New Kensington-Arnold approves later start, names acting superintendent

New Kensington-Arnold School District has formalized a later start to the coming school year, which it will begin with a temporary leader.

The school board Tuesday approved a revised calendar for the 2020-21 school year that puts the first day of school after Labor Day on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

That’s eight days later than classes originally were scheduled to start on Aug. 31. The district is starting the school year with all students back in buildings; online learning is an option for parents who don’t want to send children to schools because of covid-19 concerns.

Officials said the extra time is needed to make coronavirus-related preparations and to avoid the summer heat in buildings without air conditioning.

The calendar shows no classes Nov. 26, 27 and 30, Dec. 24, 25 and Dec. 28-Jan. 1. The last day of school is June 10.

The district will begin the new school year with an acting superintendent.

Jon Banko, previously assistant to Superintendent John Pallone, was named acting superintendent on a month-to-month basis retroactive to Aug. 1.

As acting superintendent, Banko will be paid an additional $1,000 per month.

According to the state Department of Education, Banko’s annual salary in the 2018-19 school year was $112,663.

Pallone announced his resignation July 28, effective at the end of the day July 31.

In a severance agreement with the district, Pallone remains working for the district as an administrative consultant for four months. District officials have not detailed what work Pallone will be doing.

The district will continue using W.L. Roenigk for student transportation in the 2020-21 school year. The school board Tuesday approved a one-year extension with the company.