BELLWOOD — The Bellwood-Antis School Board is down to eight members after newly elected school director Kathy Sweigert tendered her resignation ahead of a Tuesday night meeting, citing a need to prioritize care for her daughter.

Sweigert, a Tyrone Area High School alumna, was elected in November’s race after receiving 1,441 votes in the general election, the third-highest total out of a four-candidate field.

According to a statement released on Facebook, Sweigert made the “difficult decision” to resign from the board following her daughter “experiencing a situation where I need to step in and advocate for her well-being.”

“I cannot in good conscience serve on the board while also advocating for my child within the same system. This dual role could create a conflict of interest and compromise my ability to fulfill either responsibility fully,” Sweigert said.

Sweigert concluded her statement with a message of appreciation for everyone who supported her campaign for school director.

“I am grateful to everyone who supported me by writing me in and voting for me and believed in my commitment to student well-being, transparency and accountability. Those values remain important to me, and I hope this moment underscores the importance of protecting all children and responding to concerns with care, professionalism, accountability and responsibility,” she said.

Sweigert’s now-vacant term lasts until December 2029, but the remaining tenure will be filled in a special election in fall 2027.

According to district solicitor Jennifer Dambeck, the board will select a temporary member to fill the position until a full member can be elected to serve the final two years.

A message posted on the Bellwood-Antis website calls for residents to submit a letter of interest and financial interest disclosure form to Susan Grassmyer in the district office.

Superintendent Edward DiSabato said the board will nominate a qualified individual to fulfill Sweigert’s term at a board meeting later this month.

Bellwood-Antis is the second local school district to witness a newly elected board member vacate their position, following Bryant Giselman’s resignation late last year from the Altoona Area School Board, citing health issues.

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.