Superintendent Mary Ann Wright of Northwestern Lehigh School District said it was with mixed emotions she ends a 32-year career in public education.

The announcement was made at the Sept. 20 school board meeting.

Her career at Northwestern began in 1985 student teaching with Roxanne Davis, whom she terms an “incredible role model and mentor.”

Wright served as a teacher, principal and superintendent at Northwestern and said her success came from the work and dedication of students, employees and the community.

Those relationships helped establish a climate of trust and respect with local organizations.

Wright said she can look back and fondly remember the great times, and with a sigh or smile, at some of the tough times. But they always put differences aside, shook hands and moved forward.

“The employees of this district were an extension of my family as they taught, fed and transported my children and now two of my grandchildren,” she said. “I will forever be proud to call myself a Tiger.”

Board President Bill Dellicker commented on Wright’s announcement.

“Congratulations and best wishes. Highways and parks will be ready for you and David to tour,” Dellicker said.

“It’s hard to believe it was 32 years. Our kids and grandkids went to school together.

“It’s been a blessing to have you return to Northwestern to complete your career.

“I was so happy seven years ago when you came back. You empowered your staff to do great things. You were a friend with an open door.

“You have a lot of things to still do for these last nine months.”

Board member Paul Fisher said he had the privilege of working on both sides of the table but always had goals of the district in the forefront.

John Casciano wished her “Happy trails.”

The superintendent’s report included a new CEO/principal at the Circle of Season charter school, Alison Saeger Panik.

Wright visited all of the sporting events except cross-country and visited six classrooms.

She provided some information from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. Pennsylvania is ranked in the top 10 for student achievement on several national math and reading assessments.

Almost 87 percent of Pennsylvania’s students graduate from traditional public high schools in four years. Career and technical education programs are provided at 136 high schools and 84 career and technical centers. Sixteen percent of Pennsylvania students receive special education services, with 85 percent of them educated in regular classrooms more than 40 percent of the time.

Angelique Papay Bailey, who is running for district magistrate, stopped at the board meeting to introduce herself.

She said at one time she was a school board member and that she had attended law school.

Board President Bill Dellicker said candidates were needed to fill the seat of Charlene Rauscher, who retired. Dr. James Warfel is finishing out her term.

A proposed manufactured home park in Lynn Township would probably provide an extra 100 students.

A firewall in the renovations has been submitted to Codemaster for a go ahead.

An agreement was approved with the Center for Humanistic Change for student assistance program liaison service.

ProAsys was approved to treat the chilled and hot water loops at a cost of $4,068 per year.

There was discussion about getting fuel bids within the district and as part of the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit bid comparing cost per year.

Additional community education classes are for basket weaving: on Oct. 3, 24 and 31, Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 and 12; and for strength and endurance Oct. 2 to Dec. 11.

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 held extended school year classes with 440 participants. Fifteen of them were from Northwestern.

Fisher said there should be an overview of the internship program. He said the program must have educational value.

The Collegiate Award of Distinction was earned by Senator Pat Browne.

Members Darryl Schafer and Willard Dellicker were named voting delegates to the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference Oct. 20.