A longtime reporter will be the Gettysburg Area School District’s next communications coordinator. During its meeting on Monday, the board voted 7-1 to hire Gettysburg Times reporter Vanessa Sanders.
Cynthia Ayers voted against the motion, as she has been against every human resources recommendation for several months because she believes the district needs to study the size of its staff. Jeremy Davis was absent.
Sanders began her professional communications career at The Evening Sun in 2013. She worked for the Gettysburg Times from 2014-2019 and 2022-present.
“Vanessa has been a longtime fixture in our boardroom at our meetings,” Board President Kenny Hassinger said after the vote.
Board member Al Moyer commended Sanders’ commitment to accuracy. He noted she has called him several times after meetings to ensure she got the story correct.
“I think you are one of the most professional people in the newspaper business that I have ever dealt with,” Moyer said.
Superintendent Jason Perrin said Sanders’ hire date is to be determined. She will be paid an annual salary of $69,993, according to the meeting’s agenda. She replaces Becci Leathery, who resigned this summer after accepting a similar role at Cumberland Valley School District.
After the meeting, Sanders said she is excited to continue to share the district’s stories.
“My role at the Gettysburg Times has helped me gain institutional knowledge and form relationships with staff that I plan to build on as the communications coordinator. It meant a lot to be considered for this position, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve the district and community in this capacity,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to share the achievements and successes of students and staff as well as shining a light on the untold stories at the district in my new role.”
Featured Image: Vanessa Sanders is the Gettysburg Area School District’s new communications coordinator.
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.