Dec. 7—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The Ferndale Area School District board unanimously approved Susan Boyle and Richard Pavic to retain the positions of president and vice president, respectively, at its reorganization meeting Wednesday.

"I am honored to be reelected as board president," Boyle said after the meeting. "The board is very invested in the success of the district, and it is great to work collaboratively for the district."

The board also welcomed newly elected member Jonathan Rutledge.

Immediately following those proceedings was the regular monthly meeting, in which the board handled a variety of personnel matters and financial business.

First on the list was approving the hire of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP as bond counsel for financing of electrical and HVAC projects at a cost of $11,500. Business Manager David Gates said the district used that firm for a sewage project loan a few years ago and were pleased with its service.

The board accepted the resignation of the forensics adviser and adviser for the elementary Lego League. It also approved Linda Pepley and Courtney Howrylak to fill those roles, respectively.

Rebecca Dernar was hired as the new esports coach.

Jennifer Kist was also hired as instrumental instructor, pending receipt of all necessary paperwork. Superintendent Jeffrey Boyer told the group that Kist is a music education student at Seton Hill University who has passed all her competencies and offered to help out during her winter break.

However, he noted that her hiring is a temporary solution and that administrators are continuing to search for a full-time instrumental instructor.

The instrumental instructor position works hand-in-hand with the music teacher at the elementary school, and although the role was filled when the school year started, it was vacated shortly thereafter.

Boyle said Agnes McConaghey served for many years in the role, but it's been difficult to fill the job since she left.

Boyer said that Ferndale Area has received some interest from music education students from area colleges and universities, but because of their classes, they cannot fill the position full-time.

He and Boyle said that the district wants to build up its elementary music program, both to expand experiences for elementary students and because it acts as a feeder for the high school music program.