Derry Area SD elects Steve Fry president, Nancy Fendish vice president; swears in five new directors

Steve Fry was elected president of the Derry Area SD Board of School Directors and Nancy Fendish was elected vice president during the board's annual reorganization meeting. The board also administered the oath of office to five newly elected directors and finalized committee appointments for 2026.

The nominations and votes took place after the board confirmed a quorum for the reorganized 2026 board. A board member nominated Fry for president; nominations were closed and the board proceeded to voice votes that produced a recorded tally of nine votes in favor. "I nominate Steve Fry," a board member said during nominations. After the votes were read, board members offered congratulations; "Congratulations, Steve," was heard after the result.

The meeting also included an official swearing-in. Judge Hammers administered oaths to Joshua Campbell (term ending 2029), Nancy Fendesk (term ending 2029), Steve Bridal (term ending 2029), Chad McIntyre (term ending 2029) and Clint McChesney (term ending 2027). The newly sworn directors signed their election certificates following the oath.

Along with officer elections, the board announced committee assignments for the coming year. Appointments included chairs and members for Building & Grounds, Policy, Finance, Public Relations, Personnel and Negotiations, as well as representation on the Eastern Westmoreland Community Tech Center joint operating committee and other standing bodies. The board approved the EWCTC committee members and a separate motion confirmed an appointment to the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit (WIU) for a term ending June 30, 2028.

Board members emphasized continuity and readiness for the upcoming year. The presiding officer asked members to remain after adjournment for an official group photograph to be used on the district website. The reorganization concluded with all procedural votes carrying by voice vote as recorded in the meeting.