By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Parkland School Board President Rob Cohen began the March 18 meeting with a tribute to Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson, who received the top award for leadership among large companies in the Lehigh Valley.

Cohen highlighted qualities of leadership exhibited by Madson in the district.

As superintendent, Madson makes decisions to serve the best interests of the school district, takes steps to solve problems efficiently, and encourages employee innovations, Cohen said.

He noted the superintendent serves as a role model for staff and students and exhibits ethical behavior.

Cohen said a successful leader makes staffers feel valued.

School board members added congratulations to Madson for receiving the honor.

Director Carol Facchiano said the award was particularly notable compared “to what we’re up against” in companies much larger than the Parkland School District,

“Thank you for the kind words,” Madson said.

He noted leadership at Parkland includes 70 administrators who influence teachers and the 10,000 students in classrooms throughout the district.

In another matter, Assistant Superintendent Timothy Chorones listed new staffing requests for the 2025-26 school year.

He reported most retirements were submitted by January, and planners reviewed vacancies and enrollment to determine what new positions will be needed for the next school year.

Chorones asked for two additional teachers due to increased enrollment, one central registrar, and four paraprofessionals.

The board will take the staffing requests under consideration for inclusion in the budget which will be presented at the annual seminar on April 25.