Tamaqua Area School District's highest-ranking official will retire later this year.

The school board on Tuesday approved the retirement of Superintendent Carol Makuta, effective Aug. 26.Afterward, the board approved the appointment of current Assistant Superintendent Raymond J. Kinder as district superintendent, also effective Aug. 26.The board met in executive session for over an hour before it approved both measures.Makuta, 64, of Hazleton, is in the process of completing her second five-year contract as superintendent."It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to all my friends, associates, colleagues, staff, board of directors, parents and community members," Makuta said. "I assure the public that I leave with all matters in order, and that the Tamaqua Area School District staff, Mr. Kinder and your board will ensure this district's stability."She added, "My explanation in saying 'farewell' is that 'you know when it's the time' to retire."Makuta's career in education spans over 30 years of educational service, with 23 of those years in Tamaqua."I am passionate about public education," she said. "Having the opportunity to serve as an administrator and a commissioned officer in Tamaqua Area School District has been an honor and a blessing. I have had the reward of working with delightful and receptive students, supportive and involved parents and community members, tireless and resilient teachers, visionary administrators, and involved, financially responsible and caring board members."Makuta's first assignment in the district was as assistant principal in the former Tamaqua Area Junior High School. While working as an administrator for the junior high school, she was promoted to principal. She also held the positions of principal of Tamaqua Area High School, and assistant superintendent.She said, "Together, we have overcome obstacles on building a new middle school facility, new sports fields, and an all weather track during economically challenging times; being on the forefront of implementing a mandatory dress code and voluntary drug testing; and strategizing to maintain the richest programs, which includes technology, and the best teachers to deliver our programs."Makuta added, "The proudest moments of all, however, with all of Tamaqua's stakeholders collectively, are on the days as an educational community we graduate our seniors who have successfully accomplished the requirements set forth by Tamaqua Area School District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."During my tenure at Tamaqua Area School District, we have graduated over 3,300 young men and women into environments of higher learning, the military, or the work force," she said. "Along with administrative and board decision making, Tamaqua's teachers and parents make a great difference in our successes and the successes of the students in this district."As for the future, Makuta said the district "will find it increasingly difficult to deal with influences beyond the district's control. These challenges include the budgetary stalemate on the state level, increased health care costs, and the state pension crisis.""I am confident that our board of directors, and the soon to be superintendent, Raymond J. Kinder, will develop a strong cabinet." she said. "Tamaqua's organizational structure ensures careful watch over all of the educational programs, all grounds and facilities and complete financial analysis of the district."