A 20-year Navy veteran will assist Jim Thorpe School District’s director of security at no cost to the district.

The school board on Wednesday approved a six-month internship/fellowship with Terry Levan, a resident of the district who recently retired from the Navy following a 20-year career.

Levan will work with Director of Security Lori Leinhard, applying some of the lessons from his time in the military.

“It’s a free six months of utilizing myself, and giving myself a transition back to the civilian sector after 20 years,” Levan said.

In his most recent position in the Navy, Levan spent four years doing force protection/anti-terrorism for about 160 servicemen in his division. His job consisted of preparing sailors for active shooters, telephonic and bomb threats, evacuations and protests — skills that should come in handy with the increased emphasis on safety in schools.

“It would be a great privilege to do this internship through the school district. Whether that be assisting with security, crisis management, and anywhere else that my skills can be utilized,” Levan said.

Levan has also served as an assistant wrestling coach at Jim Thorpe for the past 10 years.

In other business

The board accepted the resignation of administrative assistant Shannon Serfass. After initially referring the position to the policy and personnel committee, they agreed to advertise to seek applications for the position.

Superintendent Brian Gasper thanked the board for their service as part of school director recognition month.

President Pearl Sheckler appointed new school board committee members. Ronnie Marciante was named chairman of the athletic committee; Michael Principe, curriculum committee; Dennis McGinley, legislative; John Ciavarella, cafeteria; Clement McGinley, finance; and Glen Confer, policy and personnel.