Mark Lapos, director of school services for four and a half years, has resigned to take a job with Osmose Utility Services.

At the Oct. 15 Parkland School Board meeting, Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented.

"I'd like to thank Mark for his service to Parkland School District," Sniscak said. "He has a great opportunity to re-enter the utility world where he was before he came to us."

Prior to his arrival at Parkland, Lapos had a career at PPL.

Lapos was asked to comment on his work at the district.

"I'm thrilled and proud of the construction done this summer," Lapos said. "We have 15 different capital projects going on.

"It's a lot of work and a good start to the district improvements program."

Begun this summer, the three-year capital improvements agenda includes major renovations to the Kratzer Elementary School, as well as district-wide projects, such as roof replacements, security enhancements, Americans with Disabilities Act updates and more.

Board President Jayne Bartlett said Lapos was helpful with information at committee meetings.

"The contribution you made to our district was phenomenal," Bartlett said.

Dale Reitz, longtime director of school services, will come out of retirement to help out until a replacement for Lapos is hired.

In other business, the board approved purchase of two 10-passenger vans from Hondru Chevrolet, Elizabethtown, at a cost of $59,258.

Sniscak reported several Parkland personnel will be participating in the Pa. School Boards Association conference in Hershey.

He will make a presentation with emergency services representatives from South Whitehall on the district's collaborative efforts with municipalities and responders to enhance security and safety of Parkland students.

Choral Director Frank Anonia will coordinate presentations by students at the conference, while sophomore Abby Kern will preside over the program by youth from different schools throughout the state.