First Posted: 7/6/2014
At the Lackawanna Trail school board meeting on June 30, president Mark Lombardi recognized Janice Joyce, who is retiring as curriculum director. He thanked her for her 11 years of service and wished her the best.
“It was a pleasure working with you,” board member Ned Clarke said. “I have a better understanding of what you did on a day-to-day basis not only in your job, but also branching out and putting your work gloves on where needed in other departments.”
Elementary principal Tania Stoker will replace Joyce as curriculum director in August.
“I’m getting ready to pass the baton to Mr. Kelly (Brian Kelly was hired in June to be the new elementary principal) and transition to curriculum director,” Stoker said.
During her final curriculum report, Joyce mentioned she and Stoker reviewed the files and talked about what July and August will be like. She also said that she and her husband cleaned out her office and turned in her keys.
“I just want to thank you for a great opportunity,” she told board members. “I enjoy curriculum immensely, and I just thought it was a wonderful job and a wonderful school district to work with. I love the people and the great area, so I thank you for the opportunity to add Lackawanna Trail to my resume. Tomorrow’s my birthday so I’ll celebrate it by not having to work ever again.”
In other business, High School Principal mark Murphy said he was in contact with his former colleagues, including professors of music and others from Pennsylvania Music Education Association for recommendations of people who might be interested in the elementary music teacher position.
“So far, I’m pleased with the application pool,” he said. “I think we’re going to be able to find certainly someone who’s qualified. The next question is to find someone who’s qualified and fits our school district.”
Lombardi said there will be a tentative meeting on July 14 to find the right candidate for the position and a candidate for assistant high school principal.
Lombardi said, if necessary, there will be a special meeting dependent on the recommendation of superintendent Matthew Rakauskas and the administration as to timing the candidate’s availability and making sure that if the appropriate candidate is found, he or she is positioned in a timely manner so they can get to work.
“We’re going to take it one day at a time,” he said. “They’re still collecting the resumes. They had some interview dates established. We’ll move professionally and timely.”