I’m a proud graduate of Mars Area High School (Class of 2007), and Mars has been home for my entire life. My family has deep roots in this community, and my husband and I feel incredibly fortunate to be raising our three boys here—two in third grade and one in fifth.
Professionally, I’ve worked in both public accounting and corporate finance since earning my degree from Penn State in 2011. My career has focused primarily on corporate taxation for large multinational companies, and I currently serve as a Senior Manager of State Tax Compliance and Reporting at Xylem Inc.
The 228 Times: Why are you running?
Madelynn Marburger Barkley: I decided to run for school board because I care about the future of our schools and want to be an active part of shaping that future. Serving on the school board is also a continuation of my family’s long-standing commitment to public service—something I take great pride in. I believe that by getting involved and working together we can ensure that every student in the Mars Area School District has the opportunity to succeed.
The 228 Times: What’s your view on growth and development and its impact on the school district?
Madelynn Marburger Barkley: As our community continues to grow, it’s important that our school district grows with it—strategically and responsibly. I believe Mars can benefit from looking at how other districts of similar size have successfully managed growth while maintaining high educational standards. By studying what worked well—and just as importantly, what didn’t—we can make informed decisions that support both current and future students. Growth brings challenges, but it also brings opportunities—and I’m committed to helping Mars navigate both with transparency, collaboration, and a focus on long-term success for our schools.
The 228 Times: How do you see the role of the school board in community engagement?
Madelynn Marburger Barkley: I believe that strong schools are built on strong partnerships between the board, educators, families, and the broader community. Communication, mutual respect, and shared goals are essential to making thoughtful decisions that truly reflect the needs of our students.
As a school board member, I would prioritize transparency and active engagement—listening to different perspectives, encouraging community input, and working collaboratively to find solutions.
The 228 Times: What are your top two priorities if elected?
Madelynn Marburger Barkley: If elected, my top two priorities would be addressing the growth our District is experiencing and navigating the budget constraints that come with it.
Mars is a thriving community, and with that growth comes increased enrollment, evolving facility needs, and pressure on classroom resources. I believe we must take a proactive approach while maintaining fiscal responsibility to achieve the right balance.
The 228 Times: How should the district balance academics, extracurriculars, and finances?
Madelynn Marburger Barkley: Balancing budget constraints while supporting both academics and extracurriculars is essential to providing a well-rounded education. I believe we must prioritize core academic excellence while also recognizing the value that extracurricular programs bring to student development. Thoughtful budgeting, community input, and creative problem-solving can help us maintain strong programs across the board while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The 228 Times: What are your thoughts on the financial impact of cyber and charter schools?
Madelynn Marburger Barkley: Cyber charter schools provide families with alternative educational options that may better suit their individual needs. When students enroll in cyber schools, districts are still responsible for significant tuition payments, which can strain budgets and limit resources available for academic programs, extracurriculars, and facility improvements. I believe we need to explore policy solutions that support educational choice while also protecting the financial health of our local schools.