While still two months away from a decision, the topic of Superintendent Scot Engler's contract was one of interest to several residents at Tuesday night's Palmerton Area School District board of directors meeting.

Last August, the board voted to renew Engler's contract for one year through Jan. 21, 2018, meaning an extension is again up for vote in 2017.Kathy Lendvay Fallow, a Palmerton resident who is essentially assured a seat on the board next year following May's primary election, generated the discussion by asking the sitting board members to outline "some of the positive aspects of the superintendent's years in Palmerton.""What innovative educational projects has he sponsored?" Fallow asked. "How specifically has he promoted student growth and achievement? This upcoming decision for some of you will be the last, most important decision you make as a director. I encourage you all to engage the community and hear both sides of this issue with an open mind before you make your decision."Board Vice President Tammy Recker listed a number of things she has seen and views as positives during the current board's term including homecoming dinners, drama productions, school spelling bees, scholarship commitments, craft shows and much more.She also reflected on Engler."I can't tell you how many times parents have called me at midnight and their son or daughter has an issue like they're at the hospital and there has been an overdose," Recker said. "I have called the superintendent at midnight and sometimes 3 or 4 in the morning and there has never been a time he didn't answer the phone. I know bad things are what prevails, but I would not be OK walking away and not saying what I need to say."The board has until June 30 to publish whether the performance standards for the superintendent, which are set by the state, have been met. Fallow encouraged the board to go further and make public the reasons why they feel the standards have or have not been met."I'm not trying to throw a lighted match on a fire, but if there is a disconnection with the community, engage them and publish these things," she said.Palmerton resident Anne Cronk said she sees the upcoming contract vote as "an opportunity to make a change.""A few years ago we bragged about Bomber pride being back," she said. "Now we're all frustrated with ongoing teacher contract negotiations. The groundbreaking on the stadium broke the hearts in many of us, as it seemed we placed the turf field before education. This district, once a family, is now every man for themselves."In response, outgoing board member Sue Debski said she doesn't think the superintendent is the problem."I've never seen a town so discontent over every single board that has been here," she said. "There have been changes in superintendents. Maybe it's not the superintendents. Maybe it is the town being dissatisfied at a little too much."Palmerton's board doesn't meet in July, meaning its next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15.