On July 31, a special board meeting was held to interview four candidates to fill the seat vacated by Joseph Kuzo who resigned four months shy of the end of his term. The term will run Aug. 1 through Dec. 4.

Each candidate was allotted a 15-minute block of time to answer seven questions posed by board members.

Candidates were given the questions before the interviews were conducted so they had time to formulate their answers. Board members rated each candidate on a scale of 1 to 3 and the candidate with the highest rating was to be sworn in to serve the remainder of the term.

The candidates included Joseph Gaither who was most recently on the 2023 ballot in the primary election. He touted his skills in budgeting and management as senior director at C & W Services. He added he has a good deal of experience working with people and emphasized his decision-making process includes gathering information and resources and making decisions as a team.

Also interviewing for the 4-month term was Christopher Hoffman who has lived in Salisbury for 18 years. As a senior manager at a nuclear power plant, he has experience in large scale budget planning, personnel management, contract negotiations, human resources and policy. One of his goals as a board member would be to take a hard look at the district’s long-term asset management which will help in planning for the future.

Ian Riccaboni, a 2005 Salisbury graduate and senior manager of a pharmaceutical company, credits the strong academic foundation and sense of community he received at Salisbury as one of the reasons he relocated his family to the district in 2017. He has been involved with the PTO, Salisbury Youth Association as a soccer coach and helped to raise funds to benefit the district.

When asked what qualities he will bring to the board he remarked his work experience in managing budgets and making tough decisions with an eye to how these decisions will affect vulnerable populations will be an asset to the board.

Rounding out the interviews was candidate Mary Ziegler, a 65-year Salisbury resident, having served on the board for a total of 16 years before losing her seat in 2021. Her desire to return to the board is fueled by her concern for the students, teachers and the senior citizens living in the district. In her previous capacity as a board member she brings a wealth of experience serving as treasurer and co-chairing curriculum/personnel and finance committees. She will prioritize a quality education for students and providing facilities that allow students to do their best while at the same time being financially responsible.

After the ratings were tallied, Riccaboni was the clear front-runner by a 6-point margin.

Board president Christopher Freas nominated Riccaboni to serve the 4-month term which was seconded by Laura McKelevy. Riccaboni was subsequently sworn into office and took his seat at the table as the newest member of the board.

During the curriculum and technology portion of the meeting, the board approved an agreement with DeSales University for the placement of student teachers within the district in the fall, an agreement with Catasauqua School District for a life skills placement for one student for the 2023-2024 school year and an agreement with the Center for Humanistic Change to provide training and support for the district’s student assistance program.

Also approved was the Salisbury High School non-Title 1 targeted support and improvement plan for the 2023-2024 school year.

Several resignations have been tendered including Laura Gelsomini, part-time art teacher, Salisbury Middle School; James Haan, full-time mathematics, SHS; Tiffany Krasley, part-time ESL, SMS; Karen Orlemann, full-time gifted/learning support, SMS/SHS and Brian Weldner, full-time Project Wonder learning coach, SMS.

New hires include Krista Atiyeh, full-time school nurse; Joann Conrad, full-time accountant, administration building; Annette Alves-Burger, 10-month administrative assistant, SHS; Bruce Reiss, full-time custodian; Rocky Wilson, part-time health and physical education; Jessica Weller, part-time ESL; Adrienne Jacobs, full-time mathematics and Nolan Rau, part-time custodian to full-time utility maintenance.

New building substitutes at SMS Preston Kucsan and April Ziegler were also approved.

In other news, after many hours of negotiations and cooperative work on both sides of the aisle, the board passed the Salisbury Education Association Collective bargaining agreement which will take effect Sept. 1 through 2027.

The next regular school board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Aug. 16 in the administration building, 1140 Salisbury Road.