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CLAYSBURG -- The Claysburg-Kimmel School Board appointed Interim Superintendent Brian Helsel as the district's new superintendent at a salary of $130,000 during a special meeting Tuesday evening.
The board had begun discussions with district administration to enter into negotiations with Helsel to fill the position that was left vacant following the resignation of Superintendent Mark Loucks on Nov. 22.
Loucks took over as superintendent from Darren McLaurin in July 2022. In July 2023, Loucks went on a leave of absence, at which time Helsel stepped in as interim superintendent.
District officials have declined to disclose why Loucks resigned, saying it is a personnel matter.
Helsel's appointment will be from Dec. 20, 2023, to Dec. 20, 2028, Board President Amy Claar-Gill said.
Helsel described the appointment as a "dream come true, in a lot of different ways."
"Being from this small town, it's a special opportunity for me and I won't let you down," Helsel said.
He thanked the board, administrators and staff for their support, saying public education can be complicated but at the end of the day, "it's about the kids and the community."
Helsel stressed that he wanted the district's teachers to know that, going forward, they would be supported.
"Could I say, as his former teacher, it really makes me happy to see him so successful and I'm so proud of him," board member Mona Eckley said.
Helsel, a 1989 graduate of Claysburg-Kimmel High School, is in his 16th year in education. He worked as a Hollidaysburg Area High School teacher before coming to Claysburg. He was the district's director of special education for 15 years, assistant superintendent for six years and athletic director for 10 years.
Helsel has a bachelor's degree in elementary education K-6 and special education K-12 from Penn State University, a master's degree in education and leadership, principal certification and special education director certification from Saint Francis University and a doctorate specializing in school leadership and special education from Liberty University.