The Palmerton boys basketball team will have to finish the season with an interim coach once again.

Michael "Mick" Stefanek submitted his resignation to the school district administration on Wednesday afternoon citing three reasons for his decision.Stefanek listed three reasons for his decision, when contacted yesterday."They consist of internal and external factors of the basketball program and personal concerns," he said.One, he felt that issues were not handled properly according to the official discipline code of the district."I was excluded from a meeting with parents to discuss their concerns about me," he said. "If I was granted permission to attend the meeting, I truly believe that there would be a different outcome. It would've provided the opportunity to meet and talk with the concerned parents."Stefanek, who is a teacher in the junior high at Palmerton, also stated in his letter that there are personal reasons for this decision."I need time away from basketball," he said. "However, I would like to be considered for the position in the future. Also, I would like to speak to our School Board before a final decision is made on this matter."Palmerton Superintendent Carol Boyce, when contacted this morning said she couldn't comment since it was a personnel matter.Two years ago, head coach Mike Snyder was suspended during the season and assistant coach Mark Maholick took over the team for the remainder of the schedule. Maholick applied for the head coaching post, but never received the votes needed to be named to the position.Stefanek eventually threw his hat in the ring and was eventually hired to take over. The team finished with a 3-19 record last year and is off to an 0-4 start this season.Through the first four games, the Blue Bombers started one senior, one junior, one sophomore and two freshmen.Stefanek previously coached at Marian and had a record of 171-137 with the Colts consistently making the district playoffs.Frank McCarroll, Stefanek's assistant coach, will take over the team on an interim basis for the rest of the season.