YATESVILLE — Assistant Superintendent John Haas took the lead at Tuesday night’s Pittston Area School Board meeting in place of Superintendent Kevin Booth.

The Superintendent, who was charged by Pittston City police following a domestic disturbance complaint at his residence earlier this month, was not directly mentioned during the meeting.

On Monday, Oct. 6, Booth was arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and a summary offense of harassment, with the allegations specifically stating that he “choked” his wife, Jessica. Booth denied the allegations. Days later, Booth admitted himself to an in-patient rehabilitation center.

Though Tuesday’s attendance was higher than the typical Pittston Area school board meeting, and attendees were given the opportunity to offer public comment, none did.

The meeting agenda included a motion to “ratify the retroactive placement of employee #040377 on administrative leave effective Oct. 14, 2025, with continued salary and benefits as outlined in the employee’s contractual agreement, pending further action by the board.”

The motion was unanimously approved by the eight board members in attendance.

Following the meeting, Haas did not answer when asked whether or not the item and employee ID number referred to Booth.

Tax rebate discussion

In open discussion among the board, member Katherine Healey made a motion to provide a tax rebate to Pittston Area residents over the age of 65, with Healey citing that the district is running on a surplus. Healey brought up the topic at the September meeting, when Booth said the age requirement might be considered discriminatory.

On Tuesday, Healey’s motion did not receive a second.

Board Members Frank Serino, Joseph Salvo and Rosanne Ricotta said Healey’s suggestion was too hasty and a tax rebate for those over 65 would result in other district residents taking on a heavier tax burden.

“I think we’re putting the cart before the horse. We can’t just make a motion to give somebody a rebate without having all of the paperwork done, without having all of the facts in place,” Ricotta said. “None of the legwork is completed yet.”