PHOTO PROVIDED Frederick “Rick” Schulze is sworn in to the Region VIII Keystone Central School Board of Directors seat by Tracy Long on Thursday night.

MILL HALL — Dr. Frederick “Rick” Schulze has been sworn in as the newest member of the Keystone Central School District Board of Directors.

The seat fills a vacancy for Region VIII — Castanea and Bald Eagle townships and Flemington Borough — opened by Boise “Bo” Miller in August.

During a special voting session prior to its monthly voting meeting, the board heard briefly from Schulze and another candidate, Tom Cannon. Prior to this, the board held a work session on Sept. 1 where both candidates made their interest to join the board known.

Schulze is a professor at Lock Haven University in its public health education department and has been involved in education for roughly 20 years.

Schulze told the board Thursday night that his main interest in joining the board is to encourage students at the district to consider a career in education.

“I’ve seen a marked decrease in students choosing education in the last 12 years,” he said. “I’d like to make that a priority.”

At the university, Schulze serves as the board chairman of the AIDS Resource Center and has coordinated educational efforts through the organization.

Outside of the university, Schulze is chair of Castanea Township’s recreation committee and helps coordinate the annual Castanea Community Day among other initiatives.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed almost every aspect of it,” Schulze said.

The amount of time that would need to be dedicated to the board was discussed as well.

“When you take on this position, it’s very time consuming. You’re looking at 40 hours a month, maybe more in meetings and other endeavors. Are you willing to take on the responsibilities and time to put forward,” board member Roger Elling asked.

“Yes, I fully understand the implications and dedication required,” Schulze said.

Cannon is a Bald Eagle Township resident who has served on the township’s sewer authority and volunteers his time to teach kids bass fishing. He has also assisted youngsters in training for trail races, which he enjoys, he added.

Cannon, who has been employed by PennDOT for 14 years, said he wanted to help direct students to trade schools if given the position.

“I’m very interested in trades and promoting them… because society can’t function without them,” he said.

Following a motion made by board member Wayne Koch and seconded by Butch Knauff, Schulze was unanimously voted to fill the position.

Many members of the board expressed their thanks to both Schulze and Cannon for their interest in the position.

“I want both of you but we can’t legally do that,” board member Elisabeth Lynch said.

Board President Tracy Smith encouraged both candidates to consider throwing their hat in the ring when the position is open during the 2023 election cycle.

Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Martin expressed her thanks for both candidates’ interest as well.

“I know how many hours people put into this role… mostly because I’m right there with you,” she said. She added how “commendable” it was for both candidates to come forward to help the district and their community.

All members of the board were present for Thursday night’s meeting held in the district’s administration building and broadcast via Zoom.

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