Northern Lehigh School District has approved a new agreement for its school police officer.

On an 8-0 vote, with Director Donna Kulp absent, the school board on Monday approved a new salary and benefit agreement between the district and Frank Gnas, school police officer.

The currently salary for next year is $45,000, and the contract is for three years with a 3.5 percent increase in the second and third years, according to Sherri Molitoris, co-director of business affairs/human resources.

Molitoris said that the district is very pleased that the school board recognizes and supports the value of having a full-time police officer employed directly by the school district.

She said the presence of officer Gnas in the buildings and on the campuses is invaluable, as he takes the safety of the students, employees and guests as his top priority.

Gnas was originally hired to the position in 2016.