The Parkland School board Tuesday night approved the hiring of five people:

* Nicole M. Rutz of New Tripoli began work as a second grade teacher at Ironton Elementary School, at an annual salary of $48,671, prorated, which was effective Jan. 20. She is a temporary substitute for Cynthia Ritter, who is on a leave of absence.

* Jessica A. Benner of Coplay began work as an English teacher at Parkland High School, which was effective March 12. She is a short-term substitute at the daily rate of $250.66, prorated, replacing Connie Hankee, who is on a leave of absence.

* Kathy L. Khanuja of Allentown began work as an English teacher at Parkland High School, which was effective March 12. She is a short-term substitute at the daily rate of $250.66, prorated, replacing Connie Hankee who is on a leave of absence.

* Andrea C. Roposh is a Parkland Players/Books Alive advisor at Parkland High School for the 2011-2012 school year, with a prorated stipend.

* Nina Reilly of Allentown is a costume manager at Parkland High School for the 2011-2012 school year, with a prorated stipend.

The Parkland School Board also approved the following personnel changes:

* Karen S. Mitton, a learning support paraprofessional at Fred J. Jaindl Elementary School, is resigning as of April 6.

* Joann E. Dudosh, a laundry custodian at Parkland High School for 15 years, is retiring at the end of June.

* John Dudosh, a full-day school vehicle driver for seven years, is retiring at the end of June.

* Maureen B. Kautzmann, a social studies teacher at Parkland High School, received a professional leave of absence from Jan. 28, 2013, through the end of the 2012-2013 school year.

* Cynthia Ritter, a second grade teacher at Ironton Elementary School, will take an unpaid leave of absence through the end of the 2011-2012 school year.