C-NET conducted interviews with candidates for local offices on the ballot for the Nov. 4, 2025 municipal election. Today we’re featuring the races for State College Area School Board.
THE ELECTION
Six candidates are running for four full-term seats on the State College Area School Board of Directors. Two are elected incumbents and one, Jesse Barlow, was appointed earlier this year to fill a vacancy.
One candidate is seeking the two-year interim position created by Dan Kolbe’s resignation in June. Jennifer Black was nominated by the Centre County Democrats, while the county GOP did not nominate a candidate.
The State College Area School Board is composed of nine members.
THE CANDIDATES
Four-year terms (select four)
- Deborah Anderson* (Democratic/Republican)
- Jesse Barlow* (Democratic/Republican)
- Jackie Huff* (Democratic)
- Rebecca Arnold Desmarais (Democratic)
- Kirsten McTernan (Republican)
- Mihaly Sogor (Republican)
*Incumbent
Anderson and Barlow won nominations on the Democratic and Republican ballots in the May primary. They, along with Huff and Desmarais, are endorsed by the Centre County Democratic Committee. McTernan and Sogor are endorsed by the Centre County Republican Committee.
Two-year interim term
- Jennifer Black (Democratic)
THE ISSUES
In their C-NET interviews with WPSU’s Anne Danahy, candidates answered questions about
- Their views on the role of school board member
- The state budget impasse
- Federal funding cut proposals
- Artificial intelligence in schools
- The district’s approach to student mental health needs
- Balancing budget priorities and real estate tax rates
- The future of Fairmount Elementary building
- Their top issues and priorities
THE INTERVIEWS
Four-year terms
Deborah Anderson (D/R)
Jesse Barlow (D/R)
Jackie Huff (D)
Rebecca Arnold Desmarais (D)
Kirsten McTernan (R)
Mihaly Sogor (R)
Two-year interim term
Jennifer Black (D)
ELECTION INFORMATION
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Look up your polling location here.
The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county elections office, 502 E. Howard St., Suite 104, Bellefonte, by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. Drop box locations will be closed at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3.
