Three superintendents and four business managers joined the ranks of school district administrations in the Times News area in 2020.

Pleasant Valley School District was the first to hire a superintendent when it approved Dr. Lee Lesisko by a 7-2 vote in March. Lesisko had been with Pleasant Valley for the last 14 years, first as technology coordinator from 2006 to 2012, then as the lead administrator for the PV Cyber Academy in 2012 and as director of technology in 2017.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer and information science from Bloomsburg University, a Master of Science in classroom technology from Wilkes University, and a doctorate from Widener University.

In addition to being an instructional technology specialist, he also holds a Principal K-12 Certificate and Superintendent Letter of Eligibility and has written more than 20 research studies and publications.

Two directors questioned whether Lesisko was ready for the role of superintendent.

“I think he thinks he can do this,” said Director Daniel Wunder when the hire was made. “I need to be inspired.”

Director Susan Kresge said she met with Lesisko on her own before making a decision.

“He does a wonderful job in the work he does now,” she said. “He just doesn’t have the experience.”

Kresge also felt his contract offered too many perks. His salary started off at $155,000, which is $14,000 more than he made as director of technology. The contract allowed for his salary to be increased a minimum of 2% on July 1, pending a satisfactory review by the board, and guarantees the 2% minimum increase for each year of his term. His term began on April 1 and runs to June 20, 2023.

Panther Valley

In April, Panther Valley tapped David McAndrew Jr., formerly a principal at the Penn-Kidder Campus in the Jim Thorpe School District, as its next superintendent. He spent a total of 19 years with Jim Thorpe, with 12 coming as an administrator.

“He’s going to be right there for Panther Valley. He’s going to help us move along. It’s a tough time to get into it, but I’m wishing the best for him,” said Gary Porembo, school board president.

McAndrew’s salary was set at $98,000 per year. His contract runs from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2023. He replaces Dennis Kergick, who retired June 30 after six years on the job.

McAndrew acknowledged that Panther Valley does not have the financial resources of other districts, but he said there is a lot to be excited about between the students and faculty.

“They have a fantastic faculty that wants to produce a high level of education, and they have students that overcome a lot of obstacles to achieve college success and trade work. Hopefully we can continue to thrive,” he said.

Palmerton

Dr. Jodi Frankelli was hired as Palmerton Area School District Superintendent in May.

She was previously the supervisor of Early Learning, Grants and Development in the Bethlehem Area School District.

“When I was selected, I was ecstatic,” Frankelli said. “It really is a dream come true. I am looking forward to serving the Palmerton community, students and families, staff, and administration as the new superintendent. There is a strong tradition of excellence in the Palmerton Area School District, and I look forward to leading the district as we work collaboratively to advance the district’s goals.”

Frankelli was previously a middle school English teacher in the East Stroudsburg and Nazareth school districts, a high school English teacher for Project Upward Bound at East Stroudsburg University, an adjunct professor at Wilkes University, a middle school assistant principal in the Pen Argyl School District and an elementary principal in the Bethlehem Area School District.

“Dr. Frankelli emerged after a very thorough process that included input from district administration, teachers, staff, students and community members,” Board President Kathy Fallow said. The board is excited and ready to work with Dr. Frankelli. Our district will be in good hands.”

Frankelli received a three-year contract, which calls for a salary of $125,000, followed by a 2% increase for each of the final two years.

Business managers

Pleasant Valley ends 2020 looking for a business manager after thinking it had found the man for the job.

New hire Thomas Cipriano Jr. had a change of heart and turned down the $120,000 year salary.

Superintendent Lee Lesisko said he doesn’t know why Cipriano turned down the job, just that he had changed his mind.

“You can’t fault a person for changing their mind,” he said.

Cipriano Jr., of the Hazleton area, had been hired in an 8-1 vote in early December.

He had been an assistant business manager for Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, business administrator and fiscal coordinator for the Hanover Area School District, and manager of School Business Services for Foundations Inc.

Jim Thorpe pried Kenneth Marx away from Panther Valley in May to become its business manager. Marx had been at the same position in Panther Valley since 2006.

Marx replaced Lauren Kovac, who resigned in November from Jim Thorpe, after controversy and an investigation into the processes and practices of the business office. The final report about the credit card use cleared Kovac of improper practices.

Marx got a three-year contract at a salary of $100,000.

Panther Valley filled its opening with Jesse Walck at a salary of $75,000.

Edward Rarick is Lehighton Area School District’s new business administrator following a 5-4 school board approval in November.

Rarick’s contract will run through June 30, 2024. He will earn $110,000 for his first two years, with the first year prorated from now until June 30, 2021. The contract calls for a $2,500 raise in his third and fourth years with the district.

Superintendent Jonathan Cleaver said six people were brought in for first-round interviews, which were conducted by an administrative interview committee. Board members were allowed to watch interviews with the two finalists, all of which were conducted virtually.

In July, previous business administrator Patricia Denicola announced she was leaving Lehighton to take the chief financial officer spot in the Boyertown Area School District.

Lehighton then approved an agreement with the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials to supply an interim business administrator, Joe Surridge, at a cost of $62.50 per hour, not to exceed 20 hours per week.