Keystone Central board votes 2–3 against interviewing additional Region 4 applicants; proceeds with vetted candidate

The Keystone Central School District board voted 2–3 on a motion to allow two additional late applicants to be interviewed for the Region 4 vacancy, rejecting the proposal and deciding to proceed with the single vetted candidate.

The meeting began with roll call and a reminder of public‑comment rules. Two community members — Heather Yost and Jason Smith — told the board they had missed the application deadline but asked to be considered for the Region 4 seat. Legal counsel told the board it has several options for filling a vacancy, including appointing without interviews, reopening the application window, or moving forward with a candidate; counsel noted the board generally has 30 days from the prior member’s resignation to make an appointment.

A board member moved “to allow the other 2 candidates to be interviewed this evening.” The motion was seconded and put to a roll‑call vote; the motion failed, 2 yes and 3 no. After the result, President Elizabeth Lynch said, “We’re gonna proceed as publicized.” The board then confirmed receipt and vetting of the one officially submitted candidate, Kevin Ferrara, and invited him for an interview at the same meeting; the board will make the appointment at its next meeting.

Why it matters: The board must fill the Region 4 seat (which covers Dunstable, Wayne and Pine Creek townships) within the procedural window or risk court involvement; members’ choice to limit interviews narrowed the pool of applicants considered before the formal appointment vote next week.

What’s next: The board will consider the appointment at its next scheduled meeting; no formal appointment was made at the special meeting.