Region 2 candidate Brian Manos highlights legal and HR experience; second candidate praises Hopewell special‑needs program

At the Dec. 17 special meeting of the Hopewell Area SD Board of Education, two candidates for the Region 2 board seat addressed the board during the visitors portion.

Brian Manos introduced himself as a Region 2 resident from Clear View and outlined his professional and community background. He said he has practiced law for 22 years and currently serves as director of human resources and corporate services at First National Bank. Manos described long-term community ties through volunteer work with Hopewell youth baseball and said he would approach the board position with a focus on ‘‘what’s best for the kids.’’

Another candidate spoke afterward but did not state a name in the transcript. That presenter described being born and raised locally, recounted longtime ties to Hopewell through family and school activities, and said a key reason for staying in the district was Hopewell’s special‑needs program. The speaker said their daughter was born with Down syndrome and emphasized the district’s program as a motivating factor for seeking the board seat. The presenter also cited construction industry experience and interest in helping with facility projects.

Both speakers addressed the board during the visitors portion; the board later moved to the voting portion of the agenda and acted on committee recommendations, including appointing Monty Buckkins to fill the Region 2 vacancy.