Pittston Area School District

An employee placed on leave by the Pittston Area School Board on Tuesday night will continue to receive salary and benefits, however, leaders would not confirm the name of the employee. Superintendent Kevin Booth was absent.

A lawyer for Pittston Area School District Superintendent Kevin Booth, accused by police of choking his wife, is undergoing unspecified "inpatient treatment" that postponed court hearings related to his behavior.

Assistant Superintendent John Haas acknowledges public concern, but says Pittston Area policy and state law prohibit the district from commenting on personnel matters.

Early October is the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a Christian saint known for his love of nature and animals. Some churches invite pets to Mass to honor him. And, Lackawanna County Commissioners say they don't expect a dramatic tax hike next year.

Court records say Kevin Booth faces a misdemeanor charge of simple assault and a summary offense of harassment in connection with an alleged assault against his wife, Jessica, on Sunday night.