SOUTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Parkland School Board has voted to extend the contracts of its superintendent and two other top administrators.
Superintendent Mark Madson, Assistant Superintendent Michelle Minotti and Chief Financial Officer Leslie Frisbie were awarded five-year extensions on Tuesday, the district said in a news release.
The extensions will begin with the start of the next fiscal year on July 1, 2026. All three individuals were hired in 2021.
"Their dedication and vision have been instrumental in our continued success, and these contract extensions reflect our unwavering confidence in their ability to guide Parkland School District to even greater achievements in the years to come."School Board President Robert M. Cohen
The extensions are recognition of "exceptional leadership and transformative achievements," the district release said.
This school year, Madson's salary is $218,400; Minotti's is $173,556; and Frisbie's is $187,206. They were among dozens of administrative salaries approved by the board in June.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Madson, Dr. Minotti, and Ms. Frisbie leading our district," School Board President Robert M. Cohen said.
"Their dedication and vision have been instrumental in our continued success, and these contract extensions reflect our unwavering confidence in their ability to guide Parkland School District to even greater achievements in the years to come.
"We also recognize the immense importance and value of stable leadership, especially as we navigate the continued growth of our school district and upcoming construction projects.
"We look forward to their continued leadership and positive impact on our students, staff, and community."
Accomplishments listed
The contract extension "ensures continuity of leadership as the district continues to implement its strategic Vision 2030 plan and advance its commitment to educational excellence," the release said.
Since assuming the role of superintendent, Madson and his leadership team had "led numerous initiatives that have strengthened academic programs, improved facilities, fostered community partnerships, and earned national recognition for the district," the release said.
In that time, among the district accomplishments were:
- Spearheaded the Vision 2030 Project to address enrollment growth in grades 6-12, including the 80,000-square-foot addition to Parkland High School with 30 classrooms and 16 new art, science, engineering, robotics and foods labs that is scheduled to break ground in spring.
- Launched the girls wrestling program, Esports club and Girls Flag Football at Parkland High School.
- Implemented the district's first-ever summer feeding program in 2025, distributing over 16,750 meals.
- Negotiated new contracts with both teachers' union and support staff union during the 2021-22 school year.
- Oversaw addition and major renovations at Schnecksville Elementary School.
- Led construction of new Education and Operations Center to modernize central operations and expand alternative education and cyber learning programs.
- Upgraded security cameras across the district with AI technology for weapon detection.
- Expanded the school resource officer program to cover all Parkland schools.
- Redesigned and paved bus loops at Fogelsville Elementary and Parkway Manor Elementary in summer 2025.
- Installed bipolar ionization units in all elementary schools to improve indoor air quality.
- Acquired land next to Cetronia Elementary for future expansion.
