A plethora of candidates will vie to become the next elementary principal in the Palmerton Area School District.

In all, the district has received 25 applications from candidates who will seek to fill the Towamensing Elementary principal position.The district had received 16 applications for the position by the original May 21 deadline, which was then extended to Friday.Debra Demyanovich, director of human resources, previously said the first level one interview will be held on June 23.In April, the board accepted the irrevocable retirement of Principal Gary Bruch, effective Oct. 4, 2010.Prior to that vote, several members of the audience urged them to refrain from a vote on the matter.But, board President Barry Scherer said at that time that Bruch's retirement letter had two dates on it; Oct. 4, 2010, and June 30, 2011.Superintendent Carol Boyce said at that time the Oct. 4, 2010 date was in accordance with the district's Act 93 contract, while the June 30, 2011 date was not.Scherer added the decision to retire was solely made by Bruch, who could have stayed as long as he wanted.