During the March 14 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting, the board approved changes to several administrative positions.

Due to Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler’s intent to retire at the end of his current term, which ends Oct. 9, the board approved to elect Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling to a five-year contract as superintendent. Her term will run Oct. 10-Oct. 9, 2028. Lutz-Doemling is currently serving the district as assistant superintendent.

To fill the assistant superintendent void, Eric Dauberman, current director of academic recovery, will change positions to assistant to the superintendent for HR and operations. Current Catasauqua Middle School Principal Melissa Inselmann will also transfer positions to become the district director of curriculum and assessment. Both of these transfers are effective July 1.

Spengler noted his 20 years in the district have been a blessing, especially since it’s his alma mater. He said teamwork is key for the success of the district, and the board and administration have worked well together over the years.

He also stressed the importance of valuing every person on the team, which helps everything else fall into place.

“Humble leadership is so important,” Spengler said.

He commented on how excited he is to have Lutz-Doemling take over his position.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Christina,” Spengler said. “She’s tremendous.”

Lutz-Doemling shared her appreciation for the 19 years she’s spent working with Spengler as she congratulated him on his retirement. She noted he has been an “incredible mentor, leader and friend.”

She thanked the board for the support and for allowing her the opportunity. She said she is looking forward to stepping into the new role.

“I am just so proud of all our district has done over the years,” Lutz-Doemling said.

Both Dauberman and Inselmann also thanked the board for approving their transfers.

“Thank you for considering me for the position,” Dauberman said.

He changed positions from Sheckler Elementary School principal to director of academic recovery July 1, 2022. He said he looks forward to moving onto this new role to continue doing good things in the district.

Inselmann mentioned it is an honor to work with the CASD team. She also noted how exciting all of these changes are for the district.

Spengler thanked the board for paying attention to the transitional movement in promoting and transferring current members of the team. This momentum will help keep the district moving smoothly.

Board President Duane Deitrich emphasized the importance of keeping the momentum going and moving people up. Board member Lauren Cieslak noted consistency is at the core of the district’s success.

Board member Shawn McGinley agreed moving people around in the positions is a positive for the district. He said there are a lot of changes happening, but looking at who will be filling the roles, “it was a no-brainer.”

Board Secretary Jason Bashaw said the way the district team works is a success. He said he is confident in the decisions made in the district because of the strength of the team and community.

“I am in awe of this administrative team,” Bashaw said.

“I think we’re in good hands,” board Treasurer Donald Panto agreed, adding the district has staying power.

Board Vice President Jillian Emert echoed the sentiments and added her congratulations.

“You have big shoes to fill, but you can do it,” she said to Lutz-Doemling.

Board member Dale Hein said Spengler’s 20 years as superintendent is a huge accomplishment.

Sheckler Elementary Principal Dr. Robert Kucharczuk said he hasn’t been in the district long but is amazed by the community feeling and teamwork within the district.

“The team environment here is unique, rare and one of a kind,” he added.