Lehighton Area School District’s board of directors on Monday approved a new five-year employment agreement with Superintendent Jason Moser, extending his tenure through June 30, 2030.

The board voted unanimously to approve the contract after briefly discussing changes to Moser’s previous agreement. Director Barbara Bowes said she changed her position on the deal after revisions were made.

“I was against this in the beginning, and I’m absolutely for it now,” Bowes said. “The reason why is the early severance package has been taken out.”

Under the new agreement, Moser’s salary will start at $144,200 per year and increase annually through 2029-30 if he receives at least a satisfactory or proficient evaluation each year. His salary will rise to $148,887 in 2026-27, $153,725 in 2027-28, $158,721 in 2028-29, and $163,879 in 2029-30. The board also has the discretion to grant additional raises or merit-based bonuses.

Moser’s original agreement, which began in late 2024 and was to run through 2028, was terminated as part of the new deal. He was hired in November 2024 at a first year salary of $140,000.

The new employment contract removes a key provision that previously allowed the school board to end his contract early with severance pay. Under Moser’s 2024 contract, the board could unilaterally terminate his employment “without cause” before the contract expired, as long as it issued a public statement confirming the decision was not related to his performance. In that case, Moser would have been entitled to nine months of salary if more than nine months remained on the agreement, or the balance of his remaining pay if less than nine months were left. The new 2025 agreement, however, eliminates that early severance option entirely.

First year feedback

During the meeting, board members and the public acknowledged the work being done in the district’s schools as Moser approaches the end of his first year with Lehighton.

Board President Joy Beers read a letter from a grandparent praising the progress of a kindergarten student at the elementary center.

“We’re absolutely amazed by what he’s already learned in such a short amount of time,” the letter stated. “He learns new words every day and writes them without me having to spell them. He loves learning.”

Moser said the progress reflects the collaboration and dedication of district staff.

“I am very impressed with the work that our professional staff, our support staff, and our administrative staff have done to really focus on academics, specifically early literacy,” he said. “I don’t take credit for that. My job is to create conditions for that to occur and encourage them to take it and run with it. I’m very proud of the work those folks are doing in that building and across the district.”

Director Duane Dellecker noted that staffing adjustments were made to improve class sizes at the elementary center.

“We supported Jason in making some tweaks to the staffing at the elementary center,” the member said. “We moved teachers around to increase the teacher-to-student ratio so there weren’t as many students per teacher, and I think that’ll pay off over time.”

In February, Moser proposed moving six middle school teachers to the elementary center to address class sizes that were over 20 students.

“Across the district, there are initiatives happening in every building,” Moser said. “It can be daunting and overwhelming at times, but every conversation I have with our staff reinforces that they want what’s best for kids — and that’s where our focus will continue to be.”

Other contract details

The contract provides Moser with the same fringe benefits available to other district administrators under the district’s administrator compensation plan, with the exception of early retirement incentives, longevity pay, or remote workplace rules.

He will receive 12 sick days per year, 25 additional days credited from his previous service in the Danville Area School District, and up to $34,000 for unused sick leave upon retirement, to be paid into a 403(b) account.

Vacation leave benefits will be granted in accordance with the district’s administrative compensation plan beginning July 1, 2026. Moser will also receive a $50 monthly cellphone stipend, paid twice annually, and reimbursement for travel at the IRS-approved mileage rate.

The district will cover membership dues for professional organizations such as the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, and Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials. Expenses for professional meetings and continuing education will be reimbursed at 100%, pending board approval.

Under the new agreement, Moser will be evaluated in writing at least once each year by June 30 in executive session. The evaluation will use performance standards mutually agreed upon by the superintendent and board, which must be posted publicly on the district’s website.

If the board does not complete the evaluation, Moser will still be entitled to his annual raise.

Among the listed performance standards are expectations that the superintendent communicate effectively with the community, ensure academic progress through a guaranteed and viable curriculum, use data to drive decisions, and lead district-wide improvement planning. The evaluation tool includes nine categories, including leadership, ethics, management, and advocacy for public education.

Moser is also required to attend professional development events such as conferences of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the American Association of School Administrators.