A paraprofessional will transition to a long-term substitute teaching position under a special agreement approved by Lehighton Area School District’s school board Tuesday night.

Directors approved a unique hiring arrangement for Kathy Goff, appointing her as an English language arts long-term substitute at the high school at a master’s degree Step 1 salary of $55,835, prorated for the 2025-26 school year and effective Jan. 27, pending necessary documentation.

Superintendent Jason Moser said Goff’s situation required special consideration through a memorandum of understanding because she currently works as a paraprofessional.

“Mrs. Goff was the only qualified applicant for this particular position that actually submitted all materials,” Moser said. “She had some hesitancy about giving up a full-time job with benefits without some sort of assurance that would be honored should the long-term substitute position expire.”

The memorandum ensures Goff will not lose benefits if she does not transition to a full-time teaching position.

“We want to definitely promote people taking a shot at something in service to the district and service to our kids, which is why the MOU made sure she wouldn’t lose any benefit,” Moser said.

The board also hired Patricia Trine as a 12-month secretary at the elementary center at an annual salary of $30,995, prorated for the 2025-26 school year and effective Jan. 27, pending necessary documentation.

Darlene Shannon was hired as a paraprofessional at the high school at an annual salary of $21,021, prorated for the 2025-26 school year and effective Jan. 27, pending necessary documentation.

Bradley Akers, a utility custodian for buildings and grounds, will retire effective Jan. 16 after 4.81 years with the district.

The board approved nine guest teachers for the substitute list: Erica Koutch, Colin Hansen, Craig Millard, Devin Dunwoodie, Anne Hummel, Alexander Danielson and Terri Jany. Harmony Berk was approved as a substitute paraprofessional and Susan McHale as a substitute lunch aide.