A three-term incumbent is seeking reelection to the State College Area School Board of Directors.
Laurel Zydney said in a press release this week that she will seek a fourth term on the board. She filed nomination petitions on Thursday to appear on the Democratic and Republican ballots for the May primary.
Her priorities include “expanding opportunities for community involvement, strengthening the partnership between schools and families and addressing inequities in student performance,” she said. Zydney added that she is committed to the long-term financial stability of the district while keeping the State College area affordable for young families and residents on fixed incomes.
During her three terms on the board, Zydney said she has “built a reputation as an independent thinker who values transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility.”
Zydney has served on the board committees for finance and audit; culture, climate and learning; and communications. She joined the Race and Marginalized Populations (RAMP) workgroup, was appointed to the Middle School Review task force and served on the the 2012 and 2016 Strategic Planning steering committees.
She stressed the importance of community involvement in several major district projects over the next few years, including addressing overcrowding at some elementary schools, significant renovations to Park Forest Middle School and a decision about the future of the Fairmount Building.
“It’s going to be very important that we hear from everyone as part of those efforts,” Zydney said. “One of my priorities is improving communication and being proactive in engaging the entire community.”
She added that teachers and school staff, who “are on the front lines educating our children and providing a safe learning environment,” should have a good working environment.
“It’s important that the administration and school board include them in decision-making and that their voice is welcome and heard,” she said.
Zydney is running independently in the two party primaries, noting that she is committed to non-partisanship on the school board.
”As a school board member, what matters is what’s best for the children, not party politics,” she said. “It has been a great honor representing the community and I am eager to continue working on behalf of the SCASD and excellent local public education.”
The five State College School Board seats up for election this year are currently held by Amy Bader, Gretchen Brandt, Dan Duffy, Jim Leous and Zydney,
Bader and Brandt are also seeking reelection. Duffy has not indicated if he will run again and Leous, who returned to the board after being appointed in February to fill a vacancy, said he would not run this year.
First-time candidates Anne Demo, Dan Kolbe and Aaron Miller also have announced their intentions to run for school board.
Primary Election Day is May 16 and the General Election is Nov. 7.
