Jon Guizar is a Pennsylvania native and moved to the Bellefonte Area School District in 2003.

Guizar was appointed to the board in 2016 and is employed as a senior-level project manager and construction estimator for Nestlerode Contracting Company. He has constructed many bridges in the Centre Region during the past 17 years as a superintendent and surveyor. Guizar has also had a successful career as a professional pilot and flight instructor. He has held the position of corporate pilot for two companies in the area for more than 27 years. He is also a flight instructor and has taught many students to fly planes and earn their private and commercial pilot licenses.

Professional development during his career in aviation and construction has led to numerous certifications and licenses, including aircraft mechanic, structural steel and pipe welder, flight instructor, Pennsylvania-licensed large crane operator and more. 

Guizar is a graduate of the civil and environmental engineering program at Penn State, where he also met his wife Leah, who teaches Spanish and music in the State College area. The Guizar family has three children: Eden, Caden, and Vivian -- all attending Bellefonte Elementary School.

Guizar currently serves on two other boards for nonprofit organizations in the area, and enjoys volunteering for TSA events and is a former Bellefonte soccer coach.

As a school board member, Guizar is excited about the changing technology available to students, teachers and parents. He also hopes to offer valued input toward fostering a school environment that instills lifelong learning in kids, young adults and teachers.

Nate has lived in Bellefonte since graduating from Pittsburgh Technical College with a degree CADD in 2001. He is currently employed with Rettew, an engineering firm in the State College area and has been with them for the last 6 years as a Senior Designer. 

Nate enjoys public service and giving back to the Bellefonte community. He has served on various boards and commissions since moving to the area. Nate enjoyed being a member of the Benner Township Planning Commission for 13 years. He has also been involved in the Airport Master Planning Committee and was a prior Benner Township Judge of Elections. Nate was first appointed to the School Board in 2021 to fulfill the term of a resigning Board Member. 

Nate lives in Benner Township with his wife, Carrie, and their two daughters. Their youngest is a student in the Bellefonte Area Middle School while their oldest attends the high school.  Both children are involved with the schools' twirling teams and in addition to being members of a local competitive twirling team.  

Nate is motivated to help Bellefonte achieve even greater things. He is dedicated to see that all students are challenged and have the opportunity to have bright and successful futures. "Bellefonte is a great town and school and I am happy to be part of continuing the success of the District."

Hannah Hartswick was appointed to the Bellefonte Area School Board in 2026.  She and her husband have resided in Benner township since 2005 and have two daughters attending Bellefonte Area High School.  

Hannah earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University and her Master of Science degree from Lock Haven University.  She is the owner of Hartswick Counseling, a mental health practice located in downtown Bellefonte.  Throughout her years as a community member and parent, she has volunteered with numerous school programs and events, strengthening her connection to the district and its families.

Hannah brings to the board a unique combination of experience in business ownership, mental health, and community involvement.  She is committed to supporting positive outcomes for students and the district as a whole through practical, common-sense decision-making, transparency, and thoughtful consideration of the diverse needs and perspectives of students, families, educators, taxpayers, and the broader community.

Holly Hopkins, a two-time 2025 appointee to the board, is a Pennsylvania native who came to Centre County in 2004 and immediately fell in love with the Victorian charm of Bellefonte. She was employed as a Dental Hygienist in State College and Snow Shoe before finding her home at Bellefonte Dental in 2009. Holly strives to build a rapport with her patients, especially children, and feels it connects her to the community in a unique way. She and her husband live in Pleasant Gap; they have one daughter who attends BAHS and adores their Fine Arts programs. 

Holly's most recent passion is researching and documenting local history. She publishes books filled with vintage photos, interviews of Bellefonte's residents and proprietors, and children's books illustrated by local artists. As a part of the board, her goal is to always be transparent while promoting a safe and positive learning environment, ensuring district funds are allocated effectively, and helping to foster a sense of school spirit and pride in Bellefonte.

Kristin Lyons, a 2024 appointee to the board, possesses deep roots within the Bellefonte community, having resided in the district her entire life and graduated from Bellefonte. Her professional background includes teaching Adult Basic Education at the State Correctional Institution of Benner Township, where she leverages her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lock Haven University (1999) and Master’s Degree Equivalency in Education. Ms. Lyons further demonstrates her commitment to service through volunteer roles on the Hostage Negotiation Team and Mentoring Committee. She is driven by a passion for lifelong learning and a belief in equitable education for all students.

Donna Smith has been a resident of Benner Township for the past 34 years, and her two adult children are proud and successful graduates of Bellefonte Area School District.

She moved to Bellefonte in 1986 after graduating from Clarion University to teach English at the Bellefonte Area Middle School and recently retired after a 33-year career. Additionally, she was involved with the cheerleading program, the cross country and track and field teams, and continues to support her former students in their extracurricular activities. She has held the roles of parent, grandparent, teacher, tax payer and community member, pledging to keep those roles in mind when making informed decisions. (Mrs. Smith always does her homework and continues to learn)!

Giving back to the district and its families that she has grown to love is the primary reason for serving on the board. She feels that the greatest challenge our district faces is balancing needs with resources to ensure all graduates are prepared to pursue their hopes and dreams.   

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela

Kimberly Weaver was appointed to the board in 2015. She and her husband have resided in the district for more than 30 years, and currently reside in Spring Township. She is a graduate of Bellefonte Area High School and teaches at Bald Eagle Area School District.

Weaver has two children -- her son graduated in 2018 and her daughter will graduate in 2024.

Weaver is excited about the opportunity to serve on the board, serve as a vessel to the community and students, and to work as a team member to advance the goals of the school district as described in its comprehensive plan and mission statement.