The Tamaqua Area School Board on Tuesday approved the retirement of Superintendent Ray Kinder, effective the end of his contract.

Kinder, who has been with the district for 31 years, has served as superintendent since 2016, and previously served as assistant superintendent and high school principal.

His contract expires this summer.

The board did not discuss or acknowledge Kinder’s retirement during its meeting, but did say goodbye to outgoing board member Mark Rother, who has been on the board for 16 years.

“We really appreciated all your leadership,” Kinder said to Rother, noting and also appreciating his dedication to district athletics, attending as many events as staffers.

The board thanked Rother for his service, giving him a round of applause.