Committed to listening, learning, and making decisions for the benefit of all students
News & Information
Check here for updates (which will be infrequent after the election on November 2, 2021).  Please feel free to contact me with any questions!
THANK YOU! And some preliminary results.
November 3, 2021
That’s a wrap! Polls closed at 8 pm last evening; all of my signs have been gathered. Preliminary results (including all in-person votes and some but not all of the mail-in ballots) are looking very good! We should have some updated counts today. For more details, please see this article from StateCollege.com:
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https://www.statecollege.com/election-2021-state-college-and-bellefonte-school-board-results/
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Thank you so much to everyone who voted! I am very grateful for your support, and I’m looking forward to serving our SCASD community. Thank you also to my fellow candidates; I appreciate all of your hard work on behalf of our local students.
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And special thanks to my family and friends for your help and encouragement throughout this (very long) process. I could not have done it without you.
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Election Day!
November 2, 2021
It's Election Day! Polls are open for in-person voting from 7 am to 8 pm, or you can return your mail-in ballot to a secure drop box before 8 pm. Please go out and vote in this important local election! And thank you for considering me for one of your votes for SCASD Board of Directors.
Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON 'HIGHLY QUALIFIED' FOR STATE COLLEGE AREA SCHOOL BOARD
October 26, 2021
Only one week until Election Day on November 2! Thank you, Marisa Ferger, for your letter of support printed today on StateCollege.com.
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Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON WELL PREPARED TO SERVE SCASD BOARD
October 23, 2021
Printed in the Centre Daily Times on October 21, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article255142487.html).
Thank you, Tonia Sulman, for your support!
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ANDERSON WELL PREPARED TO SERVE SCASD BOARD
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"I urge all voters in the State College Area School District to support Deborah Anderson for school board. I have known Deborah for 10 years, and am familiar with her work on various school committees related to academics and athletics. She is a tireless volunteer, collaborative team player, and informed parent prepared to serve the best interests of all students in our district.
As the parent of two sons who are now at State High, Deborah is familiar with all levels of education in the district, but makes an effort to stay informed about the unique issues facing students of different backgrounds and with different needs. She is a listener and a learner, committed to cultivating inclusive environments where all students and staff feel supported.
I have always been impressed by Deborah’s willingness to hear all sides of an issue before offering an answer or opinion. Her willingness to listen — truly listen — and provide informed responses will benefit her as a member of the board. Her experience as a college-level educator will also serve her well.
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With numerous candidates running for SCASD school board this year, Deborah stands out as one who has already demonstrated her commitment to our local schools through her longtime involvement in PTOs and district-wide committees. She is prepared to serve, and will undoubtedly be an asset to the board. Please vote for Deborah Anderson for SCASD School Director in the Nov. 2 election."
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Tonia Sulman, State College
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Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON HAS RIGHT PRIORITIES FOR SCASD BOARD
October 20, 2021
Printed in the Centre Daily Times on October 20, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article255116112.html). Thank you, Angela Hardyk, for your support!
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ANDERSON HAS RIGHT PRIORITIES FOR SCASD BOARD
"It is now more important than ever to vote in your local election! We will be electing four members to our State College Area Board of School Directors. You, as the voter, will have the opportunity to chose four of six candidates running for that position. I am writing in support of Deborah Anderson. Debbie has been involved with the school district for 12 years and has two sons in the district. She has followed issues that have affected our schools closely throughout those years and is well informed about current issues as well. Her priorities include continuing to provide excellence in education for all students, financial responsibility of the board to the school and the community, and making our schools welcoming and inclusive to all students. She is invested in strong music and art programs, technical education programs and sports programs that will allow our students to be well-rounded. Her background in employee relations and labor economics will be invaluable in helping the board solve issues with teachers and staff. Finally, Debbie is a great listener and very approachable, always open to the opinions of others as well as their suggestions. I encourage you to consider all of your options and vote for Deborah Anderson for Board of School Directors for the State College Area."
Angela K. Hardyk, State College
Link to my C-NET Interview (October 2021)
October 19, 2021
Click on the link below to view my interview with C-NET. Geoff Rushton, of StateCollege.com, and I talk for about 14 minutes about topics of importance to SCASD.
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Click here:
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My interview, along with interviews with the other candidates for SCASD School Director, will be televised on C-NET Channel 98 at the following times:
Wednesday, October 27th at 8 pm
Thursday, October 28th at 12 Noon
Friday, October 29th at 12 am and 4 pm
Sunday, October 31st at 8 am and 8 pm
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Thank you to C-NET for providing this important resource to our community.
