The Pittston Area school board honored its president, Frank A. Serino, at its meeting on Tuesday.
The board unanimously approved a motion to name the administrative suite after him in recognition of his decades of contributions to the school as a teacher, administrator, and board member.
“There isn’t a better school district,” said Serino, accepting the honor in tears.
Serino acknowledged the achievements of staff and students at Pittston Area, as well as those of his family.
“So, am I proud? Yeah, very proud, and very fortunate to work inside of and be a part of this system.”
Board member Martin Quinn said Serino has done an excellent job over the years.
“I was always glad I was able to serve you,” Quinn told Serino.
Superintendent update
Assistant Superintendent John Haas led the school board meeting again in place of Superintendent Kevin Booth, who was arraigned Oct. 6 on allegations he “choked” his wife during a domestic dispute.
Booth’s wife withdrew a temporary protection-from-abuse order — filed against him following the dispute — Tuesday morning in Luzerne County Court.
Booth, who was released on $2,500 unsecured bail, still faces criminal assault charges. His preliminary hearing will be on March 3.
An unnamed employee was put on paid administrative leave at the October board meeting, but Haas did not reply when asked at a previous meeting if that employee was Booth. He also did not comment on the matter at Tuesday’s meeting.
Other business
Board member John Adonizio, a representative of LIU #18, provided an update. Adonizio said LIU #18 is growing. They are looking to build another administrative building to accomodate.
The following employment applications were approved:
• Raffaele Russo — part-time cafeteria
• Bary Clark — part-time cleaning
• Nicole Dennis — cleaning/caf/EA substitute
• Tanya Rowlands — part-time cafeteria monitor
• Melissa Bechtold — part-time cafeteria monitor
• Amy Lockett — part-time cafeteria monitor
• Gianna Slodysko — substitute teacher
• Gianna Richards — substitute teacher
• Michael Talerico — indoor percussion
• Laura Nowakowski — MS talent show (split)
• Bridget Brogan — MS talent show (split)
• Dean Carey — volunteer softball coach
The following individuals were appointed to fall sports extra-curricular positions for the 2026-2027 school year:
• Paul Russick
• Justin Wall
• Christian Martinez
• Pat Roman
• Albert Oliveri
• Greg Holl
• Joseph Oliveri
• Matt Pisano
• Joseph Graziano
• Jeremy Davis
• Lonnie Hazlet
• Nick Holl
• Michael Nocito
• Brice Rickard
• Broc Hazlet
• Nicholas Sciandra
• John Warnek
• Michael Capone
• Paul Nelson
• Jason Miller
• Paul Zaffuto
• Sophia Vaneski
• Kathryn O’Boyle
• Joseph Struckus
• Jessica Pisack
• Nicole Zambetti
• Paul Farber
• Elana Bruno
• Angelina Falcone
• Michael Pryor
• Blake Brown
• Marnie Adonizio
• Abby Wruble
• Meredith Yozwiak
• Melanie Yozwiak
• Adam Burdett
• Justin Roote
• Mary Ann Lugiano