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Former Borough Council Member Running for State College School Board

State College - Jesse Barlow 5-3-23

Jesse Barlow speaks on May 3, 2023 in State College Borough Council Chambers. Photo by Geoff Rushton | StateCollege.com

Geoff Rushton

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A former member of State College Borough Council is seeking a different kind of local governance role in the 2025 election.

Jesse Barlow announced on Wednesday his candidacy for one of four State College Area School Board of Directors seats up for election this year.

Barlow, a professor emeritus of computer science and engineering at Penn State, served two terms on Borough Council from 2016 to 2023. He was council president for the duration of his second term and chaired the Centre Region Council of Governments General Forum in 2023.

“During my time on State College Borough Council and with the Centre Region Council of Governments, I learned that many of the issues in our community are reflected on a day-to-day basis in our schools,” Barlow said in a statement.

A Democrat, Barlow said he plans to cross-file for both party primaries in May, which is typical for candidates in school board races.

Barlow’s son and daughter are both SCASD graduates, and he said his family “has been very fortunate in the elementary and secondary education” they received through the district.

He called the SCASD schools “good and part of why this region is a great place to live,” but added that “they are not always good for every family.”

“In this school system full of children with diverse backgrounds and diverse needs, I believe we must strive for schools where every child has a good education in a welcoming environment,” Barlow said. “Whatever their social backgrounds, that education should prepare them whether their future is trade school, the work force or a university.”

Barlow is the first candidate to announce an intention to run for the State College Area School Board this year. The board is composed of nine members elected to four-year terms.

Primary Election Day is May 20. Candidates can circulate and file nomination petitions from Feb. 18 to March 11.