A Northern Lehigh School director has resigned his seat on the board.

On a 6-0 vote, the school board at a special meeting on Monday accepted the resignation of Director Robert Kern Jr.

In an email to the school board dated June 11, Kern said, “My time as a member has been an invaluable experience and I hope I had a positive influence on the Northern Lehigh School District staff, students, and community. I wish you and the current board members all the best and hope for much success in the future.”

His resignation takes effect immediately. “I thank you all for allowing me to serve,” he wrote.

Board President Mathias Green said the board will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4 to interview candidates.

Along with Kern, directors Gary Fedorcha and Chad Christman were absent.

Kern had served on the board since March 2019.

He has a long and storied history at Northern Lehigh, where he is a former teacher, principal and wrestling coach.

Kern also previously served as acting principal at Palmerton Area High School, a position he was appointed to in June 2018.

Before that, he was a Nazareth Middle School principal. Under Kern’s leadership, the Nazareth Area Middle School earned a National Green Ribbon Award, a National Blue Ribbon Award and the Governor’s Award for Academic Excellence. Kern was also named the Terrance H. Bell, National Principal of the Year, in 2015 by the United States Department of Education.