Altoona Area SD board accepts resignation, elects Val Mignon president and sets process to fill vacancy

At a reorganization meeting, the Altoona Area School District board voted to accept the resignation of Brian Gieselman and appointed a temporary board president before electing new officers.

Carl Beard, nominated and seated as temporary board president, requested a motion and second to accept Gieselman’s resignation; the motion passed by voice vote. Beard told the board that state timelines give the board 30 days to act on a vacancy and recommended soliciting letters of interest from district residents to fill the remaining two-year term. He said candidates must submit a letter of interest and be present to be interviewed at the Dec. 15 meeting.

The board then opened nominations for permanent officers. Val Mignon was nominated and, after a roll-call vote in which each member recorded “yes,” was appointed board president. Kelly Erwin Adams was nominated and elected vice president in a subsequent roll-call vote.

During public comment, Kelly Bowers (210 4th Avenue, Altoona) urged the district to post eligibility and age requirements publicly and to promote the vacancy to high school classes to encourage younger applicants. District staff clarified that candidates must be residents of the Altoona Area School District and at least 18 years old, and that district employees cannot serve on the board without resigning their employment.

Superintendent’s remarks reiterated the vacancy timeline: letters of interest are requested by Dec. 12 and will be posted on the district website and Facebook page; candidates should plan to attend the Dec. 15 meeting for interviews.

The board closed the reorganization portion of the meeting and moved on to its regular agenda.