MIFFLINTOWN — When it comes to how-to guides, some popular subjects include do-it-yourself projects, gardening and cooking or product related.

Did you know there’s actually a run for school board — in four easy steps. Yes, that’s right. Anyway, it’s convenient because the Juniata County School District Board of Directors is seeking at least two new directors after Martha Jane Shirk and Troy Woodward both announced they will be stepping down at different times.

At the March 12 workshop meeting, Shirk, who said she has two years left on her term as a representative for Region No. 6, announced that she will be moving to Milford Township and resigning as a director, effective Monday, June 30. She stated she is moving due to health reasons. Region No. 6 covers Mifflin, Mifflintown and Thompsontown boroughs.

Woodward, representative for Region No. 9 which covers Lack and Tuscarora townships, announced he will not seek re-election when his term ends in the fall. He cited a lack of time to dedicate to the school board.

Additionally, school board vice president Joseph Shearer’s name does not appear on the primary ballot. Shearer said he didn’t file the necessary paperwork for his name to make the ballot and appears to be contemplating re-election.

“Didn’t circulate any papers. I have been talking about writing in. See what happens,” Shearer said in an email when asked about his election plans.

Shearer represents Region No. 8, which includes Port Royal Borough and Spruce Hill and Turbett townships.

Which brings us to the search that is currently underway for their replacements. Successful candidates will need to live in those respective areas of Juniata County to be eligible.

Filling Shirk’s position is the priority for now, as Shearer and Woodward will continue to serve until their terms expire in the fall.

Interviews for the position, which will be vacant as of July 1, will be held during the school board’s workshop meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, at the district’s administration building, 146 Weatherby Way, Mifflintown. A vote to confirm appointment of a candidate will be held during a special meeting immediately following the workshop.

“This spot opens up after June 30,” Juniata County School District Superintendent of Schools Christie Holderman said. “We will be working to fill that open position during June so there is a smooth transition.”

The position will appear on the ballot of the Nov. 4 municipal election, at which time an individual will be elected to serve the remainder of the term, which ends in December 2027.

To qualify for appointment, an individual must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate good moral character and be a resident of the school district for at least one year. Candidates must also have a clean criminal record, specifically with no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions related to dishonesty or “moral turpitude.”

Under the Hatch Act, federal employees and state or local government employees whose positions are fully funded by federal sources are prohibited from running for school boards. However, the Hatch Act does not prevent individuals from holding an elective office if appointed to fill a vacancy. The role of school board director is also deemed incompatible with most other local government elective offices.

Active-duty military personnel are barred from holding partisan political offices, and some employers require employees to notify or seek permission before engaging in outside activities, including running for elective office. Further, school board directors are prohibited from being employed by their own school district during their term in office.

Holderman added a successful candidate would be “someone who is open minded and interested in helping make decisions for our students and future students.”

The how-to website proclaimed that a qualified candidate would care about their community, schools and students’ futures.

Across the country, there are 13,024 public school districts governed by roughly 82,600 school board members, according to www.ballotpedia.org. These are ordinary people who decided to step up: parents, neighbors and educators.

Running for school board is unique from many other races, too. In fact, more than 90 percent of school board races are non-partisan, which means the focus isn’t on party lines, according to ballotready.org. It’s based on people, ideas and community.

“We have two meetings a month, on average,” Holderman said. “There may be communication via email and phone calls outside of that time.”

The monthly workshop meeting is held on the first Wednesday of each month, while the regular meetings are the second Thursday.

Some reasons why individuals decide to run for school board include:

Making a difference. The school board is one of the best places to create real, lasting change.

Bringing a unique perspective. Life experience matters and broader representation on school boards can help shape policies that reflect your district’s actual needs.

Lead locally. Nearly 75 percent of local races, like school boards, ran uncontested in 2024 across the country, according to ballotpedia.org. Experts suggest having a clear message and community support as well as being the breath of fresh air a community is looking for.

You’ve had enough. Many people run due to being frustrated by the status quo, experts say, with overcrowded classrooms, underfunded programs, book bans or a lack of transparency in decision-making. Running for school board creates a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.

“I believe that there may be a concern that they don’t have the knowledge to be a board member,” Holderman added. “There is training provided.”

Stepping up to run for school board will help shape the future of education in the community. Being a director is giving a voice to students, parents, teachers and neighbors who want what is in their best interests.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest to Board Secretary Polly Digon at 146 Weatherby Way, Mifflintown, PA 17059 or pdigon@jcsdk12.org, no later than Friday, June 6.

More information about serving as a school board director, including training requirements, is available on the Pennsylvania School Boards Association website at www.psba.org.