SHENANDOAH — The Shenandoah Valley school board approved the hiring of Lesley Matus as the new elementary vice principal at Monday’s meeting.
Matus, who will also serve as special education coordinator at the elementary school, was hired in an 8-0 vote and will fill vacancy left by Jessica Savitsky, whose resignation was accepted at the Jan. 27 meeting.
Matus has been with the school district for about nine years and is the district psychologist.
Acting Superintendent/Business Manager Anthony P. Demalis Jr. said after the meeting that five applicants were interviewed. The district received about 10 applications.
Matus’ starting annual salary will be $59,456.
“Lesley still needs to complete her schooling to be the elementary vice principal,” Demalis said. “She is working towards her principal certificate. She has her experience in special education, which at this point is what we need. We anticipate she will have certificate in the near future. I talked with PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Education) and we’re OK with that. The four-person committee that interviewed and recommended her said she scored the highest. I believe she’ll have her certificate by July. The critical issue is the special education aspect, which is a good part of the job.”
Demalis said Matus’ move to the new position will take some time.
“She will start transitioning because there are time lines that have to be met with her as a school psychologist for special education,” Demalis said. “She just can’t immediately leave that position because there are guidelines that have to be followed for special education. It will depend on how quick we find someone to replace her.”
In a related vote, the school board approved advertising for the now-open psychologist position.