Pittston Area School District provided the Times Leader the contracts of Superintendent Kevin Booth and Assistant Superintendent John Haas following a Right-to-Know request filed after Haas led meetings in Booth’s place without a public appointment.
Questions were raised regarding whether a vote was legally necessary to take over Booth’s duties.
On Oct. 6, Booth was arraigned on allegations he “choked” his wife during a domestic dispute.
According to Booth’s contract, the district superintendent shall be suspended without pay and without a hearing in the event he is “formally charged with criminal conduct related to his employment with the School District or which constitutes a felony…”
Booth faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and a summary offense of harassment.
An unnamed employee was put on paid administrative leave at the October board meeting, but Haas did not reply when previously asked if that employee was Booth.
Under 24 Pa. Stat. § 10‑1079 (2025), a school board may appoint an acting or substitute district superintendent or assistant superintendent when a superintendent or assistant superintendent is absent or on leave.
Attorney Samuel Falcone, Pittston Area solicitor, previously said that Haas taking on Booth’s duties is a contractual obligation. According to Falcone, Haas, as assistant superintendent, automatically takes on Booth’s responsibilities if Booth is unavailable.
Haas’ contract confirms that in the absence of the district superintendent, the assistant superintendent is “to serve as Chief Administrator of the School District and as Executive Officer for the Board…”
Haas also previously said that “acting superintendent” is not his official title in Booth’s absence.
The Times Leader intends to provide further updates as information becomes available.