Several months of discussion ended Monday night with Lehighton Area School District’s appointment of school board member Brian Shaner to represent it on the Lehighton Area Memorial Library board of directors.

LASD Board President Joy Beers appointed Shaner, a sitting school board member, after a vote to appoint Gail Maholick, the district’s previous library board liaison, deadlocked 4-4.

Maholick, whose school board term ended in December 2021, sought to remain as the liaison, but a recommendation from the district’s solicitor created hesitancy.

“Our solicitor has advised us that if we have a financial relationship with an organization, and we do give the library money, that our liaison should be a sitting board member,” Beers said. “It’s not necessarily a legal requirement, but that was his advice as far as best practice.”

Over the course of the last few school board meetings and workshops, Maholick asked the board to appoint her so she could begin working on fundraising efforts for the library.

“I think we should appoint Gail,” LASD Director Walter Zlomsowitch said during Monday’s meeting. “She’s been there and she’s experienced. We have someone who wants to do it, so let’s move forward.”

Before a vote was taken, however, Beers asked if anyone currently sitting on the district’s board was interested. Shaner expressed his interest.

“I think if the solicitor recommended someone on the school board represent us then we should listen to that and I’ll step up and do it if needed,” Shaner said.

Shaner, Kerry Sittler, Beers and April Walker voted no when a vote was taken to appoint Maholick, while Zlomsowitch, Jeremy Glaush, Richard Beltz and Nathan Foeller voted in favor. Barbara Bowes abstained from the vote.