Gordon B. Ripkey of South Ninth Street, Lehighton, was elected last night to serve as the principal of the Lehighton Area Senior High School by a unanimous decision of the attending board members. He was hired at a salary of $17,500 on a 12-month contract.

Ripkey has been acting principal since March, when Principal Eugene Flicker died suddenly. Superintendent of Schools M. Eugene Hutchinson said Ripkey has the necessary certificate to hold the position.

Lamont Ebbert, who has been acting assistant principal, replacing Ripkey when he was elevated to the acting principal position, was elected to serve as the acting assistant principal for June and July.