Salisbury School Board Swears in New Directors, Elects Officers

was re-elected president of the and was elected vice president at the board's Dec. 7 reorganization meeting.

The board appointed Assistant Business Administrator Diane M. Serfass to treasurer instead of filling the position with a board member. The term ends June 30, 2012. The position had been held by Kathleen Heffelfinger, who along with Vice President Keith Reinsmith, did not run for re-election.

Earlier, member Jane Fischer, acting as temporary president, administered the oath of office to Giordano, Mantz, Frank Frankenfield and George Gatanis. Samuel DeFrank, who was elected and will be serving his first term on the board, was in California and will be sworn in at the Dec. 14 board meeting. None of the seats were contested. Vice President Keith Reinsmith did not run for re-election.

Heffelfinger choked back emotion as she thanked the board and marveled at how much they accomplished during the five years she served. Among the accomplishments, she listed the addition of ninth grade to Salisbury High School, the planning and completion of the high school renovation and improvements to other facilities, the implementation of a and improvements to the curriculum, including

In addition, she said there were numerous administration changes, from a new superintendent, business manager, principals and assistant principals.

"And even though the team has changed, the culture hasn't. There is a wonderful culture in Salisbury. And I am just really proud to be associated with such a positive district that we have. And as a group of people I look forward to keeping that culture and that positive environment," Heffelfinger said.

There were challenges, too, she said, chief among them were balancing the in the last several years.

Reinsmith, who served eight years on the board, is retiring after 37 years as a nuclear engineer with PPL and moving with his wife, Linda, to Charlotte, N.C.