Tamaqua Area School Board on Tuesday approved five-year contracts with its incoming superintendent and assistant superintendent among other personnel items.

The board approved contracts with Stephen Toth, who will succeed outgoing superintendent Ray Kinder whose last day is Aug. 25; and Tom McCabe, who will step up as assistant superintendent.

Toth’s salary will remain at $171,179, taking a voluntary freeze through year two of his contract. He also had said that he wouldn’t be taking a step-up increase for his new role.

McCabe’s salary is $135,000, Toth said. Both men, who start their new roles on Aug. 26, will receive cost of living increases using evaluation tools up to 5%, he said.

Teachers

The board also accepted the resignation of Abby Schoffstall, a special-education teacher, effective Aug. 24, and hired Cara Sanfilippo of Frackville as a guidance counselor at salary of $63,575, per the union contract.

Also hired as teachers were Brynn Merkel, of Kunkletown, for elementary art, and Laila Alvarez of Pottsville, for special education, both at a salary of $50,221.

The board also approved Kelly Reaman of Brockton as a substitute teacher, and the following teachers as mentors: Jillian Tuckett, Tracy Miller, Charlene Shannon, Erin Groody, Scott Shalles, Krista Martin, Andrew Michalik, Michele Bittner, Lauren Klevis, Angela Faust, Kristin Tubbs and Briona Spotts.

Other matters

Other personnel moves included ratifying Jon Shirvinski of Tamaqua as a substitute custodian, and approving Alivia Woodring of Tamaqua as a substitute custodian, both at $12.78 an hour.

The board also approved the adult game worker and event security list, as well as authorizing the superintendent to employ staff as needed.