The decision, made during a special voting session Tuesday evening, followed interviews of two candidates — Wykoff and Lou Sycz — that lasted roughly an hour.

Both candidates answered a series of seven questions posed by the board related to their backgrounds, views on budget decision and curriculum and why they felt they were the best candidates for the position.

Sycz told the board he felt his background in accounting, and balancing budgets for a local business since 2001, along with his passion for helping kids and ensuring their safety as reasons why he should be considered.

“My concern is giving a quality education and even more important than the education, the safety of the children,” he said. “I would work hard to make sure that would be taken care of.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Lou Sycz is pictured during his interview with the Keystone Central School District Board of Directors for the vacant Region VIII seat on Tuesday night.

Wykoff, who referenced his roughly 30 years as an educator and administrator for the district, noted has experience with multiple perspectives surrounding the board.

“What I don’t have under my belt is the board part. That’s the final puzzle piece,” he said.

He also referenced his community activity — such as serving on the Heritage Park Committee in Renovo and the Clinton County Arts Council among others — which has driven him to want to shape students for more than just secondary education or the work force.

“The idea of a school district as a system is not that we’re here on a hill to fill these kids with knowledge and pop them out into the community to figure out how to make it on their own,” he said, emphasizing the importance of community connection. “There are lots and lots of ways we can grow that. And we don’t really have to spend a penny to do it. It’s about finding that way to be that connection.”

Prior to a vote, Board President Elisabeth Lynch and member Chris Scaff commented on the difficulty they had over choosing the best candidate.

“I’ve been sitting on this board for almost seven years and I haven’t seen a continual collection of high quality candidates like this,” she said, referencing previous interviews for open seats. “We have two qualified candidates and I liked things Lou said, I like things that Rich said. I see a fit on so many different levels. So, it’s tough.”

Scaff echoed much of Lynch’s comments.

“Both of you bring good thoughts and experience,” he said, referencing how both candidates previously worked with children and wished to continue to do so with this role.

He noted that he’s worked with both Sycz and Wykoff in other capacities, and said that — even if they disagreed — both were still willing to be team players.

“We (the board) support everybody and I want to say thank you both for coming and stepping up to the plate for this. Because this is a tough decision. I think you’re both truly equally paired,” Scaff said.

Wykoff received a majority of votes from board members Shelby Bohartz, Roger Kshir, Manny Rodriguez and Scaff. Lynch, Vice President John Miller and Dr. Bill Baldino voted in favor of Sycz.

Wykoff’s appointment is effective Feb. 24 with his swearing in taking place that evening. He will serve in the position until the 2027 Municipal Election, when the term is already set to expire.

Region VIII, which encompasses Castanea and Bald Eagle townships and Flemington Borough, was represented by the late Tom Cannon, who passed away in January.

With this vacancy filled, only one open seat remains — Region IV.

Following the inability to come to a consensus between three prospective candidates in Region IV in the first 30 days of its opening, the board elected to not pursue filling the position. Instead, the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas will appoint a candidate.

In a release from President Judge Craig Miller, the courts were accepting letters of interest for candidates in the region, which encompasses Dunnstable, Wayne and Pine Creek II townships, until Feb. 23. Afterwhich, interviews will be held and either Judge Miller or Judge Michael Salisbury will make the appointment.