The Bellefonte Area School Board this week appointed a new member to fill a vacancy.
Holly Hopkins was selected on Tuesday from among five candidates who applied to serve the remainder of the term vacated by Jack Bechdel II. Bechdel resigned on April 4 after being arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.
A Pleasant Gap resident, dental hygienist, local history author and mother of a middle school student, Hopkins/ appointed term will end on Dec. 2, when the school board holds its reorganization meeting after the November election.
Hopkins is also running a write-in campaign for a nomination in the May 20 primary election for a four-year term on the school board.
Each of the candidates for the interim appointment — Hopkins, Lance Hawkins, Diana Popp, Courtney Rice and Joe Yech — was individually asked a series of questions by board members and given an opportunity to explain why they were interested in the position.
“I feel like my job gives me a unique connection to the people in the district and I would love to serve on the board and give back to the community that I love so much,” Hopkins said.
She said that maintaining a safe environment for students and staff, ensuring a quality education from quality teachers and spending responsible are among the biggest priorities for the board.
“I’ve seen her in action as a dental hygienist. I think she’s great with kids. I think that’s important in this position, and her concern for school safety is a top priority for me,” board member Timothy Kessling said.
After no candidate received a majority in the first two rounds of voting, the board narrowed the options to the top two vote-getters: Hopkins and Yech, who is also running for a full term in the May primary.
In the final round of voting, Yech’s vote tied at 4-4 and Hopkins won a 5-3 majority.
Board member Donna Smith praised each of the candidates.
“We had an amazing pool of candidates,” Smith said. “I just want to recognize all of you and say how lucky and blessed we are that you stood up.