Voter's Guide to the November 2 General Election
October 13, 2021
Click on the link below to read the Voter's Guide to the November 2 General Election. This includes biographical information and a statement of priorities from each of the candidates for SCASD Board of School Directors (as well as information about other local races).
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CLICK HERE:
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League of Women Voters Candidates' Night (see link below)
October 8, 2021
Check out the link below to hear me and the other candidates for SCASD Board of School Directors answer questions from the community. Each candidate was asked the same six questions and was allowed 60 seconds for their answer.
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Many thanks to the League of Women Voters of Centre County and to C-NET for hosting this event (originally aired live on Tuesday, October 5, 2021).
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CLICK HERE:
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Important Dates for the November General Election
September 26, 2021
Election Day is just over five weeks away! Yes, I am STILL running for the school board; here is a quick reminder about how the school board election works.
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The SCASD Board of School Directors is made up of nine board members. Every two years, about half of the seats are up for election; each elected board member serves a four-year term. This year, there are six remaining candidates running for four School Director positions. At the May 18, 2021 primary, registered Democrats and Republicans (separately) chose their top four candidates (ranked by total votes received). The combined list of six candidates advanced to the upcoming general election on November 2, 2021. The top four candidates in the general election will be elected to the school board.
Please note these important dates as you prepare to vote in the general election. REMEMBER: All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation or independent status, are able to vote in the general election.
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Last day to register before the November election: October 18, 2021
Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot: October 26, 2021
Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8:00 PM): November 2, 2021
GENERAL ELECTION DAY: November 2, 2021
THANK YOU! Onward to the General Election
May 21, 2021
I am pleased to report that I will be on the ballot in November! The results are still unofficial, but at this point I believe all (or nearly all) of the votes have been counted. Thank you so much to everyone who voted, and to family and friends who gave me so much support during the campaign. I am truly grateful for your help.
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I am also quite proud of the fact that I won nominations from both the Democratic and Republican parties. I am hopeful these results signify that the voters appreciated my overall message: I am committed to listening to everyone, learning, and making decisions for the benefit of all students.
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For more details about the results of the primary election, please see this article published on StateCollege.com on May 20, 2021:
https://www.statecollege.com/6-candidates-claim-nominations-for-state-college-school-board/
Election Day is almost here! Please vote on Tuesday, May 18!
May 17, 2021
Election Day is TOMORROW: Tuesday, May 18. Polls are open from 7 am - 8 pm. Please make a plan to go vote (or to return your mail-in ballot, if you haven't already). And please tell your friends and neighbors to vote, too!
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To find your polling place:
https://centrecountyvotes.com/voting/voting-locations/
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To find a ballot drop-box:
https://centrecountyvotes.com/dropbox/
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Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON WELL PREPARED FOR SCASD BOARD
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May 14, 2021
Printed in the Centre Daily Times on May 14, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article251370118.html). Thank you, Marisa Ferger, for your support!
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ANDERSON WELL PREPARED FOR SCASD BOARD
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"In a typical time, being a member of a school board is a labor of love. As we’ve seen over the past 14 months, it has become a more time consuming and arduous job. Those that fill these seats should be applauded by the community for their hard work and dedication to our kids. It takes a special person to take on this task. That is why I’d like to endorse Deborah Anderson for the SCASD Board of Directors.
I had the pleasure of working with Deb on both the FTE PTO board and MNMS Boys’ Soccer Boosters. She’s incredibly organized and is always willing to lend a hand. She’s also a keen listener who appreciates hearing all perspectives on matters. These qualities, combined with her background in economics, make her a highly qualified candidate for the SCASD Board of Directors.
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Deb has been regularly attending school board meetings for the past year, and attended many in prior years. This was before she decided to run for the board. She also took the time to attend committee meetings so she could better understand the process of the decision-makers. She believes in learning how and why things are done to be more educated and informed on matters.
If you want a school board member who enthusiastically listens to all sides, wants welcoming and inclusive schools, and understands budgets, then look no further than Deborah Anderson in the upcoming primary election."
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Marisa Ferger, State College
Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON IS PREPARED AND PASSIONATE
May 12, 2021
Printed in the Centre Daily Times on May 12, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article251311778.html). Thank you to Jill Anderson (my mom!) for your support.
