The Palmerton Area School Board approved the hiring of a new school district business manager this week.

Ryan Kish was selected to replace Matthew Sawarynski, who resigned in October to take a position in Northampton Area School District, where he lives.Kish's employment officially begins Jan. 4. He will be paid $86,500.Kish was the director of administration/treasurer for Hanover Township in Bethlehem before his appointment.He is a graduate of Kutztown University, where he received bachelor of science and master of public administration degrees.He is a Lehigh Valley resident.