Towamensing Elementary Principal Christine Steigerwalt is retiring after nearly 12 years in Palmerton Area District and 35 years in education overall.

Palmerton’s board of directors accepted Steigerwalt’s retirement, which will be effective June 30, during Tuesday night’s meeting.

Steigerwalt’s dedication to her job and the students at Towamensing, Board President Tammy Recker, stands out among the positives she brought to the district over the last decade.

“Anyone who drives out Route 209 at any given time of the day or night knows she is a staple in that building,” Recker said. “She is there on weekends, holidays, you name it and it’s all because she wants the best for Towamensing’s students and staff. As far as someone who puts in the hours and goes above and beyond, Mrs. Steigerwalt is that person.”

Steigerwalt, who lives in Northampton, came to Palmerton in 2010 after more than two decades with the Konkrete Kids, first as a physical education teacher and later as an assistant principal. At the time, she replaced the retiring Gary Bruch.

Though the board accepted her retirement Tuesday, Steigerwalt isn’t ready to close her final chapter just yet.

“We still have a lot of work to do between now and June 30,” she said. “It’s been a joy and a pleasure to be part of Towamensing and Palmerton. I am very grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to be here.”

Many students come and go over the course of 12 years, but that didn’t stop Steigerwalt from getting to know each one on a personal level.

“When I would take a tour through the school with her, the kids would smile as soon as they see her,” board member Sherry Haas said.

“She knows every one of them by name and I just don’t think it’s something you see a whole lot. For our students to feel that way when they see their principal, I think it’s a huge pat on the back.”