The Panther Valley School Board on Wednesday selected a new special education supervisor, following the departure of Greg Kosciolek earlier this month.

Christine Forte was hired at a salary of $95,000 at a date to be determined. Forte explained that her start date would be finalized once she resigns from her post at the Dallas School District.

Board President Daniel Matika asked Forte what her vision was for her work ahead at Panther Valley.

“So, inclusion as much as we possibly can, and support our teachers, support our students, support our parents and support our community,” Forte said.

Superintendent Dave McAndrew thanked Kosciolek for his hard work over the years as the district’s head of special education.

“He has been a great asset to the Panther Valley School District, and he will be missed,” he said.

Asst. Super

The board also approved Robert Palazzo as substitute superintendent at a daily rate of $125 effective retroactive to Aug. 12.

McAndrew explained that the district did not have anything formally in place to accommodate any of his absences, such as for vacation or other time off.

Palazzo recently filled in when McAndrew was off and has done so in the past as well.

In July, the board named Palazzo as the assistant to the superintendent after previously serving as supervisor of curriculum, student and community services.

In June, the board approved an agreement with Palazzo to take on additional responsibilities as a school psychologist. He was to receive an additional $25,000 a year for those duties. The board on Wednesday suspended that agreement.

Personnel

In other personnel matters, the board:

• Accepted the resignation of Jessica Falu, paraprofessional, effective Aug. 14.

• Approved conferences for Marcel Barbeau and Mary Louise Gauronsky, and courses for Colleen DeFuso, Mary Ribarchik, Amber McFadden and Jillian Frank.

• Approved the volunteer list for 2026-27, including Russell White.

• Approved extracurricular and support activities for the new school year, including Kayla Stanek, third grade level representative and Alice Andrews, PVES Title I coordinator.

• Granted tenure to the following teachers: Tianna Pucklavage, Shania Fisher, Evelyn Hydock and Eric Bealla. They have completed three years of service with satisfactory ratings.

• Placing Hannah Mordaunt and Alysha Neff, junior/senior high teachers, in the master’s degree column of the union pay scale.

• Reassigned Elise Reabold from dishwasher to cashier at the intermediate school.

• Approved unpaid leave through Dec. 18 for employee No. 1172.

• Approved a memorandum of understanding for the dean of students position.