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MIFFLINTOWN -- It appears the Juniata County School District Board of Directors will have at least three new faces in 2024.
Five seats were up for vote in the recent Nov. 7 election, and only two current directors sought re-election. That led to write-in votes determining two of the vacant seats as there were not any candidates' names on the ballot.
Results identifying the names of the write-in candidate and their vote totals were posted on the Juniata County election website on Monday. The results have not been certified, according to Juniata County Director of Elections Eva Weyrich. Certification is also contingent upon receipt of certain documentation that Weyrich will send the winners.
"I am looking forward to working with the new board members," said Juniata County School District Superintendent of Schools Christie Holderman. "Each one will bring a different and valuable perspective that will help us to work to provide the best educational opportunities possible while maintaining fiscal responsibility."
In Region 2 (Fayette Township), Malinda "Mindy" Carvell did not seek re-election and appears to be replaced by write-in candidate Cindy Treaster who garnered 276 votes. The next closest candidate was Fred Raish, who had 102 write-in votes. Of the 399 write-in votes, no one received more than two votes after that. Carvell received two votes.
In Region 7 (Beale and Milford townships), David J. Fry also did not seek re-election. The top write-in candidate was Jackson Albert with 25 votes.
Region 1 (Monroe Township) Director Angela Varner, who also serves as school board president, was anxious to hear the perspectives of the new directors. "I'm excited to see what this new year brings, and I'm excited to work with the new people -- to see what new ideas they have."
The other three seats had candidates' names on the ballot. In Region 3 (Delaware and Susquehanna townships), Douglas E. Kline was re-elected with 472 votes. There were also a total of four write-in votes cast.
The same was true in Region 6 (Mifflin, Mifflintown and Thompsontown boroughs) where Martha Jane Shirk ran and was re-elected. She tallied 235 votes. There were 11 write-in votes, but no write-in candidate received more than four votes.
In Region 5 (Fermanagh Township), there will also be a new face as former director Ray Page will replace Mark F. Wagner. Page received 416 of the 506 votes cast. Wagner, who had 63 write-in votes, had decided not to seek re-election, only to change his mind before Election Day. His write-in campaign was not successful.