Palmerton Superintendent on leave of absence

Palmerton Area School District’s superintendent is on a leave of absence.

Board president Kate Baumgardt confirmed Scot Engler’s status on Monday.

“At our next meeting we will have an official statement,” Baumgardt said.

Until then, she said, no additional information can be released.

Palmerton meets next on May 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the district board room at 680 Fourth St.

During Engler’s leave, the board has asked Thomas McLaughlin to act as a substitute superintendent. McLaughlin is the district’s human resources director.

“He has accepted and administration was made aware of the situation,” Baumgardt said. “That will also be announced at the next meeting.”

Engler was hired as Palmerton superintendent in 2013.

He received a five-year extension in 2017 taking him through June 30, 2022.