Voters in the Mars Area School District will soon decide who will fill four open four-year seats and one two-year seat on the school board. On the ballot for the four-year terms are Republicans Justin Miller, Matthew Duff, Amanda Salked, Madelyn Marburger Barkley, and Jennifer DiCuccio, along with Democrat Robert Vigue. Although not listed, Republicans Michael Bordt and Joe Joswiak are also seeking seats as Democratic write-in candidates. For the two-year term, Vigue faces off against DiCuccio. Unfortunately, The 228 Times’ attempts to reach Madelyn Marburger Barkley for participation were unsuccessful.
Mike Bordt
I’m a proud lifelong Mars resident and 2008 graduate of Mars Area School District. My wife and I feel grateful to be raising our two boys here—one in third grade and one eager to start kindergarten soon. For nearly 13 years, I’ve served as an Adams Township Police Officer, including seven years as the School Resource Officer at Mars High School. This community means a lot to me, and I love giving back through coaching youth baseball, hunting, and racing my dirt pro stock at Lernerville Speedway.
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Jennifer DiCuccio
I am a proud US Air Force Veteran and have leveraged my military experience into a successful career in Healthcare Information Technology. Beyond my professional achievements, I am deeply committed to community service and have served/volunteered on several local nonprofit boards bringing strategic insight and passion to causes that make a difference to our community. I also served as the Executive Director for the local humane society. My combined experiences bring a strong sense of duty, technical expertise, and a heart for service which have led to a lasting impact in both my professional and volunteer roles.
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Matthew Duff
I live in Middlesex Twp with my family – an elementary school student, a high school student, and my wife who is a teacher at the MASD Primary Center. Professionally, I’m a former Federal Agent / Criminal Investigator, currently employed at the UPMC corporate offices where I oversee the UPMC Corporate Fraud and Investigations Program within the Office of Ethics & Compliance. I am a current school board member and have been on the board for approximately a year and a half, filling the seat of outgoing member Sallie Wick.
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Joe Joswiak
I am a retired teacher of the Mars Area School District after 35 years.I earned my BS in Education from Slippery Rock University and a Master’s in Public Health from Pennsylvania State University. I have a daughter that is a current student in the district. As well as being a teacher, I have coached numerous sports at various levels over the years. Currently, I coach JR high softball for the district. I enjoy hunting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
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Madelyn Marburger Barkley
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.
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Justin Miller
Justin Miller has called Middlesex Township home since 2003, living on a portion of his wife, Melissa’s former family dairy farm. Justin is a 1996 graduate of Pine-Richland, and his wife is a 1996 graduate of Mars High School. Together, they have raised their two daughters in the Mars Area School District — Alivia (Class of 2024) and Charlotte, currently a junior. In 2006, Justin founded J Miller Excavating LLC, contributing to infrastructure and growth across many of the new neighborhoods in the region. His hands-on understanding of development, land use, and long-term planning brings a grounded, community-centered perspective to the school board. As a parent, business owner, and current board director, Justin is seeking re-election to continue serving Mars families with practicality, transparency, and integrity.
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Amanda Salkeld
Originally from Elizabeth, PA, I have called the Mars area home for over a decade. My husband, Nick, and I live in Middlesex Township with our two young sons, one of whom will begin Planet Preschool in 2025. I am currently an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Finance Manager at MSA Safety in Cranberry, where I have been rooted for nearly ten years and served in varying roles including Internal Audit and Investor Relations. I will bring a sensible, compassionate voice- grounded in integrity- to our community.
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Robert Vigue
I was born in Maine but grew up here in Valencia after my mom moved us back to her hometown of Pittsburgh. I graduated from Mars Area High School, which is still an important part of my life today. After high school, I spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as an Avionics Communication and Navigation Technician and later as a master instructor. While serving, I got involved in my stepson’s school PTO — and that experience sparked my commitment to public service.
When I retired, I came home and stayed involved — serving as Constable, on Borough Council, and on both the Mars Library Board and the countywide Library System Board. I’m running because I believe strong communities are built on transparency, respect, and people willing to roll up their sleeves.
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