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Mifflin County school board approves new East Derry principal after teachers, parents press for full-time leadership
Summary
After extended public comment from teachers, union representatives and parents, the Mifflin County School Board voted to create a dedicated East Derry elementary principal and convert shared administrative roles into single‑school positions (option one). The measure passed by roll call.
The Mifflin County School Board voted to add an East Derry Elementary principal and reorganize several elementary administrative roles, adopting the board’s option one after nearly two hours of public comment and a lengthy board discussion.
Public speakers — including long‑time East Derry teachers, a Lewisburg Intermediate School union representative and Academy staff — urged the board to restore full‑time, on‑site leadership. Cara Stubbs, who said she has taught at East Derry for 38 years, told the board the school now houses life‑skills classes and students with medical needs and said sharing a principal between buildings delays response times in safety and instructional matters. “We strongly encourage you to select option one,” she said.
Union representative Kylie Meore presented comparative data, saying LIS had 247 staff referrals over six years compared with 99 at Indian Valley, and cited combined enrollment figures (732 students at LIS and East Derry versus 542 at Indian Valley) to argue the workload merits separate administrators. Multiple commenters warned that shared administration reduces daily visibility, slows parent and staff communication, and increases burnout among both administrators and teachers.
Board members debated cost and operational impacts. Finance questions noted the district had previously budgeted for a deficit, which was reduced after receipt of Act 50 funds, and that the district typically closes the year with a surplus. Dr. Ketcham and Mr. Sires said student achievement and supervision were the central concerns in choosing the option. The board discussed reserve funds and re‑posting positions if adjustments prove necessary during the 2026–27 year.
The motion to approve option one passed on a roll call vote (Mrs. Barlow: Yes; Mr. Harshbarger: No; Mr. Wyatt: Yes; Mr. Baker: No; Mrs. Dixon: Yes; Mr. Erb: Yes; Mrs. Baumgardner: Yes; Dr. Ketcham: Yes; Mr. Sires: Yes), creating a new East Derry principal position, converting Strodes Mills’ combined principal/federal programs coordinator into a Strodes Mills principal role, and changing LIS/East Derry combined roles so LIS has a principal and assistant principal only.
Why it matters: Supporters said restoring dedicated principals helps schools respond to emergencies more quickly, supports instructional leadership and reduces staff burnout. Opponents flagged the additional recurring personnel cost during a period when the district has planned for budget deficits and will need to monitor fiscal impacts.
Next steps: The board will post and begin filling the new administrative openings; the option was discussed as effective starting with the 2026–27 staffing cycle. The board also noted the option could be revisited midyear if unforeseen issues arise.
