Bader to Seek Third Term on State College Area School Board

State College Area School Board member Amy Bader is running for a third term in the 2023 election, she said in a press release on Wednesday.

Bader, who was first elected in 2015, was the board’s vice president from 2018-22 and has served on a variety of its committees, including culture, climate and learning; facilities and grounds; finance and audit; and policy development.

During her first two terms, Bader said her “attention to detail and strategic planning have helped the district succeed in a variety of major initiatives,” including design and construction of the new high school and Delta buildings, three new elementary school buildings and Memorial Field renovations.

Bader cited her work to lead changes in how the district provides instruction to better meet the needs of students, including adding time to the elementary school day and shifting the secondary schools start time. She also worked on the development of the Inclusive Excellence Policy, serves on the inclusive excellence steering team and advocated for recruiting a director of equity, inclusion and belonging.

With what she called a focus on ensuring the district develops a strong curriculum that closes achievement gaps, Bader especially has been an advocate for an evidence-based approach to primary reading instruction. In part due to her support, SCASD has developed a stronger elementary reading program, she said.

“Effective reading instruction is one of the single most important things that schools must provide to all students,” Bader said, adding that her advocacy was inspired by her experiences with family members who have dyslexia and her work as a board member for nonprofit Dyslexia Reading Center of Central Pennsylvania.

A veterinarian with training in epidemiology, Bader said she was well-prepared for the public health role of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, and used an evidence-based approach to decision-making as she continuously evaluated scientific guidance. Noting the financial impacts of the pandemic, Bader supported budgets with no school tax increases for two years.

She said that in a third term she will continue to support the well-being of all students.

“Each and every child must feel safe, secure and valued in our community’s schools, in order to leave high school ready for adult life,” Bader said.

Five State College Area School Board seats are up for election this year. Three are currently held by Gretchen Brandt, Daniel Duffy and Laurel Zydney, who have not indicated if they will seek reelection, and one is held by Jim Leous, who said he will not seek election after being appointed this week to fill a vacancy.

Bader is the third candidate to announce a campaign for the school board, joining challengers Dan Kolbe and Aaron Miller.

The municipal primary election is May 16. Candidates can circulate and file nomination petitions beginning Feb. 14. The general election is Nov. 7.