Area resident Donna Queeney formally announced her candidacy for the State College Area School Board at a news conference yesterday afternoon.

"I believe we have the ingredients of an excellent school system, but a number of issues need careful attention," said the 1963 University graduate.

Although this is Queeney's first run for public office, she has worked with the school district in many capacities. In addition to serving two terms with her husband as president of the Radio Park Parent-Teacher Organization from 1978-1979 and 1981-1982, she also was a member of the task forces on both the use of elementary school facilities and the review of weighted grades.

Queeney has also served seven years on the Centre Regional Planning Commission. She served as chairwoman of the commission for three of those years. She was also vice-chairwoman of the State College Borough Planning Commission for four years and a former member of the State College Community Appearance and Design Review Board.

Election primaries are this spring.

Queeney received a doctorate in Human Development from the University in 1967 after completing both undergraduate and graduate work at Penn State.

"I feel like I really know the region," she said.

Queeney outlined points she plans to pursue if she is elected to the seat and are summarized as follows:

-- Plan effectively to provide children in the district with quality education.

-- Attract and retain outstanding faculty, staff and administrators.

-- Encourage participation and increase opportunities for parent involvement.

-- Develop a more equitable taxing scheme for the costs of education.

"My experience and skills prepare me to address these and other issues effectively," Queeney said.

As the director of planning studies at the University, Queeney said she works with educational assessment and issues on a daily basis.

Serving on Queeney's campaign committee are James Rayback, chairman; Carolyn Stebbins, treasurer; and Loretta Jeffreys, publicity chairwoman.

R. Thomas Berner and Elizabeth Dutton will also serve on Queeney's committee.

"Elizabeth Dutton is familiar with education issues," Queeney said."Dr. Berner, who is on the borough council, has good ideas in terms of issues and running a campaign," she added.

Loretta Jeffreys, Queeney's publicist, said Queeney decided to announce her candidacy early so other candidates could decide whether they are also going to run.

"If someone is running who is sympathetic with your point of view, you might get on the bandwagon for them," she said. Jeffreys served on the school board from 1975 to 1985, and Stebbins served from 1977 to 1987.

"We're planning to go door to door -- we want to get out and talk to people," Rayback said of the campaign.

Queeney said she chose Rayback as her committee chairman because of his understanding of the community and out of respect for his judgement.

"I think he's honest," Queeney said, adding: "I think we have the makings of a world-class (school) district."

Queeney has cross-filed on the primary ballot for the school board seat.

"I see the school board as neutral ground,"she said."I want to talk to as many people as I can, find out what they're thinking, and tell them what I'm thinking,"she added.

Four of the nine school board members' terms expire this year.

William Moyer, who was elected president of the school board last December, said he is seeking re-election upon completion of his second four year term.

Linda Stern, wife of first-term board member Richard Stern, said her husband is planning to run again.

Joseph Filko, who has served on the board since 1983, said he will not seek re-election, and Kay Rossi, who has served on the board for ten years, remains undecided for fall elections.

Members of the school board had served six-year terms until 1979, when four year terms were established.

Primary elections are tentatively scheduled for May 16.