A standing-room-only crowd filled the Mars Area School District Administration Office Tuesday night as family, friends, and community members gathered to witness the swearing-in of board members and the election of district leadership during the district’s annual reorganization meeting.
During the meeting, newly elected board members Mike Bordt, Madelynn Marburger Barkley, and Joseph Joswiak took the oath of office, while Justin Miller and Jennifer DiCuccio were sworn in for additional terms following their reelection to the Mars Area School Board. The board members pledged to uphold the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of their office.
Following the swearing-in, the board voted to re-elect John Kennedy as Board President and Kevin Hagen as Vice President for 2026. The leadership votes were not unanimous. Newly elected board member Joseph Joswiak cast the lone vote against re-electing Kennedy as board president. In a separate vote for vice president, Joswiak and Aaron Rose voted against Hagen’s nomination, which passed by majority vote.
The votes signal early differences in approach that may surface more clearly as the board enters budget and tax discussions in the coming months.
The 228 Times inquired of Joswiak on his point of view surrounding his vote, but he did not respond to the request for comment.
Jennifer DiCuccio nominated John Kennedy and Kevin Hagen for the leadership roles. The 228 Times posed a question surrounding her support following the meeting. DiCuccio noted “I supported John Kennedy for President and Kevin Hagen for Vice President because I know both of them have the experience and willingness to put in the time commitment that these roles demand.”
DiCuccio previously served as Vice President for a short period of time, and “understands firsthand how time-intensive and challenging those positions can be, especially on top of full-time careers and family responsibilities that I and most other board members have.”
Committee assignments were also finalized:
- Jennifer DiCuccio and Madelynn Barkley were appointed to the Mars Planet Foundation Board of Directors.
- Justin Miller was appointed to the Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School Joint Operating Committee, with Anthony DePretis named as an alternate.
Mars Area School Board Meeting Highlights
The main board meeting included approval of agenda items such as various athletic supplemental activity positions, a number of student teacher placements, as well as the Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy (stressed as being pertinent to student safety and mental health). Other topics addressed included student/community holiday cheer, financial updates from district administration and a preview of tax-related actions expected early next year.
Holiday Cheer Announcements from Student Council
Seniors Amanda Lape and Liv Hanna presented a Student Council report, highlighting recent activities and student initiatives within the district. The report focused on seasonal programming and service initiatives designed to build school spirit and community involvement.
- Cookies with Santa (open to the public) on December 14th from 1:30-4PM
- Children can enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, crafts, games and a picture with Santa
- At the entrance there will be a collection for donations and toys for the Salvation Army
- Holiday Cheer Competition the week of December 18th
- Daily theme to collect holiday cheer points for homeroom (Monday- Silver Bells (all gray), Tuesday- Elf and Santa (red and green), Wednesday- Holiday Socks and Slippers, and Thursday- The Night Before Christmas (holiday pajamas)
- Door Decorating Competition- winning homeroom will receive donuts and 50 holiday cheer points, second place will receive 25 holiday cheer points
- Food Drive where every food item equates to two holiday cheer points
- Homeroom with the most holiday cheer points receives a voucher to Rocket Fuel Café
Strong Investor Demand Lowers Borrowing Costs
District Business Manager Debbie Brandstetter reported that Mars Area recently held a bond sale tied to the second phase of financing for the elementary school addition. Investor interest was “very strong,” with 15 investors submitting $54 million in orders for a $10 million issuance. Because of this demand, the district was able to reduce the yield by 3–4 basis points, decreasing overall debt service costs.
The original projected annual budget impact was $491,000, but the successful sale lowered that figure to $413,000—an annual savings of $78,000. In total, the district is projected to save about $1 million in interest over the life of the bond. According to Brandstetter, funds will close on December 23 and will be placed temporarily into a CD to earn interest until needed.
Board to Consider Resolution on Tax Limits
Next month, the administration will present a resolution stating that the district will not exceed the state’s Act 1 Index for tax increases. The district’s maximum millage increase for the 2026-2027 school year is limited by Act 1 to 3.5% or 3.85 mills. . The district’s stated goal is to avoid raising taxes.
According to Brandstetter, state funding increases are expected but details remain forthcoming.
What the Newly Elected Board Members Say Their Priorities Are
Prior to the meeting, The 228 Times invited all newly elected board members to answer a set of questions about their priorities, challenges, and vision for the district. Responses were received from Mike Bordt, Justin Miller, Jennifer DiCuccio, and Madelynn Marburger Barkley. Newly elected board member Joseph Joswiak did not submit responses to the questionnaire by the publication deadline.
Mike Bordt: “Safety must come first.”
Bordt, a lifelong Mars resident and Adams Township Police Officer, said his top priority is ensuring safe schools.
“A school can’t be productive if it isn’t safe. Having worked inside the buildings for years, I understand how they function in a way previous boards may not have.”
He identified district growth, particularly in Middlesex Township, as the biggest challenge ahead.
Justin Miller: “Fiscal responsibility is critical.”
Miller emphasized keeping taxes as low as possible while maintaining strong educational standards.
“I’ll approach every budget decision using a cost-versus-need framework. We must distinguish between what’s essential and what’s a want.”
He also cited rapid growth and the strain it places on facilities and staffing as a major concern.
Jennifer DiCuccio: “Growth and academic standards must remain front and center.”
Now beginning a new two-year term, DiCuccio said the district must move quickly on the next phase of building expansion at the Centennial campus.
“Managing growth is the top challenge. Revenue isn’t increasing at the same rate as expenses.”
She also expressed interest in developing an AI policy, noting teachers have requested clearer guidance.
Madelynn Marburger Barkley: “Strategic growth and responsible budgeting.”
Barkley said her priority is ensuring the district grows “strategically and responsibly” while maintaining high expectations for student achievement.
“Rapid community growth must be balanced with fiscal responsibility and strong academic standards.”
She stressed collaboration and fact-based decision-making when disagreements arise.
Meeting Schedule Set for 2026
The board also approved its 2026 meeting calendar. Work sessions will continue on the first Tuesday of each month and regular voting meetings on the second Tuesday, with some exceptions. Finance Committee meetings are scheduled for February, March, and April. All meetings are open to the public.
A Warm Welcome — and a Full House
The atmosphere of the meeting was energetic and supportive, with standing-room-only attendance as families and supporters of the new board members crowded the district office. The newly sworn-in directors shook hands, posed for photos, and took their seats to begin the next chapter of school board leadership.
The 228 Times will continue to cover board actions, upcoming budget discussions, the Act 1 resolution, and community developments as they unfold.