The resignation of its human resources director after less than a year on the job sparked a series of Palmerton Area School District administrative and salary adjustments Tuesday night.

The board approved a motion to appoint Dr. Daniel Heaney in a new role of Assistant Superintendent for Academic Programs and Technology, with an annual salary of $135,000.

Heaney, who previously oversaw the district’s technology department, was given about a $12,000 raise for his added responsibilities, which will now include human resources, according to discussion at Tuesday’s meeting.

“Dr. Heaney brings a strong background about academics and technology shaped over two decades in public education,” Superintendent Angela Friebolin said.

Heaney holds a doctorate in education and a superintendent’s letter of eligibility from Pennsylvania Western University, as well as a Masters of Library Science and an Instructional Technology Specialist Certification from Kutztown, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from King’s College.

Since 2007, Heaney has served in roles including high school librarian and director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology. According to Friebolin, he has led efforts “to align the curriculum and technology with the district vision for student success.”

Despite broad support for Heaney’s qualifications, concerns were raised about the absence of human resources responsibilities in his job title

“One of the most important reasons that we were doing this was because of the human resources... our community needs to know that that is a large portion of his position, and it’s not indicated here at all,” Haas said.

Board President Earl Paules said the duties were already outlined in the contract and written documentation.

Heaney’s appointment comes after the resignation of Human Resources Director Karissa Belcher, who was hired in March 2024 at an $85,000 salary and will officially leave her post on April 30.

Haas was one of two board members, joining Brandon Mazepa, to vote no on Heaney’s new title, raising concerns about the salary increase.

“I’m not agreeing with the salary,” she said. “I find it hard to part with $14,000 for adding a role of which no experience and no past education comes with it.”

Despite the concerns, the motion passed by a 7-2 vote.

Heaney expressed gratitude following the vote.

“I would just like to thank the board and Mrs. Friebolin for this opportunity,” he said. “I’m grateful for your support, and I’m looking forward to moving into this new role and working with our team to do what’s best for (the district).”

Finance and Facilities

In a separate motion, the board approved Ryan Kish as Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities, with no change to his current salary. Kish has served as the district’s business manager in two separate stints since 2016 and was also interim superintendent from July to November 2024.

Kish holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration and public finance from Kutztown University. He is a registered Pennsylvania School Business Administrator and a school superintendent certification.

The board highlighted Kish’s “wealth of knowledge and leadership experience,” citing his background in K-12 business administration and private sector operations. He also recently served as president of the Carbon County Tax Collection Committee.

“I look forward to the expanding responsibilities and finding new ways to better serve our students,” Kish said.

According to his contract, Kish currently earns just under $136,000 annually.

Superintendent raise

The board also approved a salary increase for Superintendent Angela Friebolin, raising her pay from $135,000 to $138,000 for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. The motion stipulated no change to the terms of her existing contract.

Friebolin began her tenure as superintendent on Dec. 2, 2024.

“We hired Angela under what Ryan (Kish) was making,” Paules said. “Normally the superintendent makes more than anybody. We’re going to make that right tonight.”