The contract of the superintendent of the Palmerton Area School District will not be renewed when it expires next summer.

On Tuesday, the school board unanimously agreed to accept the letter from Superintendent Carol S. Boyce for nonrenewal of her appointment to the post.In a related matter, the board, in accordance with the superintendent's contract, unanimously agreed to notify Boyce that her contract ending June 30, 2013, will not be renewed.Director Charles Gildner noted that Boyce was still the district's superintendent for this coming year, and that it's important that she receive the respect she deserves.After the meeting, Boyce told the TIMES NEWS the decision was "mutual.""The district has many, many things they wish to do and accomplish in the future," Boyce said. "We have come a very long way, and it's time for me to exercise a lot of new options."Boyce added that the board "wants long enough time so they can do a long enough search" for her eventual replacement.Hired by the district on July 1, 2008, Boyce noted she is the longest tenured superintendent in the district since Ronald Mihalko.Boyce said the district has a "marvelous administrative team who care very deeply about their youngsters." Further, she said the district has a "very energetic staff" that makes their students their top priority.Board President Barry Scherer told the TIMES NEWS after the meeting that the situation "was a mutual decision based on discussions between members of the board and the superintendent."Scherer said Boyce brought in "some key people" during her tenure, such as its director of human resources; its director of facilities; as well as new principals at S.S. Palmer elementary, Towamensing elementary, and the junior high school."I think Carol was instrumental in the refinancing of our bond and procurement of the construction fund," Scherer said. "Also, infrastructure improvements that have been long overdue."Scherer added "the board will fully support her in her tasks and undertakings this school year.""We expect no less from anyone in the district," he said. "We wish her the best in her future endeavors."Scherer said the board has yet to discuss the search phase for a replacement, but added it likely would begin the process at next month's workshop session.In other business, the board:- Approved the agreement with Carbon Monroe Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission Inc., for the 2012-13 school year in the amount of $7,350.• Approved the renewal of subscription with Renaissance Learning, Inc., in the amount of $3,669.• Approved a diploma from the Palmerton Area High School Class of 2012 for Robert Spirko, Jr.• Approved Science curricula, grades K-6.• Accepted, on an 8-1 vote, the gift of $2,000 from the Class of 2012 to the general fund toward the purchase of display cases at the high school to honor senior students. Director Susan Debski was opposed.• Accepted, on an 8-1 vote, $200 donations each from CC Inc., CMG of Easton, and Barry Isett & Associates, towards the continental breakfast for today's teacher-in service day. Debski was opposed.• Accepted the gift of books, in the amount of $2,257, for Palmer and Parkside from the Palmer/Parkside PTO.• Accepted the second reading of the policy concerning use of district name, color, insignia, or logos.• Accepted the second reading, and approved the policy concerning Megan's Law.• Accepted the memoranda of understanding between the district and both the Palmerton Police Department, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police.• Accepted Palmerton Area Junior High School 2012-13 student handbook; Parkside Education Center 2012-13 parent/student handwork; S.S. Palmer Elementary School 2012-13 parent/student handbook; Towamensing Elementary student/parent handbook; Palmerton Area High School student handbook; and athletic handbook.