Kaleb Best
“I’m running for School Board because I value high-quality public education. I believe that all students deserve to have the best education available and deserve to feel included as part of the larger community. School should prepare students for the future, whatever that future may hold for them.”
Originally from Salt Lake City, Kaleb met his wife, Jordan, a Lancaster native, while earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California. After graduation, the couple returned to Lancaster and have been residents of East Petersburg for the last 10 years. They have two children attending East Petersburg Elementary. Kaleb is employed as a Controls Engineering Manager and designs automated warehousing systems. Through his work in the manufacturing sector, he has seen firsthand the need for more skilled workers in various trades and professions. Kaleb believes our school system should prepare students for non-college career paths and trades as well as college education.
Kaleb’s community involvement includes nine years as a Cub Scout leader and service at two churches. Kaleb initially became drawn to serving as a school director when he heard of potential book bans within Hempfield and other nearby districts. An avid and life-long reader, Kaleb understands the enduring value of free access to books and reading.
Kait Linton
“As a passionate advocate for students and educators, I want to work collaboratively with the school community to move the district forward with important projects while creating an inclusive environment that keeps Hempfield at the forefront of excellence in both education and programming.”
Kait is a parent and resident of East Hempfield Township. As the child of two teachers, Kait has always been passionate about equity in education. She attended both public and private schools before graduating from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in African American Studies. She’s called Lancaster home for over 20 years.
A lifelong supporter of the arts and athletics, Kait grew up immersed in both theater and soccer. She spent over 25 years performing and competing, then went on to coach students on the speech & debate team at her alma mater. She now enjoys cheering her own children on at their soccer and basketball games.
Kait and her husband, Dave (a Hempfield alum), moved their family to Hempfield in 2020. Driven by a desire to ensure all students and staff feel seen and supported, Kait began attending school board meetings in the summer of 2021 when the board began discussing policies that singled out LGBTQ+ students.
She is an active member of the community, serving as the Managing Editor for Public Education Advocates of Lancaster County (PEAL)’s quarterly publication. PEAL is a coalition of community members dedicated to supporting public schools and public education across Lancaster county. Kait is also a member of this year’s cohort of Education Voters of Pennsylvania’s Public Education Champions.
Erin L. Small
“I’ve been an advocate of public education throughout my life as a teacher, volunteer, and parent. I will work to support students and educators, maintaining a focus on what best serves the needs of all. I believe when we are united in the common goal of providing excellent educational opportunities, the entire community benefits.”
Erin Small is a dedicated educator, parent, and resident of West Hempfield Township. A graduate of Miami University (Ohio), she holds degrees in English Literature, Secondary Education and Creative Writing. Erin possesses a wealth of experience in education, including eight years as a high school Language Arts teacher in Cincinnati, adjunct teaching at the university level, and firsthand knowledge of homeschooling methods, and as a substitute teacher for Hempfield School District. In 2024, she began working for CASA of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties as their training and recruitment coordinator.
Erin and her husband Jim chose to relocate to Hempfield in 2017 due to its exemplary reputation for academics and community. They are the proud parents of three children, including a 2023 Hempfield graduate and two current students. You can often find her in the stands supporting her son playing Mountville baseball or her daughter at Hempfield lacrosse matches
Erin actively volunteers with community groups including Friends of the Lancaster Public Library, Hempfield Power Packs, and CASA of Lancaster. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Erin works tirelessly to ensure the best interests of children in foster care. She has served in varied volunteer roles in the Hempfield school district, most recently on the committee to develop the district’s 2025-2028 Comprehensive Plan.
Over the last year, Erin has deepened her involvement with public education advocacy. She served as a Public Education Champion Fellow for Education Voters of Pennsylvania and as a member of Public Education Advocates of Lancaster County (PEAL), a coalition dedicated to supporting public schools.
Mekkai Williams
“I’m running for Hempfield School Board because I believe in our community and the potential of every student. My goal is to bring a pragmatic and student-centered approach to our schools, focusing on what truly matters- providing a great education and supporting our students’ growth.”
Mekkai is a proud 2022 graduate of Hempfield High School and resident of East Hempfield Township. He brings a deep, personal commitment to the students of our district. During his time at Hempfield, Mekkai excelled as a student-athlete, Student Council member, and Vice President of his class. These experiences ignited his passion for leadership and advocacy.
While still a high school student, Mekkai began attending school board meetings, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Hempfield schools. Since graduating, he has channeled his passion for service into transformative work focused on student mental health. As a college freshman studying Political Science at Temple University, Mekkai authored groundbreaking legislation to increase access to mental health resources for students across Pennsylvania—work that continues to progress in the state legislature.
Beyond the classroom, Mekkai has dedicated himself to nonprofit advocacy, working to advance bipartisan student-athlete mental health legislation at the national level. His commitment to making a difference is inspired not only by his own experiences as a Hempfield student but also by his two nieces and two nephews, who are current students in the district.