The Weatherly School Board is already in search of two replacements for administration positions in the district.

During Wednesday's board caucus meeting, Superintendent and elementary Principal Thomas McLaughlin submitted his resignation following his appointment to human resources director for Palmerton Area School District."I just want to say thank you so much for all you have done to put Weatherly ahead and wish you luck on your future endeavors," said board member William Knepper.Board President Girard Fewins said, "He really put the kids first."Fewins said the search for a replacement has already begun.The six-year superintendent and first-year principal had served in a handful of roles in the district over the past 11 years, including special education coordinator, assistant principal and high school principal until taking over as superintendent in 2011.McLaughlin told the board he, "was lucky to have worked for the district.""I'm leaving a great place, but going to a great place," he said of his new Palmerton employment."It's an opportunity to do something different in a larger district."McLaughlin, a Tamaqua resident, accepted a pay cut for his new job. According to a state salary database, he was making $96,400in Weatherly. He will be paid $85,000 in the new role.McLaughlin said he plans to, "wrap up the budget, finish the 2017-18 school calendar and work on staffing."McLaughlin has offered to continue his role in the 651-student district until the start of March if the board has trouble finding a replacement.Mary Kay Writer, school psychologist for the district, will also leave the area to work in Palmerton's district in the same capacity.She could be held for the same 60 days as McLaughlin if a replacement is not found sooner than the beginning of March.