Palmerton Area School District’s board of directors is moving forward in its search for a new superintendent, with interviews scheduled for later this week.

“We received information for the intermediate unit on 13 interested applicants,” Board President Sherry Haas said Tuesday night. “We narrowed it down to seven, but two of them have since taken other positions. We will be interviewing five applicants later this week. The process is moving along and we’re looking forward to the continuation of that.”

Director Earl Paules mentioned the strong performance of the acting superintendent, Ryan Kish, who is also the district’s current business manager.

“I just want to put Ryan’s name out there, “ Paules said. “He’s doing a good job as acting superintendent. It was the right call. He knows the finances inside and out. In today’s day and age, it would be easier for us to promote him and get another business manager.”

Kish stepped into the role of acting superintendent on July 6, following the departure of Dr. Jodi Frankelli, who left to become the executive director of early learning at Allentown School District. He is earning an additional $130 per day on top of his regular salary. He was hired at a $128,000 salary for the 2022-23 school year with 3% increases scheduled for each following year.

Kish received praise Tuesday for his handling of multiple responsibilities during the transitional period.

“Ryan is doing an amazing job. He steps up to the plate wearing multiple hats,” Haas said. “Thankfully, previous work was delegated to him. When I checked with the intermediate unit for a list of things to make sure are getting done over the summer, they provided a comprehensive list and 90% of it he has already done in the past.”

Despite the positive feedback, Kish attributed the success over the last month to the entire staff.

“I appreciate the kind words, but it’s not all because of me,” he said. “It’s because of the staff we have here. They are busting their butts. Without everyone out there right now, we couldn’t do it.”

Paules said making Kish permanent superintendent could be part of a plan he estimates would save the district nearly $200,000.

“If Ryan were still here as superintendent, we wouldn’t need to replace him with a business manager of his caliber so we can save money on that,” Paules said.

The school board also addressed upcoming administrative changes. With the recent approval of Rich DeSocio’s retirement after 21 years of service in Palmerton, there will be a principal opening at the junior high school in January.

Paules suggested this as an opportunity for restructuring, potentially eliminating the assistant principal position at the high school to optimize resources.

“I have always disagreed with having an assistant principal at the high school,” Paules said. “I think this is another option to move that person to the junior high principal position. These are all things a business would do to save money.”

Administration, Paules said, is asking for another social worker.

“I think that it is a big deal that we get another social worker,” he said. “If we head it off at the pass, maybe the disciplinary issues would not be as bad in our schools.”