Thirteen people have applied to be Palmerton Area School District’s next athletics and activities director, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Daniel Heaney told the school board Tuesday night.

The posting closed Friday.

“We have a strong pool of candidates to choose from,” Heaney said. “Many of them have extensive athletic director experience.”

Administrators began screening applications this week. Heaney said that work should wrap up within a day or two.

Interviews are targeted for next Thursday.

The district has not said when a hire might go before the board for approval.

Palmerton hired Justin Petersen on Feb. 18, 2025, approving him as a hybrid high school assistant principal/athletic coordinator at a salary of $92,000. Petersen will remain high school assistant principal.