Jim Thorpe Area School Board voted to hire Kenneth Marx as business manager on a three-year contract at a salary of $100,000. He will replace interim business manager Joseph Surridge.

Marx has worked as business manager for the Panther Valley School District since 2006.

He is replacing Lauren Kovac, who resigned in November, after controversy and an investigation into the processes and practices of the business office.

The final report about the credit card use cleared Kovac of improper practices.

The board voted to approve the resignation of Penn-Kidder Campus Principal David McAndrew Jr., effective June 14. He is leaving to take the job as superintendent in Panther Valley. He is replacing Dennis Kergick, who is retiring.

McAndrew has been employed by the Jim Thorpe district for 19 years, 12 as an administrator. For the last six years he has been principal of Penn-Kidder Campus. Before that, he was the assistant principal at the L.B. Morris campus.

The board decided against advertising the position until they could have further discussion.

The board appointed Regina Yaich as secretary to the superintendent. She will receive $5,000 in additional wages with her new position.

Superintendent John Rushefski said no students will be obligated to attend remedial classes on Saturdays this fall.

High school Principal Tom Lesisko said the district plans to announce graduation plans next week.

The Jim Thorpe Education Association, the union representing the district’s teachers, announced it has donated a total of $2,000 to organizations helping feed local families during the coronavirus. The Penn-Kidder PTA and Shepherd House (on behalf of Ebenezer EC Church food pantry) will each receive $1,000.