MIFFLINTOWN — Without a little brotherly hijinks, Joseph R. Shearer might never have served his community on the Juniata County School Board as a director for more than a decade.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Shearer and his older brother would often talk school politics while milking the cows. “We’d discuss the school board report in the paper from the meeting the night before and what ought to be done,” Shearer recalled.

His last meeting was on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Of course, the peanut gallery always has strong opinions about how everyone from politicians to quarterbacks should vote or play. They might be naysayers and certainly all knowing, at least in their minds.

Come the next primary, Shearer’s brother crafted some signs encouraging voters to support a write-in campaign. Whatever the message, it worked. Shearer received enough write-in votes to appear on the ballot for the general election. He emerged victorious in November 2011.

Shearer assumed his seat on the school board, representing Region 8 which covers Port Royal Borough and Spruce Hill and Turbett townships.

“There was nobody else running that year,” Shearer quipped. “I always chuckle; it’s a funny story how I got started.”

It’s been quite during his tenure on the board, which he describes as “12-plus” years, not know exactly how long he has served. The months run together at times for the 62-year-old Shearer.

Others will miss his presence and insight.

“Joe has been a long-standing and deeply respected member of the board,” Juniata County School District Superintendent of Schools Christie Holderman said. “He has offered steady leadership and thoughtful insight throughout rough times.

“Joe’s steady presence and thoughtful perspective brought stability over the past decade, and his absence will be truly missed,” Holderman added.

There are many highlights from his terms on the board of which he remains very proud. Of course, the years that property tax increases were avoided remain at the top.

One of the others is the hiring of Holderman, who remained loyal to the district during several interim roles.

“I’m really happy she got in,” Shearer said. “(Previous superintendents) left her a lot of work to be done. She’s getting it turned around.”

The addition of high school sports for girls volleyball then bocce also rank among the highlights. The purchase of new bleachers for East Juniata High School and Tuscarora Junior High School are also up there as well as seating at Dietrick Field.

“I didn’t want to be spend happy,” Shearer said.

Shearer isn’t certain how the district’s consolidation plan falls on his list. There remain pluses and minuses even though it’s been years now. He feels fortunate that improvements, such as roofing, were completed at the elementary schools prior to consolidation.

During his tenure, Shearer worked with a long line of superintendents before the district finally hired Holderman. Each one had their own style and agendas.

“For a couple of years, we didn’t have any (tax hikes), but the last few have been astronomical,” Shearer said. He acknowledges the status quo might have impacted recent budgets.

“We’re not doing anything extravagant,” Shearer said.

Transportation issues were also important to Shearer, who still drives buses for the county. “I was hoping it would be getting slower, but it’s getting busier with the bus driver shortage here in the county.”

Shearer would like to thank Juniata County residents for their votes of confidence during his long tenure.

“I’m glad the people trusted me over the years,” Shearer explained. “I really appreciate that.”

He does admit being a school director can be a thankless job at times and rewarding at others. “If somebody gets a chance to do it, the experience is worth it,” Shearer added. “You get to see the other side and what’s going on (in the schools). You get to see the kids do stuff and excel and help with their learning.”