The Jim Thorpe Area School Board accepted a letter of resignation from L.B. Morris Principal Shawn Albert at Wednesday night’s meeting.

Albert was the L.B. Morris principal for one year and assistant principal during the previous four.

“Bittersweet emotions,” Albert said. “The Jim Thorpe school district means a lot to me. They’ve given me every opportunity to grow as an individual, as a teacher, as a coach and administrator. I honestly cannot thank them enough. This community has been unbelievable to me over the years. “

Albert started his tenure with the district as a seventh- and eighth-grade social studies teacher between Penn-Kidder and L.B. Morris. He was Jim Thorpe’s head wrestling coach and an assistant varsity football coach for 11 years.

“I don’t know that I did everything right, but I tried to do everything right for the kids along the way,” Albert said.

Albert is set to take a position with the Lower Merion School District.

“At the end of the day, to be an effective coach, teacher, administrator, you have to be close to the community that you serve. I just felt like I need to do what was right for me and our community here,” Albert added.

Albert’s resignation is effective Aug. 13.

“I was so impressed with what he brought to the L.B. school,” said Scott Pompa, board president.

“Losing Shawn is going to be a big loss. I personally will miss him and just want to thank him for what he has done for this district in the time that he has been here.”

The board wasted no time appointing a new L.B. Morris principal, as Jeff White, current assistant principal, was hired for the position at a $90,000 salary, prorated.

“Over the past several months, I heard nothing but praise about Mr. White and what he has brought to the L.B. school,” Pompa said.

“I had a conversation with Mr. Albert most recently about the principal’s position. … What came out of that conversation was the whole reinforcement of what I have heard from parents and students regarding Mr. White. … I believe that moving Mr. White into this position is definitely a good move for the district and the L.B. school.”

In other business

Other personnel matters approved Wednesday:

• Resignation of Margaret Capper, second-grade teacher.

• Employment of Wendy Greenwood, special education/learning support at L.B. Morris at a salary of $46,675.