The Joint Operating Committee of the Carbon Career & Technical Institute in Jim Thorpe appointed Thomas Lesisko to serve as the interim principal in place of Michele Connors, who left for another position.

The motion was retroactive to Tuesday, at a rate of $400 per day, until a permanent replacement is found.

Lesisko, who retired last year as Jim Thorpe High School principal, said he was happy to fill the position.

“Being here, helping out, it’s almost like a rebirth, just like to be here,” Lesisko said. “I taught here for 18 years, at Jim Thorpe for 20 years. Now I’m back here, and it’s great to see the growth and development and everything that’s happening with students. I’m happy to be part of it.”

Lesisko has been busy, meeting with students and the staff and seeing how the school is operating.

“One of the things that really impressed me is the immediate help that students get,” Lesisko commented. “It’s not ‘see me tomorrow’ or even after school; it’s immediate.”

He added, “Kids have the opportunity. They’re in a program that they’re learning academic skills and a lot of technical skills that are industry-based.

Lesisko served as interim superintendent for Jim Thorpe Area School District in the fall, filling in for Robert Presley, who was on medical leave.

Lesisko will be preparing for the next fifh-grade presentation to be held at L.B. Morris Elementary School in Jim Thorpe. Four technical teachers and Michele Klock, the cooperative education/school improvement coordinator, will set up four stations for the students to rotate through.

CCTI is in the process of advertising to fill the vacant principal position. Michele Connors served as principal from July to December, 2025, at a salary of $85,000.