School board approves new elementary principal position after strong public push

BY BRIAN CARSON

LEWISTOWN – The Mifflin County School Board approved a reorganization of its elementary administration on Thursday, creating a new principal position and ending a shared leadership structure that staff and parents said was straining schools.

The board voted 7-2 to adopt “Option 1,” which adds a dedicated principal at East Derry Elementary while separating shared administrative roles between buildings.

The move follows weeks of discussion and a lengthy public comment period in which teachers, staff and parents urged the board to increase administrative presence in schools.

The decision will take effect at the start of the 2026-27 school year.