Rod Fletcher, a borough insurance broker, calls his experience in business a "great asset" in his bid to serve on the State College school board.

Fletcher, the president of P.A. Frost Agency Inc., announced Monday his decision to run for one of four seats open in the next election.

School Board Secretary Elaine Skidel said the terms of William Moyer, Richard Stern, Kay Rossi and Joseph Filko are almost over. She said only Moyer and Stern have decided to run for re-election.

In addition to the two incumbents and Fletcher, Donna Queeney and University lobbyist Richard DiEugenio have announced their candidacy.

"I think with my business background I can bring a businessman's perspective to the board," said Fletcher, a married father of two.

The cost to run public schools will continue to increase for several reasons, Fletcher said. Increases in enrollment and teacher salaries, the reopening of the Boalsburg Elementary School and required government programs will all add to educational costs, he said.

It is important, Fletcher said, to have a balanced budget and keep these increases to a minimum so taxes will not be affected greatly. He said the school board needs to have a balance of educators and business people to run the district effectively.

"I am running because I have two children who will be going through the school system, and I have a business in State College, and I plan to be living in the area for a long time," he said.

His decision to run was influenced by the announcement that incumbent Joseph Filko would not seek another term. Fletcher said Filko has a good knowledge of business matters and was a big asset to the board.

Brent Pasquinelli, president of Airlandsea Travel and Tour Inc. and Fletcher's campaign manager, is confident Fletcher will win the election and do a good job.

"I think that he will bring some business expertise on how to manage the budget," Pasquinelli said of his friend, adding: "He is committed to the welfare of the community and dedicated to the improvement of education."

Fletcher graduated from the University in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. After graduating, he worked with Chicago Bridge and Iron, a construction firm, heading several overseas projects.

In 1979, Fletcher returned to State College to work for P.A. Frost Agency Inc., and was named president in 1984.

Fletcher has wide-ranging involvement in the community since he has lived here, holding many offices for local organizations. He has served on the board of directors of the Jaycees, the treasurer for the Rotary Club, was a past president of the Centre County Independant Insurance Agents, and was a board of directors member for the Centre and Clinton County Easter Seal Society.

Fletcher married Jennifer Cummings of State College in 1978 and they have two children, Mary Louise and Alex.