Panther Valley School District will have a new head of special education when students return from the winter break.

Catharine Hertzog was named special education supervisor by the school board earlier this month at a salary of $70,000.

Hertzog’s start date is Jan. 10.

She is currently employed as an emotional support teacher in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

Hertzog is scheduled to complete her doctorate at Drexel University in December. She already has completed a supervisor in special education program at Drexel, as well as a master’s from Cedar Crest College and a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education from Kutztown University.

Hertzog will replace Sandra Michalik, who is leaving for a position in the Jim Thorpe Area School District.

The school board also:

• Learned that the St. Luke’s Adopt-A-School program will begin providing mental health services through the use of a licensed clinical social worker.

• Recognized the girls’ volleyball team for winning the District 11 championship.

• Recognized Christine Diekman, who retired after 33 years teaching in the district.