Punxsutawney Area School District board reorganizes, elects officers and approves 2026 calendar and routine items

At a reorganization meeting, the Punxsutawney Area School District Board swore in newly elected directors, selected its 2026 officers and approved a series of routine administrative items.

Board members recited the oath of office after certificates of election were read, then named Trevor Yount temporary board president by roll-call vote. Nominations for board president produced the election of Chad Horner to serve as president for 2026; the board then elected Doug Bloss as vice president. The temporary-president vote and subsequent officer votes were recorded as unanimous among the eight members present; one member, Mrs. Smith, was excused.

The board approved the proposed 2026 meeting calendar after agreeing to move committee meeting start times from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. to accommodate late-running business and members who travel. The board also authorized continued use of the existing signature stamp until new stamps reflecting the president’s name can be produced and registered with the Department of State.

Appointments to outside bodies were finalized: district representation on Jeff Tech and the Intermediate Unit (IU 6) was confirmed, with Doug and Trevor filling seats and Heather named as the IU 6 representative. The reorganization portion of the meeting was adjourned and the regular monthly session reconvened.

On routine business the board approved minutes from Nov. 6 and Nov. 12, accepted several athletics resignations, authorized a volunteer boys’ basketball coach hire, approved a $500 budget transfer from golf to football transportation, and approved payments and project change orders for ongoing facilities work.

The meeting concluded with the board president thanking administrators and welcoming newly seated members. The board adjourned after a final motion carried.