The Tamaqua Area School Board on Tuesday named a successor for the district’s top job a month after Superintendent Ray Kinder announced his retirement.

The board appointed Dr. Stephen Toth, assistant superintendent, as the next superintendent following an executive session ahead of its regular meeting.

The board did not publicly discuss the appointment. The board quietly approved the move amid other education committee recommendations and personnel moves.

Following the meeting, Toth said that he was humbled by the board’s decision to select him to lead the district in the coming years.

“I was always hopeful I would be able to lead the district,” he said after the meeting. “I certainly have a high regard for our board. They do a great job for our community.

“We just want to keep the district moving in the right direction.”

Toth has been with the district for 16 years, starting as an assistant high school principal and then high school principal before being tapped as assistant superintendent nearly 10 years ago.

Toth will take the reins of the district Aug. 26, when Kinder begins his retirement following a 32-year career with the Tamaqua district.

Kinder announced his retirement last month to allow the board adequate time to select a new superintendent and ensure a smooth transition in the district’s leadership.