There was a “circle of life” feeling during the March 9 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting. Much of the board discussion and comments centered around retirees and new hires.

The board approved the intent to retire of four teachers and the district’s network manager. Set to retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year are Michele Bolza, from Sheckler Elementary School, after 31 years; Lisa Roth, from Catasauqua Middle School, after 32 years; Paula Semmel, from Catasauqua High School, after 25 years; and Christine Snyder, from Sheckler Elementary, after 28 years.

Wayne Karess, the district network manager, will retire after 21 years, effective Oct. 15. Karess’ impact on the district is evident in the tributes and comments from the board members and other district personnel.

“Wayne is an absolute jewel,” CASD Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler said.

“We’ve all been richer for having you here,” board member Donald Panto commented.

“I’m not ready to say goodbye,” CHS Principal Adam Schnug added.

“We wish you the best,” board President Duane Deitrich said.

Deitrich made a joke saying they, as a board, did not want to approve the retirement to keep Karess around longer.

“He’ll be dearly missed. He deserves it,” said Kathy Kotran, coordinator of instructional technology and federal programs.

Kotran echoed Deitrich’s sentiments and said she secretly hoped the board would not approve his retirement.

All the board members wished Karess all the happiness in his retirement.

“The years flew by so quickly,” Karess said. “It’s been really great to be a part of Catasauqua.”

Karess thanked the board members for accepting his retirement.

On the other side of things, board members approved a change in employment status for four substitute teachers. It was reported all four of these women were brought on board to teach the virtual students this year, and district administration had nothing but glowing praise for their efforts.

Katherine Haberern, Jordan Schutter and Abigail Tsihlis were all approved to move from long-term substitute to teacher at Sheckler, effective Aug. 19, at $59,675.

“They really are outstanding,” Sheckler Principal Eric Dauberman said. “I’ve gotten phone calls from parents sharing their appreciation for their efforts.”

Amanda Peters is approved to move from substitute teacher to fifth-grade teacher at CMS, effective March 22, at $56,127.

“She really just jumped in and absorbed everything,” CMS Principal Melissa Inselmann said.

“You ladies have done a tremendous job with us this year,” Spengler said with regard to their efforts.

“They’ll be a really great addition to Catasauqua,” Kotran added.

Kotran had worked extensively with all four teachers in setting up the online learning systems.

In other personnel matters, three people were added to the substitute employment list for the 2020-21 school year. Janice Walenta was approved as a teacher; Yomara Singh was approved as a bus driver; and Christina Deitrich was approved as a custodian.

Dru Chunko and Kyle Coronado were approved as districtwide custodians, upon the receipt of employment paperwork. Kawaunna Waldron was also approved as a noncertified instructional aide at Sheckler, at $125 per day, effective June 11, upon the receipt of employment paperwork.

Laura Gerhard was approved as assistant track coach, at $2,671, and Zachary Bradley was approved as a volunteer assistant baseball coach.

Two resignations were approved. Douglas Keller resigned as a districtwide custodian, effective Feb. 10. Jose Rivera resigned from his job as a districtwide substitute custodian, effective Dec. 28, 2020.

The next school board meeting will be 7 p.m. April 13.