A familiar face is stepping in again to help Palmerton Area School District as it undergoes a transition within its administrative team.

Dr. Alan Lonoconus, who spent about nine months as interim superintendent from October 2019 to the end of June 2020, was named Palmerton’s interim business manager Tuesday night.

Before Palmerton, he was interim superintendent in the Southern Columbia, Shikellamy and Great Valley school districts for just over 16 years combined.

Current Business Manager Ryan Kish is in his last week with the district after accepting the same role at Northwestern Lehigh School District.

According to Superintendent Dr. Jodi Frankelli, Lonoconus, who was hired at a $500 per day rate, will help fill the gap while the search for a permanent business manager continues.

“We didn’t want to be rushed in our search and Dr. Lonoconus coming on temporarily will allow us to continue to try to find someone who is very well-trained and prepared to take on the job permanently,” Frankelli said.

The vacancy remains posted under the human resources section of the district’s website.

“This position is responsible for overseeing the financial, budgeting, purchasing, auditing, and payroll procedures within the district, as well as maintaining thorough and efficient operation of the business office functions through effective leadership supervision, and review,” the posting states.

Candidates must also be knowledgeable in tax billing/collections, financial planning, debt management, federal and state regulations related to school funding, accounting, and reporting.

Kish was earning $96,400 and was slated to earn a 2% increase each year.

“We haven’t had anyone yet who we felt comfortable offering the position to,” Frankelli said during a board meeting Tuesday night. “We’re hoping as we extend this search a little longer, we can really find someone who we feel is appropriate and would be a good fit.”