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ANDERSON IS PREPARED AND PASSIONATE
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"I am asking all voters to support my daughter, Deborah Anderson, for the State College School Board. Debbie’s qualifications have been clearly stated in prior letters. As a youngster and teenager, she watched me spend countless hours as a board member in New Jersey. I want to assure voters that Debbie is prepared to spend the enormous amount of time necessary to be a well-informed and knowledgeable board member and to do so with energy, sincerity, and passion. Debbie is excited at the prospect of serving both the students and the taxpayers.
Please vote for Deborah Anderson for the State College School Board on Tuesday, May 18. Thank you."
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Jill Anderson, State College
Letter to the Editor: Anderson is the Right Choice for SCASD School Board
May 11, 2021
Thank you for your support, Tonia Sulman! Click here to read her endorsement letter printed on StateCollege.com on May 11, 2021.
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https://www.statecollege.com/letter-anderson-is-the-right-choice-for-scasd-school-board/
Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON DESERVES YOUR VOTE FOR SCASD BOARD
May 8, 2021
Printed in the Center Daily Times on May 3, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article251103419.html). Thank you to Amy Marshall for your support! I apologize for the delay in getting your letter linked to my website.
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ANDERSON DESERVES YOUR VOTE FOR SCASD BOARD
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"As the parent of two children in State College schools, I want the school board to include members committed to the best interest of children across the district, at all education levels and from all backgrounds. That is why I am voting for Deborah Anderson, whose longtime involvement in various school committees demonstrates her true interest in and ability to be a valuable member of the board.
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I have known Deborah for more than 10 years, and have always been impressed by her thoughtful consideration when discussing virtually any topic. She is a true listener and a compassionate friend. During the pandemic, I have frequently sought out Deborah to discuss the nuances of different policies and decisions related to COVID-19.
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Deborah has long attended board and committee meetings so she could better understand the inner workings of our large school district, and to advocate for the diverse needs of its students. The parent of two high school students involved in athletics and band, she has been very involved in booster organizations for those activities, as well as the Ferguson Elementary and Mount Nittany Middle School PTO and district-level committees.
If elected, Deborah would continue her longtime involvement in our district, but with a platform where she can better address the various issues facing our diverse student population. Her goal is simple: to serve our district and its students. Please vote for Deborah Anderson in the primary election on May 18."
Amy Milgrub Marshall, Port Matilda
#VirtualYardSignCampaign
May 7, 2021
The #VirtualYardSignCampaign has begun! Instead of printing a whole bunch of yard signs to scatter across town, I printed just a few physical signs and instead am asking friends and supporters to share my virtual yard signs on their social media and/or by email to their friends and neighbors. Please feel free to share the above photo, or contact me if you'd like to take a personal photo with me and my sign! Thank you all for your support and help with my campaign!
Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON WILL BE ASSET TO SCHOOL BOARD
May 5, 2021
Printed in the Centre Daily Times on May 2, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article251051034.html):
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ANDERSON WILL BE ASSET TO SCHOOL BOARD
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"Open-mindedness, the ability to listen to all stakeholders, and the capacity to gather and evaluate data in a non-biased fashion are the qualities that will allow Deborah Anderson to be an effective leader for our State College Area Board of Directors.
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Deborah has been involved in multiple school organizations during her time in State College including serving as the president of the Ferguson Township Elementary PTO and is currently the treasurer of the State College Music Boosters. She has been a teacher at the college level and can appreciate issues from both a teacher’s and a parent’s viewpoint. Additionally, she will be an advocate for our students, especially from an educational curriculum and extracurricular activities standpoint.
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Finally, Deborah has been following the school board’s activities and meetings and is up to date on current issues and agendas. She is well-informed on current events affecting our schools and students. Her transition to being a member of the school board will be seamless. Don’t just take my word for it, listen to hers. See her interview on C-Net or go to her website https://deborahandersonphd.wixsite.com/deborahandersonscasd
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I have known Deborah for many years and have always found her to be a an excellent listener, level headed, and fair to all parties. These are the qualities I value in a school board member. Please join me in voting for Deborah Anderson for State College Area Board of Directors on May 18.
