The Parkland School Board has approved Patricia Denicola for a newly created position as an additional assistant director of business administration.

She joins an office which includes Director of Business Administration John Vignone and Assistant Director of Business Administration Frank Pearn.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented on the new position during the July 24 meeting.

“We have a growing amount of staff,” Sniscak said. “When we lost our benefits coordinator, we restructured.

“She is a person who has superior skills and will primarily focus on benefits.

“There is increased work in the business office. She brought a skill set that will best serve the organization.”

Vignone reported Denicola was brought in as a substitute three months ago for the benefits coordinator who left.

“She not only did an outstanding job with the benefits, but we found that her knowledge was vast and very helpful to many areas of the district,” Vignone said. “I told Rich (Sniscak) we may want to consider bringing her on board.

“This was never expected. It happened after budget seminar. We have a lot going on here into the future, not only in buildings but also with people.

“We have close to 1,200 employees. Benefits are an important part of the district. People are always having questions and problems with some things.

“Medical is a big part of people’s lives, and swift responses are necessary.”

Denicola earned her Bachelor’s degree at Bloomsburg University with majors in computer science and accounting.

She is a certified public accountant and has experience as an auditor.

Her most recent employment was at a benefits company where she focused on school districts.

Vignone noted a benefits company offers advice on medical plans and can help save money through the information it provides.

He commented on Denicola’s hiring.

“Parkland feels very fortunate to be able to bring someone of Patty’s caliber on board to help us in many ways as we move forward,” Vignone said. “She has good credentials, and I think she feels fortunate to be part of our group.

“She will not just do benefits. She has too much time and talent to limit to that one area. She will be involved in every aspect.”

Denicola’s employment was effective July 25 at an annual salary of $95,000.