A special Lehighton Area School District board meeting set for Thursday to accept the resignation of director Sean Gleaves turned into a flashpoint during Monday’s workshop, as members clashed over whether the vacancy should be filled immediately or after four newly elected members take office next month.

Board President Joy Beers announced that Gleaves, who has two years remaining on his term, plans to step down for personal reasons and wants to address the community before doing so.

“He is resigning tomorrow,” Beers said. “He wants an opportunity to explain himself to the community.”

Beers said she scheduled the special meeting for Thursday so Gleaves could be present in person.

“We can accept his resignation, and the board at that time can attempt to appoint a person to the vacancy,” she said.

Objections and questions

Some members objected to the quick turnaround, questioning whether there was enough time to advertise the vacancy or review potential candidates.

“I don’t think that’s enough time to find candidates,” director Kerry Sittler said. “(Sean) is never here and now we’re supposed to accommodate him with this special meeting.”

Beers responded, “I can call a special meeting whenever I want.”

Others urged waiting to fill the seat until after the Dec. 2 reorganization meeting, when four new members will be sworn in.

“You’re going to be seating four new board members,” Bowes said. “Why not wait and do it then? It’s not like the judge is going to have to appoint somebody.”

Gleaves, the Lehighton director who last year proposed requiring parental consent for students to check out library books dealing with certain content, has been absent for a majority of recent school board meetings.

Newcomers Tim Tkach, Lory Frey, Alex Matika and William Howland won seats in last Tuesday’s general election.

Beers, however, said she believed the current board should be the one to fill the seat.

“Sean Gleaves was an elected official,” she said. “I think the people who were part of his group should pick the person who takes his seat.”

Tensions rise

The conversation quickly became tense when Beers told district resident Walter Zlomsowitch, who previously served on the LASD board, she would not support him for the position.

“I won’t choose you because you swerved into me on the road and forced me to drive off the curb to avoid being hit,” she alleged.

Zlomsowitch denied the claim.

“Why didn’t you call the police and report that?” he asked. “That never happened.”

Beers replied, “I told multiple people the day it happened.”

“You’re a liar,” Zlomsowitch said.

Beers then called for a motion to adjourn Monday’s meeting.