September 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Board Planning Meeting

Description: 

Staff Recognition - September, 2026

Purpose: The Staff Recognition Board Report serves as a standing monthly agenda item to formally acknowledge employees who demonstrate excellence, leadership, innovation, service, and professional growth across the district.

This initiative reinforces the District’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of those who strengthen student outcomes, operational effectiveness, and organizational culture.

Process: Building Principals and Department Leaders submit staff recognitions monthly using a standardized submission process. Submissions are reviewed and organized by recognition category for presentation to the Board of School Directors.

Recognition Categories: 

• Recognitions may be presented in one or more of the following categories:

• Student Achievement Support

• Instructional Excellence

• Innovation

• Crisis Response

• Student Support

• Community Engagement

• Operational Excellence

• Safety Support

• Mentorship / Leadership

• Professional Growth

• Going Above & Beyond

• Longevity / Service Contribution

These categories reflect the District’s comprehensive commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, operational strength, and community partnership.

Total Recognitions: 10

 

Going Above & Beyond

Lyn Phoukeio. Secretary - 11 years

Among her many responsibilities, Lyn manages purchasing for both the High School and CTE programs. She consistently goes above and beyond by identifying cost-saving opportunities, negotiating vendor discounts, and using comparison shopping and available promotions to stretch district dollars. Her initiative helps keep purchases within budget while ensuring teachers and students have the supplies they need. Thank you, Lyn, for your resourcefulness, initiative, and commitment to our schools!

Becky Kasumba, Building Sub - 10 years

Becky consistently goes above and beyond in her role as an elementary building substitute. Each day may bring a different assignment, but she approaches every one with flexibility, positivity, and a willingness to help wherever she is needed. When at Leib, Becky takes the initiative to support students and staff, assist in the office, tackle projects, and even lend her artistic talents to displays throughout the school. Her positive attitude, initiative, and genuine willingness to jump in make her an invaluable part of the Leib team. Thank you, Becky, for all you do!

Fran Kotula, Learning Support Year - 24 years

Fran has been invaluable in supporting the Special Education Department during a significant period of transition. She has consistently stepped in to support new and existing team members, sharing her knowledge and expertise while helping staff navigate questions, responsibilities, and day-to-day challenges. Her collaborative approach, reliability, and willingness to provide guidance wherever needed have helped create stability and support across the department. Thank you, Fran, for your leadership, teamwork, and continued commitment to our students and staff! 

Mentorship/Leadership

Rachael Gradwell, 7th Grade Teacher - 8 years

Mrs. Gradwell has demonstrated outstanding leadership by stepping up to support a long-term substitute who joined the team on very short notice. She has generously shared her time, resources, strategies, and expertise to help ensure a smooth transition for both the teacher and students. Her willingness to mentor a colleague, provide guidance, and help them feel prepared and welcomed exemplifies true leadership and collaboration. Thank you, Mrs. Gradwell, for strengthening your team through your support and commitment!

Stacy Pisco, Learning Support Teacher & Department Chair - 28 years

Stacy has gone above and beyond in providing leadership and stability within the High School Special Education Department during a significant period of transition. With four new team members joining this year, she has proactively provided guidance, established expectations, and created opportunities to address questions and resolve concerns early. She has also demonstrated flexibility and creative problem-solving while overseeing paraeducators and managing schedules amid staffing challenges. Stacy’s initiative, mentorship, and willingness to support her colleagues have made a meaningful difference for the entire department. Thank you, Stacy, for your leadership and dedication! 

Lori Frate, Head Cook - 13 years 

Lori demonstrated outstanding teamwork and leadership by stepping in to support a newly appointed Head Cook during the busy back-to-school period. She shared her experience with ordering procedures, assisted with critical opening orders, and helped ensure North Salem was prepared for the first day of school. Lori’s willingness to recognize a need and support a new team member exemplifies the collaboration, initiative, and supportive spirit we value within our School Nutrition Department.

Operational Excellence

Tom Fluke, Director of Building & Grounds - 3 years

Mr. Fluke is recognized for his leadership in addressing an ongoing traffic and safety concern at Weigelstown. Working collaboratively with the SRO, building administration, and Safety Department, he helped develop a plan to improve the flow of buses and car riders during arrival and dismissal. Over the summer, Mr. Fluke took the lead in implementing the plan, overseeing new signage, directional arrows, and line painting throughout the campus. His planning, coordination, and follow-through have created a safer and more efficient traffic flow for students, staff, and families. Thank you, Mr. Fluke, for turning a longstanding challenge into an effective solution! 

Amy Aumen, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent - 28 years

Amy has demonstrated exceptional operational excellence while helping Central Office navigate another superintendent transition. Despite shifting roles, priorities, and expectations, she continues to ensure essential functions move forward seamlessly, including teacher certification compliance, Opening Day activities, Board meetings, and countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities. Amy is truly a heartbeat of Central Office, and her wealth of historical knowledge, attention to detail, and thoroughness have been invaluable. She approaches every new initiative with positivity, kindness, and a willingness to help. Thank you, Amy, for the stability, knowledge, and excellence you bring to Dover Area School District!

