During their reorganization meeting Dec. 4, Parkland School Board members granted unanimous approval to naming Lisa Roth as the new president and David Hein as vice president.

Roth assumes the position held by David Kennedy. Hein moves into the office held by Roth.

Roth, who works in customer service at Air Products, has been a school board member for 10 years and vice president for three years.

Looking ahead to the new year, Roth said she is enthusiastic about construction of the Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Upper Macungie Township.

“The new school is so exciting,” Roth said. “There is so much excitement in all the planning for the new school.”

Roth enjoys her position on the board at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.

This role involves cooperation among different districts.

“There are things we can learn from our fellow districts in the area,” Roth explained.

She said the high point of the school year is graduation when she hands out diplomas to students.

“Graduation is my most favorite of everything,” Roth said.

“You’re so proud to see the children, teachers and extended families all so proud. It is the culmination of everything.

“I just adore that. I get swept up in the excitement. The administration and board can say, ‘We played a part in that with all the decisions we make to help get to that point.”

She commended the administration for keeping the board informed every step of the way, not only with the new school but with everything else.

“The communication element here is just fantastic,” Roth said.

As for challenges that lie ahead, Roth said safety is constantly on everyone’s mind.

“Our schools are safe. We have to always be looking for the opportunity to make them safer,” the new board president said.

Hein, manager of sales analytics and reporting for Independence Blue Cross, has been a board member for six years.

He served as chairman of several committees at Parkland and is on the board at LCTI.

Hein commented on the year ahead.

“I’m looking forward to working with the great team of the administration and board,” Hein said. “The staff and students amaze me at what we can accomplish.

“Finances are always tough. We need to keep control of expenses within our control - outside the mandates - and still provide the same high quality programs Parkland is known for.”

Superintendent Richard Sniscak stated the leadership of Roth and Hein will be valued.

Roth offered closing remarks.

“The big plus is communication,” Roth said.

“It all ties together - the board, the administration, the staff and the community.”