Longtime Dunmore School Board member Michael Butler decided earlier this year that after 37 years on the board, he wouldn’t seek another term.
But when the 71-year old died last month, there was still six months left on his current term. His granddaughter, Layla King, felt it appropriate that she serve in her grandfather’s seat until the end of the year, a decision she said allows her to continue his legacy of service.
Board members appointed the 23-year old longtime borough resident to the vacant seat during Tuesday’s meeting. Magisterial District Judge Paul Ware administered the oath of office, with her parents, Natalie and Tom King, grandmother, Jacqueline Butler, and best friend, Katie Hilson, in attendance.
Butler, who was first appointed to the board in April 1988, died unexpectedly May 20. He graduated from Dunmore High School in 1971, studied at Marymount College in Boca Raton, Florida, and spent his career working for his family business, Butler Casket Co., according to his obituary. Butler held various leadership positions during his tenure on the board and was named the board’s vice president during its reorganization meeting in December.
King feels serving on the board was something her grandfather truly enjoyed and found fulfilling.
“He was honestly the textbook definition of a public servant and he really held onto that title until his very last moment and proudly held up to that title,” she said. “Being on the board for 37 years, he advocated for the students and for the staff. He just enjoyed all the collaboration, the camaraderie, and paving the path for the future and what is to come.”
King — who holds an associate of science degree from Lackawanna College and is working on her bachelor’s degree in social work at Millersville University while working with special needs children — wants to continue her grandfather’s work on the board.
“He was on the school board for 37 years and truly dedicated his adult life to the Dunmore School District and the Dunmore community, so I felt that his legacy should be continued,” she said. “What he left behind at the Dunmore School District is truly second to none and I am actually so honored to be the one to end this journey for him.”
King will serve on the board until December and said she won’t run to fill the seat in November. The seat is one of four up for grabs on the board in this year’s general election. Six people are vying for the seats: board Treasurer Heidi McDonough, Chris Murray Sr., Joseph Luciano, Amy Haun, Deanna Leo and Corey Pregmon.
“I am just finishing out his term for him,” King said.
Dunmore school board member Michael Butler poses with his granddaughter Layla King following her graduation from Dunmore High School in 2020. King was appointed to a seat on the Dunmore school board after the passing of Butler, her grandfather, in May. (Submitted
Layla King prepares for her swearing in as a member of the Dunmore school board Tuesday, June 24, 2025. King was appointed to the board to fill the seat held by her grandfather, Michael Butler, who died in May. Butler had served on the board since 1988. (Submitted)
Magisterial District Judge Paul Ware swears in new board member Layla King during the board meeting Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Submitted)
Dunmore school board member Michael Butler hugs his granddaughter Layla King, after handing handing her her high school diploma during her graduation from Dunmore High School in 2020. King was appointed to fill the open seat on the board created when Butler passed away in May. (Submitted)
Layla King signs the oath of office during the Dunmore school board meeting Tuesday, June 24, 2025. King was appointed to a seat on the board following the passing of her grandfather, longtime board member Michael Butler, in May. (Submitted)
She said it felt surreal being sworn in Tuesday night, but serving in the seat held by her grandfather is a way of honoring him.
“It felt like I owed this to him,” King said.
Superintendent John Marichak said Butler was a huge presence on the board in his nine years leading the district. The Pennsylvania School Boards Association recognized him several years ago for serving 30 years on the board.
“He was a very passionate Dunmorean through and through,” Marichak said, adding he was present at many district events. “He was a really nice guy.”
He said the board didn’t advertise the vacancy but King submitted a letter of interest for the seat.
“I believe the board felt it was a thing of honor for Mike and his family,” Marichak said.
He said it is refreshing to see King, whom he knew when she was a student in the district, get involved on the board.
King said her grandfather was proud of her and her younger sister, Elle King, throughout her life and was active in their lives. Her swearing-in was an emotional and proud moment for her family, she said.
She hopes to spend her six months on the board collaborating with her fellow board members, listening and watching them. King said while serving on the board is a new experience, she feels honored to do so and is starting out with an open mind.
“I watched my grandfather my entire life dedicate his time and carry out all of his duties with integrity and loyalty,” King said. “So it’s definitely going to be a change for me because this is my first time doing it. And I’m very proud to do it.”