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Spring Cove School District residents apparently selected two newcomers, one incumbent and a returning member to run for four school board seats in the November general election, according to unofficial election results on Tuesday.
Incumbent Amy Acker-Knisely ran unopposed on the Democratic ticket, garning 280 votes, according to unofficial results. Voters were to select four on each ballot.
On the Republican ticket, Erika Smith came in at the top with 1,087 votes, followed by Acker-Knisely with 1,078, Alyssa McGregor with 1,064 and previous board member Samantha Snowberger with 985 votes.
The Republican candidates who ran but fell short were Jason Rhykerd with 937 votes and incumbent John R. Biddle with 839 votes, unofficial results show.
Mail-in votes are still being tallied. Unofficial results included in-person ballots and some mail-in ballots.
When asked how she felt about the unofficial election results, McGregor said she was "honored."
A mother of five children -- ranging in age from 1 to 13 -- McGregor said "this is a very emotional journey for me."
"I feel very honored that my community would elect me into this position and I promise I won't let them down," McGregor said.
Passionate about special education, as her children are "neurodivergent," McGregor said she would be an advocate for children and that her goal would be to serve and protect them.
"I'll put my heart and soul into it," McGregor said.
Acker-Knisely, who has been on the board for 18 years, said she is "just grateful" and "appreciates the community going out and voting."
"The fact that people trust me and have confidence in me to make decisions about their children's education is very humbling," Acker-Knisely said. "I take it seriously and I'll be proud to serve on the Spring Cove School Board."
Acker-Knisely said she enjoyed serving on the Greater Altoona and Technical Center committee "because I've wanted to for years but there was never a spot open."
She said there "are so many job opportunities" for the trades and "we can do a better job" of getting students interested in them earlier.
"Anything that helps our students achieve, I am all for," Acker-Knisely said. "I look forward to moving us forward. I think we're a good school district."
Snowberger, who previously served on the board, said she's "truly honored and grateful the community has entrusted me with this responsibility."
"Having served before, I know how important this job is," Snowberger said. "I also want to congratulate the other winners. I look forward to building a better future together for Spring Cove."
Snowberger was first appointed to a seat on the board by fellow board members on Dec. 5, 2022. She filled a seat vacated by former member James Butler, who had resigned during a prior meeting.
Snowberger then ran to retain her seat on May 16, 2023, but was unsuccessful.
Biddle, Rhykerd and Smith could not be reached for comment.
Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.