 

Student Support

Stephanie Zimmerman, Nurse - 2 years

Stephanie demonstrates exceptional dedication to the health and well-being of our students. Each day, she provides compassionate care to more than 300 students while skillfully managing the demands of a busy school health office. Her attention to detail, consistent communication with families, and genuine care for students ensure they feel supported and families remain informed. Thank you, Stephanie, for your professionalism, compassion, and commitment to our students!

 

Marissa Kieffer, 2nd Grade Teacher - 8 years

Mrs. Keiffer is recognized for the exceptional way she has embraced the opportunity to support deaf students in her classroom. With no prior experience teaching students with these needs, she has approached the opportunity with positivity, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to learning. She has thoughtfully incorporated sign language into classroom routines and created an inclusive environment where every student can participate, feel valued, and experience a sense of belonging. Thank you, Mrs. Keiffer, for your willingness to learn, adapt, and ensure every student feels supported! 

Description:  The Board uses the public comment period as an opportunity to listen but not debate issues or enter into a question-and-answer session with the speaker. Public comment must be germane to school district business. The Board values civil, respectful statements and clear, concise communications that help to inform its deliberations.

Dover Area School District Policy #903 - Public Participation in Board Meetings

Description: 

Support-pending receipt of all required paperwork
Name	Building	Position	Effective Date	Pay Rate
Thompson, Jennifer	HS	Computer Technician	9/15/2026	$24.61 level 8 step 7
Beers, Haley	MS	PCA, Life Skills	9/15/2026	$17.58 level 3 step 5
Giglioli, Megan	HS	PCA, Autistic Support	9/15/2026	$17.58 level 3 step 5
Britus, Steenbergeen	WE	PCA, Autistic Support	9/15/2026	$16.20 level 3 step 1
Ivo, Andreia	WE	PCA, Autistic Support	9/15/2026	$16.53 level 3 step 2
Hernandez, Gabriella	NSE	PCA, Autistic Support	9/15/2026	$17.23 level 3 step 4
Reichert, Randi	LE	PCA, 1:1 Learning Support	9/15/2026	$16.20 level 3 step 1

Coaches/Advisors-pending receipt of all required paperwork
NAME	Year/Level	Position	Effective Date	Pay Rate
Russo, Jaimie	Year 1 level 1	Advisor, DECA Assistant	9/15/2026	$1975/year
Russo, Jaimie	Year 1 level 1	Advisor, Freshman Class	9/15/2026	$673/year
Ural, Melissa	Year 3 level 2	Advisor, Freshman Class	9/15/2026	$796/year
Koontz, Brian	Year 1 level 1	Coach, Head Girls Lacrosse	9/15/2026	$2,856

 

Coaches/Advisors-pending receipt of all required paperwork
NAME	Year/Level	Position	Effective Date	Pay Rate
Thomas, Carissa	Year 4 level 2	Advisor, Envirothon	7/1/2026	Correction to previously appointed L. Erney
Keane, Lauren	Year 1 level 1	Advisor, Fall Play Asst Director	7/1/2026	Correction to previously appointed S. Blecher
Bowen, Peter	Year 3, level 2	Sub Race - Skills USA	7/1/2026	Correction Previously Missed
Smith, Nolan	Year 14, level 5	Sub Race - Skills USA	7/1/2026	Correction Previously Missed

Long-Term Substitutes-pending receipt of all required paperwork
Name	Building	Position	Effective Date	Pay Rate
Kulp, Allison	WE	LTS 40 + under 90	10/12/2026	80% of Bachelors Step 1
McCray, Monique	MS	LTS 40 + under 90	10/13/2026	80% of Bachelors Step 1

Description: 

Transfers
Name	Position Type	Prev Position	Effective Date	New Position	New Salary	For
Myers, Emily	Support	PCA, AS	8/19/2026	PCA, 1:1 @ DE	no change	vacancy
Ale-bhujel, Geeta	Support	PCA, AS	8/31/2026	PCA, 1:1 @ DE	no change	vacancy
Mekhael, Amal	Support	PCA, AS	8/26/2026	PCA, 1:1 @ MS	no change	vacancy
Matthews, Betty	Support	Food Service 4.5 hours	9/3/2026	Food Service 5 hours	no change	vacancy
Stubbs, Donia	Support	Food Service 3 hours	9/3/2026	Food Service 4.5 hours	no change	vacancy
Dolloff, Jessica	Support	PCA, AS	9/8/2026	Para, AS	$20.16	vacancy

Description: 

Leave of Absence - Medical
#	Building	Position	Effective Date	Est Return Date	Reason
1	HS	Paraprofessional	9/9/2026	10/26/2026	Medical Condition
2	District Wide	Director	9/18/2026	09/29/2026	Medical Condition

Description: 

Resignations & Terminations
Name	Position	Emp Type	Building	Effective Date	Reason
Geibel, Ruth	Secretary, Attendance	Support	MS	8/24/2026	Voluntary
Kauffman, Deanna	Food Service	Support	MS	8/31/2026	Never Started
Oswalt, Justin	Coach, Varsity Assistant Unified Bocce	Coach	Ath	9/15/2026	Voluntary

Description: 

Retirements
Name	Position	Building	Emp Type	Effective Date	DASD Years of Service
Degenhardt, Jacqueline	Custodian, Evening	HS	Support	11/30/2026	14