Board votes in new treasurer

Lehighton Area School District’s newest school board member is now also its treasurer.

Nathan Foeller, by a 5-3 vote Monday, was tabbed to take over the role previously held by director Joy Beers, who tendered her resignation effective Feb. 14. Foeller is in his first term as a Lehighton board member.

In addressing her resignation, Beers said she no longer felt comfortable having her electronic signature used on checks issued by the district.

“Some of the things I’ve been hearing over the last month about students being harmed upset me so very much,” Beers said. “I’m not part of the board majority and I don’t feel like I’m making decisions here. I am no longer comfortable with my signature being applied to documents here.”

Three signatures are typically applied to district checks. They include Beers, board President Larry Stern and business administrator Patricia Denicola. Director Dave Bradley, who later nominated himself to fill the treasurer but lost out to Foeller, said anyone who signs their name to something should get a copy of where it was applied.

Denicola said board members do get a copy of the check register, which shows every check issued, who it was paid to and how much was paid. After nominating himself, Bradley vowed, “not to provide a rubber stamp to anyone to pay a single bill without him reviewing it.”

“I feel strongly the district is spiraling out of control,” he said.

Wayne Wentz nominated Foeller, who said he will work with Denicola and ask questions in a respectful manner.

“I will ask questions without badgering and name calling,” he added. “I expect to be able to continue to review the necessary documents.”

Foeller voted for himself, joining Wentz, Rita Spinelli, Larry Stern, and Stephen Holland. Bradley got three votes, his own along with Beers and Gail Maholick.