The Parkland Board of School Directors granted unanimous approval to 5-year extensions of the contracts for Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michelle Minotti and Chief Financial Officer Leslie Frisbie at the Oct. 21 meeting.

The new agreements will take effect at the start of the next fiscal year July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031.

Madson and Frisbie were new to the district in 2021 and Minotti moved up from Springhouse Middle School principal to assume her current position that year.

School board President Robert M. Cohen noted the board began negotiating for the renewals five months ago. “I am pleased to say we have contracts,” Cohen said.

He mentioned the importance of stable leadership as the district proceeds with construction projects to accommodate growth in enrollment while advancing its commitment to educational excellence.

Cohen offered comments on the three individuals.

“It’s been my honor to serve with Dr. Madson for four years. He has given 100% of himself to continue to make our school district successful. Excellence starts at the top. We are fortunate to have Dr. Madson at the helm,” Cohen said.

“Dr. Minotti has been in our district for decades. She has devoted herself to students and the community. It will be my privilege and honor to vote in favor of her contract,” Cohen said.

Cohen then went on to praise Frisbie for her ability to explain budgetary matters to the board.

“Her financial acumen has been displayed over and over again in her tenure in this district. We don’t just get the numbers, we get what’s behind the numbers,” Cohen said. He said her title has changed from director of business administration to chief financial officer.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Madson, Dr. Minotti and Ms. Frisbie leading our district. Their dedication and vision have been instrumental in our continued success. These contract extensions reflect our unwavering confidence in their ability to guide Parkland School District to even greater achievements in the years to come. We look forward to their continued leadership and positive impact on our students, staff and community,” Cohen said.

In information provided to The Press from Director, Communications and Community Engagement Nicole Mehta McGalla, “Since assuming the role of superintendent in 2021, Madson and his core leadership team have led numerous initiatives that have strengthened academic programs, improved facilities, fostered community partnerships and earned national recognition for the district.”

Accomplishments noted include:

• Launched comprehensive “FIRST 100 DAYS IN OFFICE Transition Plan” focused on building trust, belonging, excellence and post-pandemic planning

• Led district to win the Morning Call’s Top Workplaces Award for four consecutive years and the Top Leadership Award twice

• Spearheaded the Vision 2030 Project to address enrollment growth in grades 6-12, including the approximately 80,000 square foot addition to Parkland High School with 30 classrooms and 16 new art, science, engineering, robotics and foods labs scheduled to break ground in the spring of 2026

• Ensured successful return to full-time, five-days-per-week instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic

• Launched girls wrestling program, Esports Club and girls flag football at Parkland High School

• Secured Nike contract to provide enhanced sports uniforms and equipment

• Implemented district’s first-ever summer feeding program in 2025, distributing over 16,750 meals

• Created Superintendent’s Student Leadership Council to gather student feedback and improve school climate and inclusivity

• Opened new central registration department in July to streamline the registration process

• Successfully negotiated new contracts with both teachers’ union and support staff union during the 2021-2022 school year

• Oversaw addition and major renovations at Schnecksville Elementary School

• Led construction of new education and operations center to modernize central operations and expand alternative education and cyber learning programs

• Upgraded security cameras across the district with AI technology for weapon detection

• Expanded School Resource Officer program to provide coverage at all Parkland schools

• Conducted parent reunification drill with district-wide administration

• Redesigned and paved bus loops at Fogelsville Elementary School and Parkway Manor Elementary School this past summer

• Installed bipolar ionization units in all elementary schools to improve indoor air quality

• Acquired land next to Cetronia Elementary School for future expansion

• Implemented centralized printing program projected to save $195,000 over five years

• Recorded annual Parkland Pride podcast series and hosted Coffee with the Superintendent program

• Conducted more than 40 community meetings to share plans for the Vision 2030 Project

• Celebrated the district’s 75th anniversary with various community engagement activities

• Launched new district logo and individual school logos to create a consistent and unified brand identity

• In the National Top Workplace Awards, Parkland was ranked eighth in the 1,000+ employee educational institutions category, making it one of just 71 employers recognized as Education Top Workplaces for 2025 in the country this past year.

• Parkland High School Theatre Department recognized as one of only 25 schools nationally and the sole Pennsylvania school honored for theater access and education

• Parkland received “Best Communities for Music Education” designation for the 10th consecutive year

• Parkland’s World Language Department won the 2023 Golden Globe Award for exemplary programming

• The Family and Consumer Sciences Department received the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Standards for Excellence Award

• Niche 2026 Awards include:

Best School District in the Lehigh Valley (No. 1)

Best School District for Athletes in PA (No. 2)

Best Overall School District in PA (No. 18)