The board of directors of Panther Valley School District voted this month to accept the resignation of a special-education teacher and the retirement of the head cook at the Junior-Senior High school.

The board accepted the resignation of special education teacher Kristen Nelson, effective Dec. 11.

It also accepted the resignation for retirement of JSHS cafeteria head cook Diane Wagner, effective Dec. 31. They appointed Theresa Faenza to fill the position, at a rate of $16.35/hour, and Helen Applegate as full-time JSHS assistant cook at a rate of $16.10/hour.

The board approved official resignation dates for Adrian Bumbulsky (Oct. 18), and Kerry Uher (Nov. 9).

In other business

• The board voted to buy hurricane jackets for the volleyball team, at a cost not to exceed $66 per jacket.

• The board approved tax-exempt status for 2018 for the former First Baptist Church on West Railroad Street in Nesquehoning. The building is currently owned by Nesquehoning Historical Society.

• The board approved payment of $4,445 in lieu of sick time to Timothy Grazio, retired guidance counselor.

• Mercedes Weaver, Rachel Chuma and Samantha Wildoner will go to Disney World to perform in the Varsity Spirit Spectacular Parade in November.

• Panther Valley Elementary Principal Robert Palazzo announced that during the recent book fair, students raised $2,800 to benefit FBLA, Guardian Angel Recovery House, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and local fire companies. They will present the donations at an assembly on Nov. 21. Students in Mrs. Neihoff’s class will be able to slime Palazzo because they were the top fundraising class.

“We’re happy to give back to the community after everyone helped us last year with the playground,” Palazzo said.