CARBONDALE - In a nearly unanimous vote, the Carbondale Area School Board hired a new superintendent Tuesday.
Joseph Gorham, 41, of Ashley, was appointed to the position in an 8-1 vote after searching for more than six months. His contract extends until April 2, 2016, at a yearly salary of $110,000.
Board member Thomas Cerra voted against the motion, but declined to comment on his vote after the meeting.
Last week, the board tabled the vote to appoint a superintendent at a special meeting to take more time to define the new leader's contract, but no contract was available Tuesday.
Acting Superintendent David Cerra, who also serves as the district's business manager, said the contract would be available today. He explained that the document didn't have all the required signatures.
David Cerra's compensation for holding dual positions has not yet been determined, but he said it will be addressed by the end of fiscal year in June.
Previous superintendent Dominick Famularo, Ed.D., ended his term June 30 after working in the district for 41 years. When Dr. Famularo departed, he took a retirement package worth more than $300,000. A new state law, enacted in July, limits contract buyouts and compensation for unused sick days in contracts.
Mr. Gorham will begin at Carbondale in April, leaving his position as elementary principal at Northwest Area School District in Luzerne County. He also serves on the Ashley Borough Council but said his new role will have his full attention.
"I do understand the superintendent's plate is quite large," he said. "My number one priority is service to the district. It's my employer, but it's also my passion."
He said he intends to be accessible as superintendent, meeting with board members, administrators, staff, students and the public as he acclimates to the position.
Board member Joseph Petak said Mr. Gorham's strong background in special education stood out during the interview process. His experience as a high school and middle school principal also impressed board member John Jordan.
"We need a man who will run the district without persuasion from other people," he said.
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