The Panther Valley School District may have found a new business manager.

A special meeting is planned today at 6 p.m., and hiring a replacement for outgoing Business Manager Jesse Walck is on the agenda.

The board last week accepted Walck’s resignation, but had tabled action on hiring a replacement.

At that time, board President Daniel Matika said the board wanted to take its time finding a new business manager, because it’s the second most important position in the district. But he added the board would also like to hire someone who could work with Walck for a few weeks before his departure at the end of June.

Matika praised Walck’s work in the past five years with the district, and said the board wants to find the right fit for continued success.

Walck accepted a position with the Allentown School District, where he’ll serve as executive director of financial planning at a salary of $150,000. He was making $87,500 a year at Panther Valley.

Superintendent

Last week, the board also welcomed back Superintendent Dave McAndrew after a medical leave of absence since April.

Robert Palazzo, the district’s supervisor of curriculum, student and community services, was acting as interim superintendent at rate of $125 a day. The board ended the stipend May 12.

In his report, McAndrew thanked all of the staff for their hard work.

“Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week and our teachers are top notch, led by an incredibly dedicated administrative team,” he told the board last Wednesday. “I am so thankful to work alongside these educators. I can’t say enough great things about these people.”

Senior dates

McAndrew pointed out these dates as the school year nears the end: Senior Awards Night were Wednesday night; baccalaureate service is May 28 at 6 p.m. at the JSHS baseball field, and graduation is May 30 at 7 p.m. at Panther Valley Stadium.

Road construction

McAndrew also noted that Kinsley Construction plans to start working on Route 209 near Knepper Lane between Lansford and the school complex.

“They will utilize daily lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting May 28,” he said. “On June 4, they will close the southbound lane to start replacing the bridge.

“While this work is happening, traffic will be controlled by a temporary signal.”