State College Area School Board president appointed Centre County commissioner

A State College school board member will soon join the Centre County Board of Commissioners.

State College Area School Board President Amber Concepcion was appointed as a county commissioner to fill the seat of Michael Pipe, according to a press release Friday. Pipe announced his resignation as commissioner Thursday to take a position as deputy chief of staff for public safety for incoming Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Concepcion will start shortly after Jan. 14, when Pipe’s resignation goes into effect, and will continue to serve on the school board until then.

Concepion said she felt her years as a school board member would serve her well in county leadership and is looking forward to the position.

”It’s an exciting opportunity and I’m very grateful to President Judge (Pamela) Ruest for the position,” she said. “I’m excited to learn about all the services the county offers our community.”

Concepcion has been a member of the school board for 11 years, serving as president for nine years. She was reelected as president at the board’s Dec. 19 meeting. While on the board, Concepcion oversaw the construction of the new State College Area High School and three new elementary buildings.

“I’m definitely really torn about leaving this position,” Concepion said. “I’ve really put my heart and soul into everything I’ve done to serve the district.”

Commissioner Mark Higgins will become chair once Pipe’s resignation becomes effective. Pipe has served on the board since 2012 and as chair since 2016.

Concepcion was appointed in accordance with county code. Under that code, in the event of a vacancy the court of common pleas will fill the seat with a registered elector who is of the same political party as the commissioner being replaced.

The State College Area School Board will hold another reorganization meeting to elect a new president and seek applicants for Concepcion’s seat in the new year. Concepcion said she will send out an email to SCASD families detailing the timeline and the process after Jan. 2.

This story was originally published December 30, 2022 at 1:28 PM with the headline "State College Area School Board president appointed Centre County commissioner."