Dr. Edward M. Grissinger, 44, of Mechanicsburg, a member of the Pennsylvania Department of Education staff in Harrisburg, was elected superintendent of the Jim Thorpe Area School District at last night’s meeting of the school directors. His salary was set at $18,000, to become effective on July 1.

Dr. Grissinger succeeds Lawrence B, Morris, whose resignation was formally accepted last night.

In a companion move to assure an orderly transition of the administrative duties, Dr. Grissinger was also named Mr. Morris’s administrative assistant at a salary of $1,500 per month, effective April 1 and until he takes over as superintendent.

Dr. Grissinger holds a doctor’s degree in educational administration from Lehigh University.