WAYNESBORO, Pa. — The vacant North End representative seat for the Waynesboro Area School Board has been filled by Shandra Kraft. The board voted 6-2 in favor of Kraft at the board meeting held at Clayton Avenue on May 26. The only two board members opposed to the election of Kraft were Kimberly Miles and Linda Zimmerman.
Kraft, who was the only nominee after Justin Gouff removed his name from the nomination, had also participated in the interview process and subsequent vote at the May 12 meeting. On that night, Gouff was elected to the seat with a 4-3 vote; however, as all members of the board were not present to vote, those results were negated, and a re-vote was scheduled.
No reason was given by Gouff for his withdrawal from the nomination; however, his being selected did cause a great deal of concern for several community members due to his position as administrative director for the Waynesboro Early Learning Center, with whom Linda Zimmerman is member of their board of directors and the school district helps fund. Many believed this to be a conflict of interest.
Kraft is a native of Virginia. Growing up she visited family in Waynesboro on holidays and breaks. She moved here from Japan, with her husband and two children in 2020 after her husband’s military retirement. She is committed to serving the community in her new role.
She said, “The powerful public comment of a student at the 5/26 meeting, highlighting how district stakeholders–including students–are frustrated, and hurting right now, will serve as my motivation moving forward.”
