From staff reports

Citing a lack of self-governance, the president of the Mifflin County School District Board of Directors announced his resignation in a press release Thursday night.

The Sentinel received this press release immediately following the board’s regular voting meeting.

Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner said of Zeb Harshbarger’s resignation, “I want to thank Mr. Harshbarger for his service on the Mifflin County School Board. Mr. Harshbarger has been a thoughtful and dedicated advocate for our students, staff, and community. We appreciate the time and commitment required to serve in this role and wish him all the best in the future.”

Harshbarger stated in the release that when he sought a seat on the board he did so because he “believed public institutions work best when leaders are transparent, accountable and willing to follow the same rules they expect others to follow.”

Harshbarger added that he no longer has confidence that the majority of the board shares the same commitment to making decisions using the aforementioned principles.

“My decision to resign is not based on disagreements over policy, budgets, or personalities. Healthy debate is a normal part of public service. The issue is governance. A board cannot effectively govern a school district if it is unwilling to govern itself.”

In the release, Harshbarger expressed frustration with “the board’s reluctance to address conduct that undermines public confidence in our institution.”

He added that he felt the board often chose “the path of least resistance” rather than confronting issues “directly.”

“The final catalyst for my resignation was the board’s failure to adopt a censure resolution addressing a policy violation by a fellow board member,” Harshbarger said in the release in reference to a failed motion to pass a censure resolution for alleged misconduct.

Harshbarger stated that he remains committed to the community and closed the letter with gratitude to those who placed their trust and support in his efforts as a director and leader on the board. Harshbarger added that it is his hope that his resignation “sparks an honest conversation” about the board.