A veteran Tamaqua Area School District administrator has been tapped as the eventual successor to the superintendent position.

By a unanimous vote, the school board on Tuesday agreed to appoint current Assistant Superintendent Raymond J. Kinder as district superintendent to replace Carol Makuta, effective Aug. 26.The board has not set his salary.Kinder, 44, of Tamaqua, has been assistant superintendent since February 2008."I am excited for the opportunity that lies ahead, and look forward to working with the members of the school community," Kinder said.Kinder was hired by the district as a health and physical education teacher in 1994. He became assistant high school principal in 1999, and was hired as high school principal in 2001.He said the district "is in a great position as we move into the future. We have tremendous students and families, along with a group of dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff."Mrs. Makuta has led our school district to great success," he said."Our school board appreciates the value of an excellent education. With these qualities, it is easy to understand why I feel so fortunate being in this position."Kinder said he's up to the task."I believe that being part of this community my entire life, I have an understanding of the challenges that face our students and families," he said. "I am committed, with the help and support of faculty and staff, to helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. I consider myself to be driven, and will work diligently for all members of the school district."Kinder said, "As a school district, we must continue to do all we can to meet the needs of our diverse student population. We must provide support to those that require it and challenge students to accomplish great things. Issues outside of the school setting that affect the operation of schools are always a challenge."He said school funding is a difficult issue across the country."With that said, I am confident that, together, we can adapt to any change or obstacle that comes our way and prosper as a school community," he said.After the meeting, school board President Larry Wittig said the board plans to appoint a successor to Kinder as assistant superintendent.The board plans to conduct interviews for the position in April.