Pine-Richland School Board Candidate Withdraws from Race

The only person whose name is on the ballot as a candidate for the Pine-Richland School Board's Region 2 seat pulled her name out of contention Monday night.

Ann Hynds of Pine Township told the school board: "At this time, my employer, PNC, has advised me that it would be best that I not pursue the school director position due to PNC policy and practices tied to current Pennsylvania ethics law."

Hynds, a Republican, wasunopposed on the May 17 primary ballot for the Region 2 school director's seat. Region 2 represents parts of Pine and Richland townships.

"I'm really disappointed," said Hynds, who is vice president of PNC's real estate banking. She said her company's decision was "a big surprise for me today."

 Scott Stedeford held the seat, but he recently announced his resignation effective April 1. The school board voted unanimously Monday to accept his resignation. That starts the clock ticking on appointing a replacement within 30 days to finish out Stedeford's term, which expires at the end of the year. 

The school district has been running an announcement on its website asking residents interested in serving out Stedeford's term to send a letter of intent.

Immediately after Hynds made her announcement Monday, another candidate put her name in the ring.

Christine Misback of Pine Township is one of eight persons who sent a letter of intent to the district. She is the only candidate who spoke at Monday's meeting

"I believe I would be a good representative for the residents of this region with unique capabilities and sincere interest to support and govern the education programs, implemented by the administration and teachers of Pine-Richland School District, for our children to achieve and exceed the academic standards and educational goals set forth by the state and PRSD," she said.

The board will interview the eight candidates -- four at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26, and four at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. Those interviews are open to the public.

Board secretary Carolyn Boice said she needs to contact each person who sent in a letter of intent or resume to make sure they live in Region 2 and to confirm their interest before releasing their names.

Pine and Richland residents will vote this year to fill five seats on the school board.

No one is running for the Region 2 seat or the two seats for Region 3 that represent Richland Township. That means write-in votes will decide those races in the primary.

Incumbents Therese M. Dawson and Kevin Nigh are running unopposed for the two Region 1 seats in Pine.

School board representation is split into three regions, with three persons elected to represent each of the three districts.

Region 1 encompasses five voting districts in Pine Township -- districts 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8. 

Region 2 covers parts of Richland and Pine townships. In Pine, voting districts 2, 3 and 6 are represented. For Richland, it is voting districts 1, 2, 7 and 8.

Region 3 comprises voting districts 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Richland.

For a map of the regions, click here.

For a list of voting locations, click here.