Meet the Chambersburg school board, Region 1 candidates: Faye Gaugler and John Patterson
Faye H. Gaugler, who is seeking a second term, is being challenged by John J. Patterson for the Democratic nomination but is running unopposed in the Republican primary. School board candidates may cross-file and seek the nomination from both parties.
Gaugler and Patterson could both move on to the general election in November if Patterson wins the Democratic primary, or Gaugler could win both nominations and effectively win the seat. A write-in campaign could lead to another outcome.
Region 1 includes Letterkenny and Lurgan townships and the third and sixth voting districts in Greene Township.
Other school board seats up for election in 2025 are Region 3, Region 4 and Region 6. The only other race is in Region 4, where Amy Weibley and Gary Piper are vying for the Republican nomination.
Sherian Diller is running unchallenged for a second term in Region 3, and no one filed to run against Edward Norcross as he seeks a fourth term representing Region 6.
School board members are elected to four-year terms.
On Election Day on May 20, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the Voter Registration Office at the Franklin County Administration Building (272 N. Second St., Chambersburg) by 8 p.m. May 20.
Who else is running in Franklin County? These are the candidates on ballots for the 2025 primary
Check out our Q&A with the Region 1 candidates below.
Age: 57
Town: Greene Township
Education: B.A. in Liberal Arts and some graduate study towards a Master's in Education, all at Penn State University
Professional experience: In Marketing, Training, and Telecommunications products. More recently 10 years in Human Services.
Why are you the best candidate for this seat?
I am the best candidate for Region 1 director because I want to see the Chambersburg Area School District achieve excellence for all of its constituents; students, staff, and the community.
What do you believe are the top three issues relevant to CASD?
An issue that will significantly affect many of our students is the plan to realign grades and schools, perhaps build new schools, and renovate older ones. Whichever of the many options we decide on, students should never experience what I did at the end of 7th grade at CAMS - saying goodbye to friends in my class as we headed off to different junior high schools for a couple years. As our students are promoted, they should remain together and be able to support each other in new environments.
If we're going to have excellent teachers, administrators, and support staff, we have to be sure they are fairly compensated for their work. Housing costs in our district have risen dramatically over the last decade. If there was a time when it was cheap to live in Chambersburg, that time is long gone.
Lastly, it's amazing to me that we spend tens of millions of dollars to build, renovate, and maintain almost 20 schools that we use just 180 days a year. If elected to the board, I will work with the current school administration, local agencies, and community members to significantly expand adult education in our district, leveraging our existing resources.
Is the district on the right track with the 'Schools of Distinction by 2030' plan? Please elaborate.
I'm not exactly certain if the CASD is on the right track, but I'm reasonably sure that paying the former Superintendent 2 years of salary to go away was an expense we could ill afford. That's something existing board members should be held to account for.
'Tall order': CASD about halfway to having all students read and comprehend by 3rd grade
Cyber charter tuition: CASD announces $53K in savings so far in update on cyber charter tuition audit
Age: 77
Town: Life-long Resident of Greene Township
Education: CASHS Graduate; Diploma Harrisburg Polyclinic School of Nursing; BS and MS in Health Care Administration St. Joseph's College
Professional Experience: Retired Instructor FCCTC Practical Nursing Program 1988 to 2014; Previously Chambersburg Hospital Staff Nurse and Nursing Administrator
Why are you the best candidate for this seat?
After serving as the Region 1 School Director for the past four years, I have the experience and knowledge needed to continue to serve the constituents of the school district. I am serving my second year as the Vice-President of the CASD School Board and am a member of the Franklin County Career and Technology Joint Operating Committee. I approach my responsibilities with information obtained by review of current educational research while understanding the value of considering the historical data that has provided the foundation for the present.
What do you believe are the top three issues relevant to CASD?
CASD, like most PA school districts, is facing a need to improve the educational outcomes of all students who will become the future leaders in our community. Reading by 3rd grade and proficiency in Math by 5th grade is essential regardless of the career aspirations of the student. The district is implementing strategies that a team of parents, teachers, and administrators have researched. I anticipate that continued improvement will be experienced as these changes are instituted. Using current data instead of embracing the status quo is vital to advance in any business. 'Change is not a season; it is a way of life'. Education needs to prepare students for the advancing technology that is changing daily such as in the world of Artificial Intelligence.
The chronic absenteeism problem is also not unique to CASD. Parents are a key aspect of the change needed to assure that students recognize the value of their free public education. The district is actively engaged in this challenge. Providing options that interest and challenge the diverse learners in the district will be vital to assure students want to learn.
Finally, the aging infrastructure of school buildings is an issue that is under discussion and decisions are upcoming. Developing plans that maximize the current sites while limiting the long-term debt is a challenge that is facing the current school board. Decisions made today will influence education for years to come. I have visited all seventeen schools during the past four years and attended all public forums offered by the superintendent to seek input from stakeholders.
Is the district on the right track with the 'Schools of Distinction by 2030' plan? Please elaborate.
Professional development is vital for educators and the high quality training to assure that teachers are prepared for innovative techniques needed in the classroom is a priority. Teachers, administrators, and the school board support curricula centered on competencies that empower students to reach their potential.
The recent recognition of four CASD schools by the US News and World Report demonstrates that the district is on the right tract with the 'Schools of Distinction by 2030' plan. Providing opportunities for students to explore and engage with various career pathways while in high school through apprenticeships while supporting the college-bound students through transferable college credits achieved during their high school years provides a higher return on the investment in public education and CASD is actively implementing these strategies.
Amber South can be reached at asouth@publicopinionnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Meet the CASD school board, Region 1 candidates: Gaugler and Patterson
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