Five bi-partisan Upper Adams Community members are running to fill four open seats on the Upper Adams School Board. All have either children or grandchildren in the District. They have witnessed the actions of some Board members over the past year and would like to bring some consistency and respect to the Board.
John Lindemulder, a longtime resident of the Biglerville area, is a realtor with Iron Valley Real Estate. John has built strong connections in the community, but his true passion lies in supporting and mentoring young people. Over the years, John has dedicated his time to coaching youth sports, including AYSO soccer, Upper Adams youth basketball, and multiple levels of girls’ basketball. John believes the next step in his commitment to our community is by serving on the Upper Adams School Board, where he can help shape the future of education for our children. His goal as a school board member is simple: to ensure that every student in our district has the opportunity to achieve more than they ever imagined. John states, “While I might belong to a particular political party, my decisions will always be guided by what is best for the children, not by partisan interests. John believes in fostering an educational environment that prioritizes academic excellence, personal growth, and a strong sense of community. John is committed to making thoughtful, fair, and forward-thinking decisions that benefit our students, teachers, and families. Together, we can build a brighter future for Upper Adams.
Eric Markle is a lifelong Adams County resident with over 20 years of experience managing and developing technology for schools. Eric is excited to announce his candidacy for School Director of the Upper Adams School District. With two young children attending school in the district, Eric is invested in our community and in ensuring our children are given the resources and experiences they need to grow into successful adults. His professional background provides him with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges educational institutions face as they navigate new technological landscapes and a level-headed, logical approach to addressing issues.
If elected, Eric says ,“I will work collaboratively and listen to the community to foster a positive environment for our children to learn and grow.” Eric believes that Upper Adams is a great school district and is committed to its continued success while helping to direct it into the future.
Rachel Elliott has tossed her hat into the ring and is running for a seat on the Upper Adams School Board. “I grew up in Arendtsville and moved back with my husband to raise our family here.” Rachel has been attending meetings for the past year and has concerns about the direction that the current board is taking. “I want politics out of the board room. We need to listen to and work on the needs of our students and staff.”
If elected, Rachel vows to fight for all of the kids in our district. “We have a diverse community and should celebrate and welcome everyone who is here. I trust in our teachers and administrators to give our students a great education and prepare them for the future. I will listen to the community and be as transparent as possible with decision-making. I truly believe we have a great school district and hope to keep it that way.”
Deb Steckler, mother of 2 children in the District, believes that at the heart of every school board decision should be one thing: the students. As a passionate advocate for education, she is committed to ensuring that every child receives a well-rounded, high-quality experience in their school years — from academics to sports, extracurriculars, and everything in between.
Deb knows that when schools thrive, communities do, too. She believes that strong cooperation between the school board and administration is key — and that this partnership must be built on trust, transparency, and nonpartisan collaboration. “It’s not about politics,” she says. “It’s about putting students first and making decisions that benefit the entire school community.”
To Deb, a quality education includes more than just what happens in the classroom. She values the importance of extracurricular activities, clubs, and athletics in helping students build confidence, discover new interests, and form lasting friendships. These programs should be supported, not sidelined — and they require thoughtful planning, responsible budgeting, and strong leadership.
Deb also emphasizes the importance of attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and staff. “Our schools are only as strong as the people leading them day to day,” she says. By creating an environment that supports educators, she believes we can keep talented professionals in the district — people who care deeply about our students and their future.
While budget management is always important, Deb believes that taxpayers are already contributing plenty to their communities. “Families are feeling the squeeze everywhere else — at the grocery store, at the gas pump. They shouldn’t have to worry about the school district constantly raising taxes,” she explains. Instead, she advocates for fiscal responsibility, ensuring that existing resources are used wisely and effectively.
Ultimately, Deb wants the school to be a lasting point of pride — a place that future generations can look back on fondly and that grown children want to return to with their own families. “Let’s build schools that people are proud of — that they trust, that they believe in, and that they want to be part of for generations to come.”
With a student-focused mindset and a commitment to unity, Deb Steckler is ready to bring thoughtful, balanced leadership to the school board — for today’s students and tomorrow’s community.
Kay Hollabaugh, the only incumbent running for re-election, feels committed to the community that has supported her so vocally over the past year. Kay brings nearly 40 years of business ownership to the table and, as a result, is skilled in working with tight budgets and with many employees, and she has a strong drive to succeed. These 3 attributes alone make her the perfect candidate for being a School Director.
Kay is committed to a solid, good working environment between the Board, the Administrators and ALL staff. “It takes the entire team – working together and trusting one another – to allow for the best result for the student.” Kay is mindful of the fact that Upper Adams is very diverse and that the needs of all students should be met – not just the top academic tier or the best athlete, for example. She’s also keenly aware of rising costs. Kay will try to hold the line on tax increases so long as those decisions still allow for the education of students such that, upon graduation, they are competitive in the workplace.
“Being a good School Director takes commitment and a fair amount of time. Additionally, it takes a solid 2 years to understand the workings of a School District. I have those years and would appreciate your vote for another 4 years.”
Featured image caption: Front row, left to right: Rachel Elliott, Deb Steckler, Kay Hollabaugh. Back row: John Lindemulder, Eric Markle