent Rick Schulze.
Cannon received 634 votes total, according to preliminary results. Of that number, 576 were cast in person and another 58 were made via mail-in ballot.
"I would like to thank all who took the time to vote for me. I decided to run when the school started to show a lack of concern for the children with all of the shutdowns on online education. So many children lost out on SO much of their growth, that it sickened me," Cannon said. "The parents of the children were denied the right to address their concerns to school districts. And, being a veteran, I have taken an oath to defend people’s rights, to which I have not forgotten. With this being said, the faith in the education system has been lost. I intend to try and restore at least some of it. If this means ruffling some feathers then so be it. Our children deserve EVERY chance after so much has been taken away from them," he continued. "I didn’t run with the intent of making friends, I ran with the intent of being the voice of the children and parents of Keystone Central School District."
Schulze received 518 votes, according to preliminary results. Of that number, 373 were cast in person and another 145 were made via mail-in ballot.
Region VIII covers Castanea and Bald Eagle Townships and Flemington Borough.
Other board seats filled during the General Election included Region IV -- comprised of Dunnstable, Wayne and Pine Creek II Townships -- which was retained by incumbent Jeff Johnston; and Region VI which saw newcomer Dr. William "Bill" Baldino oust incumbent David Dietrich.