Newly elected board member Bruce Smith pictured in the Mount Union Area High School library.
By GIULIA WHITESEL | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — On November 17, 2025, Mr. Bruce Smith officially joined the Mount Union Area School Board after earning the position in the most recent election. Throughout his campaign, Mr. Smith remained focused on being open and genuine. “I stayed honest, stayed present, and most of all, focused on listening,” he said. “I talked to teachers, parents, and students, and made sure every message came from a place of wanting to make our district better, not from politics.”
What helped Mr. Smith stand out among the candidates was his fresh perspective and his commitment to transparency. “I’m someone willing to ask tough questions while still working respectfully with others,” he stated. “I was open about the issues, clear about my goals, and focused on students, not a personal agenda.” His main goal for the district is to create a school system where students can thrive academically and be proud of the education they receive. He explained, “My focus is on improving outcomes while stabilizing the district’s long-term future.”
He also explained how he plans to support teachers and students as he begins his role on the board. He hopes to do this by “ensuring they have the resources, leadership, and safe learning environment they deserve. Supporting teachers strengthens the entire district, and supporting students means giving them every opportunity to succeed inside and outside the classroom. I’ve listened to students for the past few years and advocated for change when necessary. I plan on keeping that drive and an open line of communication.”
While Mr. Smith is on the school board people can expect hard work and a willingness to communicate. He believes that he is a good fit for the position because he is not afraid to dig deep into policy or finances. He is also committed to keeping the community informed about the decisions made by the board. To fulfill the position, he plans to show up being prepared, “doing my homework,” asking thoughtful questions, and being transparent with the community. He stated, “I plan to approach every vote with integrity and fairness and research the best opportunities for our district.”
Joining the school board was important to Mr. Smith for a number of reasons. As a parent and community member, he has watched the district face challenges for years, and he felt it was time to be part of the solution rather than remain on the sidelines. He wants students and families to know that their voices matter. “I’m here to listen, to serve, and to work toward a district that everyone can be proud of. We’re all on the same team, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to help us move forward together,” he said. “This place needs all hands on deck, and if I can be that conduit to involve more people, I welcome that opportunity.”
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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