Dr. Randy M. Ziegenfuss has been named Salisbury Township School District superintendent effective Jan. 5, 2015 for a term ending June 30, 2019.

Ziegenfuss is currently assistant superintendent for teaching and learning.

Board President Russell Giordano announced this appointment at the Nov. 19 school board meeting after accepting with deep regret the resignation of Superintendent Michael Q. Roth effective Jan. 2, 2015. "Thank you for everything; we wish you the best," Giordano said.

Roth will be taking a job in the private sector with Discovery Education and said his decision was in no way a reflection on the district; it was a decision made in the best interest of his family.

"I would like to thank the board and the administrative team for their support," Roth said. "This has been a great team to be a part of and the district is a wonderful place to be."

Roth quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson by saying, "I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new."

Giordano said the district is "light years ahead of where we were nine years ago when Ziegenfuss joined the district. He will bring stability, knowledge and caring for our school district to the position."

Ziegenfuss thanked the board for their confidence and reiterated his passion for the Salisbury students, administration and staff who have given him many opportunities to learn and grow.

"I'm looking foward to the possibilities and the things yet to come in this small but mighty district."

The board also approved the appointment of Brian A. Muschlitz, of Northampton, pending completion of requirements, as the assistant principal at Salisbury High School. His start date is not yet determined.

In other business, the board adopted policy 121, field trips and educational tours and policy 220, student expression/distribution of materials. Policy committee chair Robert Fischer said the Pennsylvania Department of Education wants policy 806 on child abuse revised to reflect numerous changes in legislation by the end of the year. It was last updated in 2005. The board will work with the solicitor on revisions.

Upcoming activities at the high school include a blood drive Dec. 4, the Key Club Christmas party at the high school for Salisbury elementary school students Dec. 13 and a SGA toy drive Dec. 2 through 12 with all toys donated to the Lehigh Valley Health Network - pediatric department.