York City SD board unanimously appoints Hammond Smith after other candidate withdraws and endorses him

The York City School Board unanimously appointed Hammond Smith to fill a vacant seat after another candidate withdrew from consideration and asked supporters to back Smith.

The withdrawing candidate delivered an extended statement before the vote, saying, "I officially withdraw my name from consideration," and urging the board to protect the district from outside groups that, in the speaker's words, used "selective data" and inflammatory messaging during the election cycle. The speaker also asserted the board operates with a budget "nearly 3 times that of the city of York," presenting that as part of an argument about the board's local significance.

Hammond Smith addressed the board before the vote, describing his lifelong ties to the community and pledging "100% commit everything that I have to support everything that the board is trying to do to move this district in a direction that's supporting our kids." He referenced a prior comment by "Doctor Steele" that some district initiatives could take seven to ten years to reach their intended results, saying that timeline motivates sustained effort.

Board members cast roll-call votes in favor of Smith. The board secretary called each vote aloud; the chair then counted the votes and announced a unanimous result, welcoming "Mister Smith" to the board. The transcript records each director saying "Smith" during the roll call vote.

Attorney Gettle told the appointee to remain after the meeting to complete an oath of office and a statement of financial interest; those documents must be signed and returned to the board secretary before the appointee may assume official duties.

With public comment closed, the board moved into executive session to discuss real estate and personnel matters and then adjourned.