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Angela K. Hardyk, State College
Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON WOULD SEEK BEST SOLUTIONS FOR ALL
May 1, 2021
Printed in the Centre Daily Times on April 30, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article251019444.html):
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ANDERSON WOULD SEEK BEST SOLUTIONS FOR ALL
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"The upcoming primary election has caught my attention as I keep being reminded about the importance of local government and civic endeavors. As a former high school teacher and parent of students in State College public schools, I am also very appreciative of the time and dedicated service given by all school board members. This election, I am particularly interested in supporting candidates who genuinely listen to, value, and strive to understand all viewpoints, especially those that do not align with their own. Deborah Anderson is one of those candidates. She and I met when her family moved to the area and our kids, now soon to graduate high school, went off to kindergarten. From the start, Deborah was a consistently involved parent in the school. She generously volunteered her time, paid attention, and listened to what was happening with teachers, kids, and the community. Honest and forthright, Deb was (and continues to be) one of my most trusted resources for becoming informed about local issues because she always gathers full details that consider multiple perspectives. She is grounded, smart, fair, equitable, efficient, and not afraid to navigate complicated concerns and problems — because she wants the best solution for everyone. As a State College Area School Board member, she will ensure that every side of an issue is fully represented and considered before decisions are made. To me, this quality is exactly what makes Deborah an excellent candidate, and I encourage all voters to select her in May."
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Kristin Dreyer, State College
April 30, 2021
Check out this article published in StateCollege.com on April 29, 2021:
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https://www.statecollege.com/deborah-anderson-running-for-state-college-area-school-board/
Letter to the Editor: ANDERSON PREPARED FOR SCHOOL BOARD ROLE
April 27, 2021
Printed in the Centre Daily Times on April 26, 2021 (https://www.centredaily.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article250929884.html):
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ANDERSON PREPARED FOR SCHOOL BOARD ROLE
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"I got to know Deborah Anderson when we served together on the Ferguson Township Elementary PTO and have always found her to be incredibly organized, well-informed, and willing to lend a hand. She joined the Mount Nittany Middle School PTO as her children got older, and she’s been involved with several booster clubs relating to their activities.
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I am thrilled that she has announced her candidacy for the State College Area School District Board of Directors.
Throughout the pandemic, Deborah has been a trusted source of school-related information. She started attending school board meetings long before deciding to run for the board. She’s made it a priority to listen to both sides of every issues and develop informed opinions and I am confident that she will make decisions in the best interests of every student in the district.
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Deborah has a Ph.D. in labor economics, which contributes to her understanding of budgets and her commitment to using resources efficiently and effectively.
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While I appreciate her academic background and her long history of volunteerism, what really stands out for me is that Deborah is kind and principled and values truth and compassion for everyone. She’s been a part of several district-wide ad-hoc committees and has made it a priority to attend meetings for the Culture, Climate and Learning Committee. She is unquestionably prepared for this new role!
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On May 18, I hope everyone will join me to vote for Deborah Anderson for State College Area School District Board of Directors."
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Anne Louise Cropp, State College
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Center Daily Times Voters Guide to School Board Elections
April 25, 2021
Check out the Centre Daily Times Voters Guide to local school board elections. You can read about me and the other candidates for SCASD Board of Directors.
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For those who are unable to access the article, here is my entry:
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Deborah Anderson
Party: Dem, Rep
Campaign Website: deborahandersonphd.wixsite.com/deborahandersonscasd
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Education: B.S. in Labor and Employment Relations, Penn State (Schreyer Honors College), 1993; M.S. and Ph.D. in Labor Economics, Cornell University, 1996 and 1998.
Qualifications: 12 years of active volunteer work in SCASD, including Ferguson Township Elementary PTO President and State College Music Boosters Treasurer. Seven years of college-level teaching experience in economics and education. Served three-year term on governing board of State College Presbyterian Church. Current volunteer at Meals on Wheels. Involved parent of two children in SCASD.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Deborah-Anderson-for-SCASD-School-Board-109155454576757
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My first priority is providing excellence in education for all students. We should offer all students a challenging curriculum that helps them to reach their full potential. In addition, access to art, music, technical education, sports and other activities allows students to explore their interests and become well-rounded individuals. Second, I believe in financial responsibility: the school board should help ensure that monetary resources are used efficiently and effectively, so that we can provide the best opportunities to our students and support our faculty and staff without overburdening taxpayers. Third, I believe strongly that our schools must be welcoming and inclusive. All students deserve to learn in a positive environment, free from bullying, harassment, bias or discrimination, so that everyone feels supported and at home in our schools. If I am elected, I am committed to listening, learning, and making decisions for the benefit of all students.
https://www.centredaily.com/news/politics-government/election/article250737194.html
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April 22, 2021
Follow this link to see my interview with C-NET recorded via Zoom on April 16. My interview, along with interviews with other candidates for the State College Area Board of School Directors will be televised on C-NET Channel 98 at the following times:
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Wednesday, May 12th at 9 am
Thursday, May 13th at 7 pm
Friday, May 14th at 9 pm
Sunday, May 16th at 12 am and 11 am
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Remember: the primary election is coming up on May 18, 2021, and the deadline to register before the primary is May 3, 2021.
