The Tamaqua Area School District ended the year looking toward changes in top leadership for 2026-27 school year.

Superintendent Ray Kinder, who has been with the district for 31 years, in November announced his retirement, which will be effective in late August when his contract end.

Kinder, who has served as superintendent since 2016, previously served as assistant superintendent and high school principal.

He started his career with Tamaqua Area, from where he graduated, as a substitute in 1990s before a full-time teaching job opened. His mother taught and father served as superintendent in the district.

Kinder, who plans to work up to the end of his contract next year, said he announced his retirement nine months early to allow the school board to select a replacement and ease the transition.

In December, the board appointed Dr. Stephen Toth, assistant superintendent, as Kinder’s successor.

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

Toth will take over as Tamaqua Area’s superintendent on Aug. 26.