SCASD to Begin Accepting Applications for School Board Vacancy

The State College Area School Board will begin 2026 looking to fill a vacancy after one of its members was elected to a different office.

The board on Monday officially accepted the resignation of Gretchen Brandt effective Jan. 5. Brandt is departing the board after winning election to College Township Council in November.

Residents 18 or older who live within the district boundaries and are in interested in the position will be able to submit applications from Jan. 5 until 4 p.m. on Jan. 16, SCASD Communications Manager Nabil Mark wrote in an email to the school community on Thursday.

“Interested applicants should submit a brief resume and cover letter, including background, qualifications, and statement of interest in and commitment to serving on the Board of School Directors,” Mark wrote.

Application submit materials should be submitted beginning Jan. 5 to Lynn Tressler, Board Secretary, 240 Villa Crest Drive, State College, PA, 16801, or via email at hlt11@scasd.org.

The remaining eight board members will conduct a screening and selection process at a public meeting on a date to be announced. The board has 30 days from the date of the vacancy to appoint an interim member.

The selected candidate will serve the remainder of Brandt’s elected term ending in December 2027.

Brandt has served on the school board for 10 years, winning election for the first of three times in 2015.

During her time on the board, she has helped guide the State High project and the construction of three elementary school buildings, was a leader on sustainability issues and served as
the liaison to the Centre Region Council of Governments.

“Her dedication, preparation, and willingness to engage thoughtfully—even on complex issues—have made a lasting impact on this board and on SCASD,” Board President Aaron Miller said. “We are grateful for her service and wish her every success as she continues her commitment to public service in the years ahead.”