The race for four open four-year term seats on the Gettysburg Area School Board brought four candidates to a public forum this week at Gettysburg College’s Eisenhower Institute. Moderated by journalist Alex Hayes, the event gave voters an opportunity to hear how those seeking office would address budget pressures, enrollment trends, diversity, and community engagement.
The Democratic candidates who attended the session were Kathleen Pratt, Julieta Booz, and Charles Weise. Democratic candidate Dale Brennan was unable to attend in person and was represented by proxy speaker Joe Saylor.
Republican candidate Donna Harrison was present at the session, but Republican candidates Justine Sieg, David Sites, and Michelle Smyers did not attend.
There are also two candidates for a special two-year term on the ballot, Republican Mark Hopkins and Democrat Ryan Kerney. Both attended a similar forum held on Tuesday.
Both forums were held as part of the Eisenhower Institute’s annual observance of Democracy Week
In opening statements, Saylor described Brennan’s three decades in education and his pledge to balance budgets while avoiding tax hikes until all other options are explored. “His entire adult life has been dedicated to helping young people build their futures,” Saylor said, adding that Brennan would prioritize community input and fiscal restraint.
Booz, a retired naval program manager who moved to Gettysburg in 2017, emphasized her background in managing budgets and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders. “Our children are our investment in the future,” she said. Booz explained that her professional experience taught her to work within tight financial limits while still delivering results. She also highlighted her ongoing attendance at school policy and facilities meetings as preparation for the role.
Harrison, a lifelong Gettysburg resident with nearly four decades as a teacher and principal in the district, said she is running because her “heart was in Gettysburg.” She argued that the board must always make decisions in the best interests of children, not politics. Harrison recalled leading James Gettys Elementary School to a National Blue Ribbon designation, which she credited to teamwork and leadership.
Pratt, who served on the school board from 2017 to 2021 and was reappointed to a vacant seat earlier this year, pointed to her record of “common-sense taxation” during the pandemic, as well as her support for expanding opportunities such as girls’ wrestling. She warned that federal funding cuts could threaten programs for vulnerable students, including Title I reading specialists. “We will have to find a way to protect those positions and we will protect them, while not overburdening the taxpayer,” Pratt said.
Weise, an economics professor at Gettysburg College and a longtime resident, described himself as a candidate concerned with fiscal responsibility and local decision-making. He said that while federal budget cuts and mandates pose challenges, the district must remain in control of its own policies. “We need level-headed, reasonable, compassionate people on the board to help this community navigate difficult times,” he said.
Throughout the evening, the candidates generally agreed on the board’s primary duties: overseeing budgets, setting policy, and hiring the superintendent. They were asked about state projections showing that the district could lose 500 students over the next decade. Most urged caution in interpreting the numbers, noting that housing growth could offset declines and that smaller classes may even benefit students.
Budget questions led to a lively discussion of the Adams County Technical Institute (ACTI), which is planning a new campus. Pratt and Harrison supported the expansion, noting that students are currently turned away for lack of space. Booz also backed the project, though she cautioned that costs are rising quickly. Weise questioned whether a brand-new facility is necessary, suggesting partnerships with existing institutions might reduce the financial burden.
All four candidates endorsed the district’s library policies, which rely on certified librarians and board approval for new materials. They also addressed diversity in hiring, with each saying the district must work harder to attract minority teachers. Pratt argued that diversity should be “embedded in our fabric,” while Weise called the district’s lack of teachers of color “a symptom of failure.” Booz urged stronger recruitment efforts, and Harrison noted the shrinking teacher pipeline statewide.
Community engagement was another shared priority. Pratt suggested board members should be more visible at public events, Booz recommended structured listening sessions, Harrison urged rebuilding traditions of involvement, and Weise proposed town hall meetings.
In closing, each candidate stressed commitment to Gettysburg’s students and taxpayers. Pratt cited her experience and readiness to serve on day one. Brennan’s proxy described his determination to listen and lead without raising taxes unnecessarily. Booz said she was motivated by the question, “If not now, when?” Harrison pointed to her leadership record in local schools. Weise highlighted the need for innovative thinking and better community feedback.
Voters will decide the four winners when they head to the polls on November 4.
Please view the full forum by clicking here.