Building on 12 years of service to our community
April 12, 2021
I have always been actively involved in the school district through PTO membership, especially at the elementary level. In the Ferguson Township Elementary PTO, I served as both Vice President and President, in addition to running the book fairs, book swap, and Read-A-Thon. As my boys grew older, I shifted my volunteer focus to booster clubs relating to their activities, especially soccer and band. At Mount Nittany Middle School, I supported the soccer team by helping out with concessions and eventually sharing leadership of the booster club efforts. I look forward to working with the high school boys’ soccer booster club in the coming years. Currently, I serve as Treasurer of the State College Music Boosters, which supports the outstanding music programs throughout SCASD (K-12). I also served as a parent representative on two district-wide ad-hoc committees (exploring the switch to standards-based progress reports for elementary students, and evaluating K-12 learning enrichment and gifted student opportunities).
In the community, I served one three-year term on the governing board of the State College Presbyterian Church (SCPC). Building on my love of music, I volunteered for several years with the youth choir at SCPC, and I have been a member of the SCPC bell choir for about 10 years. Finally, I have been a volunteer with State College Meals on Wheels since the beginning of summer 2020.
When my family and I moved to State College in 2009, it really felt like coming home. Being the child of two Penn State graduates, I grew up rooting for the Nittany Lions, and I was happy to continue the tradition as a Penn State undergraduate student myself. It was exciting to move back to State College as a parent, and I look forward to continuing to serve our community if I am elected to the SCASD Board of Directors.
My commitment to public education
March 30, 2021
A commitment to education – especially public education – runs in my family. My grandfather (on my dad’s side) was a history teacher and then a high school principal for many years. My mom taught middle school math before having children, and later served 11 years on the school board in my small New Jersey town. Throughout my childhood and teen years, I attended the local public schools of Green Brook, NJ. During my freshman year of college, I was fortunate to meet an amazing economics professor who mentored me throughout my time at Penn State and eventually inspired me to pursue my own academic career. While I enjoyed the research component of my PhD program and academic positions, what I loved the most was teaching and getting to know my students.
When we moved here in 2009, my husband and I were happy to discover the excellent public schools in State College. Our boys have both attended SCASD schools since kindergarten, and currently they are a junior and freshman at State High. My interest in their education led me to volunteer in their classrooms and become active in the various PTOs and booster clubs. After following our local school district issues closely for the past 12 years, I am excited about the possibility of serving our community and extending my commitment to public education if I am elected to the SCASD Board of Directors.
How does the SCASD School Board election work?
March 24, 2021
The SCASD Board of School Directors is made up of nine board members. Every two years, about half of the seats are up for election; each elected board member serves a four-year term. This year, there are eight candidates running for four School Director positions. At the May 18, 2021 primary, all registered Democrats and Republicans will have the chance to vote for up to four candidates for School Director; all candidates are cross-filed so the same list of candidates will appear on both Democratic and Republican ballots. The top four candidates in each primary (ranked by total votes received) will advance to the general election on November 2, 2021. The top four candidates in the general election will be elected to the school board.
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Can registered independents vote in the primary? No! Pennsylvania does not allow independents to vote in the primaries. This means that you must register as either a Democrat or Republican if you want to guarantee that you get to choose from the full slate of seven candidates. If there is overlap between the top four Democratic vote-getters and the top four Republican vote-getters, then between 4-6 candidates will advance to the general election. Note that you can change your voter registration both before and after the primary in order to designate/change/remove a party affiliation.
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The last day to register before the primary is May 3, 2021.
Primary Ballot Positions Determined
March 17, 2021
Today I participated in the official casting of lots (i.e., randomized drawing) for position of candidate names on the primary ballots. It was interesting to see democracy in action! You will find me in position #2 on the Democratic ballot and position #1 on the Republican ballot.
Important Dates for the Primary Election
March 15, 2021
Please note these important dates as you prepare to vote in the primary election:
Last day to register before the primary: May 3, 2021
Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot: May 11, 2021
Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8:00 PM): May 18, 2021
Municipal Primary: May 18, 2021
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You can register to vote (or change your registration) here.​