A vacancy in the Palmerton Area High School science department is now filled.

Palmerton’s school board on Tuesday night unanimously hired Richard Stanley at a salary of $45,250.

Superintendent Scot Engler credited finding Stanley to Human Resources Director Tom McLaughlin and Acting High School Principal Bob Kern.

“We had some difficulty in filling that position, and Tom and Bob went above and beyond to get us a real great candidate,” Engler said.

Filling higher level secondary positions such as math, special education and science have proved challenging for districts across the state.

When a job posting for the position yielded no applicants, McLaughlin began reaching out to colleges about recent graduates.

“Tom got a read on this candidate from Moravian College,” Engler said. “He is also a Freedom High School graduate, and they were very high on him as well. We’re thrilled to have him coming on board.”

According to Engler, Stanley will start on Wednesday.

Palmerton also added an elementary reading specialist. Jean Chukoskie will start in the position on Dec. 7. Her salary was approved at $50,000.

Both Chukoskie and Stanley will receive prorated salaries for this school year.

Palmerton’s business manager, Ryan Kish, received a five-year contract Tuesday night. The contract, which begins on July 1, 2019, calls for a 4 percent increase in the first year, which brings Kish to $96,400. The final four years of the contract include a two percent increase each year.

In other personnel moves approved Tuesday, the board:

• Removed Tarik Haddad from its substitute list

• Accepted the resignation of Amanda Burger, substitute instructional assistant and substitute secretary

• Approved Megan Wentz as a short-term substitute at S.S. Palmer Elementary at $120 per day

• Accepted the resignation of Aimee Mink from her position as high school cafeteria worker

Cell tower approval

The board on Tuesday approved a land lease agreement with Verizon Wireless for the installation and maintenance of a cellphone tower and equipment on district property.

Engler said Verizon is looking at a site on property the district owns along the ridge line in the area of Fireline and Sand Quarry roads.

As part of the agreement, the district will receive an annual rental payment of $18,000.