NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH, Pa. — The superintendent of the Northampton Area School District may not be retiring after all.
The school board on Monday will consider rescinding the retirement of district leader Joseph Kovalchik, who has held the job for 15 years.
In November, school directors approved Kovalchik’s retirement, effective July 1 of this year.
The 57-year-old’s announcement to move on came as tensions among school board members were high and the district managed multiple facilities projects.
Even after approving his departure, some on the board – as well as members of the public – appealed to Kovalchik to reverse course.
School board member Doug Vaughn, who was president of the board last year, said that paid off, particularly after a closed-door meeting among Kovalchik and the board.
“I tried my best (to persuade him to stay) because I think it’s in the best interest of the district,” Vaughn said. “It’s my understanding that he was finding some of the antics of some of the newer school board members frustrating and not productive.
“We as a school board met with Joe and asked him to clear the air and express his grievances against members of the school board. We had that in an executive session. I think that was constructive and helped resolve some differences and give him some confidence that his tenure would be better going forward.”
“I tried my best (to persuade him to stay) because I think it’s in the best interest of the district.”Doug Vaughn, Northampton Area School Board member
Kovalchik declined comment Friday pending the board’s Monday night vote.
Some on the board had expressed concern that dysfunction among the board would keep potential new superintendent candidates away.
Besides rescinding Kovalchik’s retirement, the board will also consider rescinding the retirement of Kovalchik’s wife Terry, who is a middle school reading specialist. She had also planned to retire after this school year.
The Kovalchiks have spent a combined 65 years as educators.
Vaughn said he expects the school board’s votes on rescinding the retirements to be unanimous.
Joseph Kovalchik’s contract as superintendent extends to June 30, 2027; his annual salary is $204,000.
Vaughn said he’s the best person for the job.
“Just the longevity and trying to navigate some difficult times,” he said of Kovalchik’s work.
“We’re building new schools, we’ll be redistricting, there’s some budgetary items and issues that we’re having, and I think his experience and leadership are critical and invaluable really.”
The school board meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Northampton Area High School, 1619 Laubach Ave.
