LEWISTOWN — The Mifflin County School Board of Directors met Thursday to appoint a director to fill the vacancy for former Board President Rose Salvo and elect a board president.

Following the first public comment section regarding agenda items, all eight present directors approved the resignation of Salvo, which is effective June 11.

Directors then conducted interviews with R. Brian Ketchem, Douglas K. Stimely and Erin N. Barlup. Each candidate had two minutes to present an opening statement to convey their qualifications and mission in vying for the vacant board seat.

During her opening statement, Barlup said that she is a mother, wife and is employed as a human resources director. Barlup also said she has three children in the district and another who recently graduated and is going to college.

Barlup said she is “deeply committed to ensuring all students have a high quality education and a safe supportive environment.”

She believes her community ties allow her to represent the needs of those in the district.

During the board’s time to ask questions, Director Zeb Harshbarger asked Barlup if she had read Thursday’s agenda. Barlup stated that she had done so as well as read the previous June 19 agenda.

Stimely spoke next, saying that he was born and raised in Mifflin County. “I’m a product of Lewistown High School,” Stimely said.

He added that after being an automotive worker and retired teacher, he wants to give back to the community by joining the board.

Because each question must be asked of each candidate, Stimely answered Harshbarger’s question stating that he had not read Thursday night’s agenda.

Ketchem closed out the interview portion by saying that he will be running as a Republican for a two-year seat on the school board in the upcoming election. He is running because he wants to make an impact on the board.

Ketchem jokingly added that “I would hire me,” because his qualifications with a Ph.D. in Workforce Education and dedication to the community with fair leadership could be an asset to the board.

Ketchem then answered that he had read Thursday’s agenda.

Directors nominated candidates to fill Salvo’s vacant seat

Director Brent Erb nominated Ketchem, Director Richard Smeltz nominated Stimely and Director Paula Dickson nominated Barlup.

Director Mark Baker then shared his top choice as Ketchem as did Erb, while Dickson chose Barlup as did Harshbarger. Finally, Director John Knepp chose Stimely as did Smeltz and directors Diane Stewart and E. Terry Styers.

None of the three candidates received a majority vote – which must be made by five directors with eight present. The board held a roll call vote whether to appoint Stimely as the new director.

Styers motioned and Stewart seconded to open the vote to appoint Stimely. Directors approved Stimely with a 5-3 roll call vote with Dickson, Erb and Harshbarger in opposition.

Stimely started his service on the Mifflin County School District Board of Directors Thursday night and will continue to serve through Nov. 30.

Baker and Erb then nominated Harshbarger to serve as Board president until reorganization in December 2025.

Smeltz motioned and Baker seconded to appoint Harshbarger as board president. All directors, including newly appointed Stimely, approved Harshbarger in a roll call vote.

Directors also nominated and elected an alternate Operating Committee member for the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology to serve until reorganization in December 2025.

Styers nominated Stimely, while Baker nominated Smeltz, who declined the nomination.

Styers motioned and Knepp seconded to open the roll call vote to approve Stimely as an alternate Operating Committee member which the Directors approved.

Directors did not decide on a replacement for the Curriculum and Professional Development Committee and a member for the Policy Committee.

More information regarding other business and a packed public comment section will follow in a later edition of The Sentinel.