A vacancy exists on the Northern Lehigh School Board following the departure of a veteran director.

The school board on a 7-0 vote Monday accepted the resignation of Director Robert Keegan, Jr., effective Aug. 15.

Keegan has been a board member since 2014. His term is set to expire in 2025.

In his resignation letter to the board, Keegan cited the reason for his choice.

“After 47 3/4 years of service in public education, I am retiring from public education entirely,” Keegan said. After 8 3/4 years of serving on the Northern Lehigh School District board, I am resigning as a Northern Lehigh school board director effective Aug. 15.

“It has been an honor to serve the school district and the constituents of the Northern Lehigh community, but it’s time for me to step down and give the opportunity for others to serve.

“My wife is retiring as a superintendent in September and it is my goal to be fully present for her and our family.

“Because of the Northern Lehigh School District, our four children are productive and contributing members of society. I applaud the hard work of our administrators and teachers who have helped shape our children and impacted them positively.

“I’ve always been proud of our school district, and I will continue to celebrate Northern Lehigh School District.”

Superintendent Matthew J. Link thanked Keegan for his time on the board.

“I’d like to thank Mr. Keegan for his extensive years of service to public education, but specifically to the Northern Lehigh School District,” Link said. “His service and guidance will be missed, and I wish him well moving forward into his retirement with his wife.”

Afterward, the board agreed to advertise the vacancy, and for interested candidates to submit a resume by 5 p.m. Sept. 7 to 1201 Northern Lehigh School District at Shadow Oaks Lane, Slatington, PA 18080-1313.

The board would then meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12, at which time it will interview candidates for the position of school director, and vote on it later that night at that meeting.

The board will hold its committee meetings at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 7.