Recently elected school board director declines seat; others sworn in

District Justice Miles Bixler (center) swore in recently elected board directors at the December 5 Columbia School Board meeting. 

A candidate elected to the Columbia Borough School Board has resigned before taking his seat. Cole Knighton, who won a board seat in the November election, has resigned from the board, it was announced at the December 5 reorganization meeting. The resignation creates an opening on the board. Interested candidates for the position should send a letter of interest by following the procedure shown below.

The board voted to approve the resignation of Cole Knighton from the school board and to declare his board seat open.

District Justice Miles Bixler swore in the following recently elected board directors for four-year terms: Charles “Chop” Leader, Lauren VonStetten, Kathleen Hohenadel, and Sandra Duncan. Michael Burke was sworn in for a two-year term. All were incumbents except Burke. Leader was elected as president and VonStetten as vice president. Jason Price II, Ryan Sexton, and Devon Fisher also serve on the board.

Standing, L-R: Charles Leader, Lauren VonStetten, Kathleen Hohenadel, and Sandra Duncan were sworn in for four-year terms.

Michael Burke was sworn in for a two-year term.

*****************

From the Columbia Borough School Board website:

NOTICE
COLUMBIA BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY

Effective December 5, 2023, a vacancy exists on the Board of School Directors of the Columbia Borough School District. In accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, the remaining members of the Board intend to fill the vacancy at a public meeting within thirty (30) days. The individual appointed will serve until Monday, December 1, 2025.

In addition to being a current resident of the District, Section 322 of the Public School Code of 1949 as amended limits eligibility to: "Any citizen of this Commonwealth, having a good moral character, being eighteen (18) years of age or upwards, and having been a resident of the district for at least one (1) year, prior to the date of his election or appointment." There are further limitations relating to those who hold other government offices or positions in the School District.

Eligible individuals interested in this vacant office should submit a letter of interest, which must be received (mailed or hand carried) by 4:00 p.m., on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, addressed to the Columbia Borough School District Board of School Directors, C/O Board Secretary, 200 N. 5th Street Columbia, PA 17512. The letter of interest must include the applicant's address, contact information, and a statement of the reason(s) why the applicant desires to serve as a school director.

Eligible candidate(s) will be interviewed in a public meeting to be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at the District Administration Center at 200 N. 5th Street Columbia, PA 17512.