Four departing school directors were recognized at the Nov. 17 Salisbury Township School District board meeting.

Audrey H. Frick, George J. Gatanis, David G. Hadinger and Mary L. Ziegler were each provided a resolution and a gift for their service to the district.

The following resolutions were presented to each director by Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten.

Frick has served eight years as a school director and served as both chair and vice chair of the policy committee and on the Pennsylvania School Boards Association legislative policy council.

Gatanis has served 14 years as a school director. He has served as school board president since 2019.

He has served as both chair and vice chair of the budget committee and operations committee, vice chair of the personnel committee and building, grounds and transportation subcommittee and negotiator for contracts/ agreements with Act 93, Salisbury Education Association and Salisbury Educational Support Personnel Association.

His extensive background in mechanical and electrical systems resulted in the effective design of mechanical/electrical system upgrades, particularly the addition/renovation project at the high school. This resulted in millions of dollars in budget savings. He had a significant impact on important district instructional initiatives including full-day kindergarten and the 1:1 laptop/device initiative. He was commended for his regular attendance at board meetings and volunteering at district athletic events, community events and assisting with elementary drop-off.

Hadinger has served two years a school director. He was recognized for his exceptional leadership, listening carefully and lending his voice to difficult decisions.

Hadinger has committed countless hours of time to strengthening public education, specifically the Salisbury Township School District and shared his insight in both the operational and instructional aspects of the district through committee meetings and board meetings.

Ziegler has served the district for 16 years as a school director and as school board treasurer since 2018.

Ziegler served as both chair and vice chair of the curriculum and technology committee; chair of the personnel committee and student activities committee and served on the finance committee and negotiations committee. She also served as the school board representative for Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 and served the intermediate unit as a negotiations committee member, special needs foundation member, treasurer and board president.

She was recognized for supporting many district instructional initiatives including full day kindergarten, providing 1:1 devices for all students and strategic planning.

Outside of board meetings she has volunteered for over 25 years at athletic events, reading to elementary students, attending and speaking at special events, chaperoning field trips, serving on the Salisbury Middle School family fun night committee, attending the annual PSBA conference, serving as treasurer for the twirling boosters and chaperoning twirlers competitions.

Board member Carol Klinger thanked the outgoing directors for their commitment, leadership and dedication.

Former Chief Financial Officer Michael Taylor attended the meeting to thank the four board members as well. “The dedication of the entire board has just been incredible. I want you to know I appreciate it; you made difficult decisions.”

Solicitor Attorney Kristine Roddick, Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten and other board members also gave their praises to the four directors with Gatanis adding his thanks to the other departing members.

“This is my last meeting,” Gatanis said. “Voices were heard at the ballot box ... it was time for a change.”

He thanked his family for their support as well as the community, the legal team, the school resource officers, fellow board members past and present and superintendents past and present.

“It has been an honor to serve,” Gatanis said. To the new and remaining board members he said, “All the best in the future.”

Editor’s Note: An additional meeting story will be in the next edition of The Press.