Chemistry Teacher Hired for Wayne Valley Class

The Board of Education hired a long-term replacement for a Wayne Valley High School chemistry teacher who went on maternity leave just before school began.

James Kiamie was hired at a board meeting Thursday night. He will replace Katie Poremba.

Poremba has been on maternity leave since Sept. 1. She informed the district in a timely manner of her going on leave. Officials hired a long-term replacement earlier this year but the person withdrew his or her name from consideration shortly before school began.

Kiamie will earn $54,200. Poremba’s annual salary is $65,570.

Superintendent Ray Gonzalez said having to fill teaching positions temporarily because someone goes on maternity leave or takes a leave of absence is common for school districts.

“We’re faced with that all the time,” Gonzalez said after the meeting. “It is equally concerning to the administration as it is to parents when a situation like this presents itself.”

A parent of a student in the class said last week that her son was not receiving any type of significant instruction and that the class was nothing more than a study hall.

“I look to my administrators to ensure that quality instruction is happening in all of our classrooms,” Gonzalez said. “I don’t believe for a second that any administrators in this district would be satisfied hearing that quality instruction is not taking place in their classrooms.”

Michael Damato was hired to teach chemistry at Wayne Hills High School. He replaces Brian Pickler. Pickler resigned in August.

Damato was hired on the tenure track. He will earn $49,500. Pickler earned nearly $58,000.

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