Lehighton Area School District has a vacancy on its board of directors that it will attempt to fill Dec. 2 following its reorganization meeting.

Zac Hunter, who according to district minutes had not attended a board meeting since February, resigned effective Nov. 21.

Hunter’s resignation letter, dated Nov. 7, cited “unexpected health concerns and a change in his full-time work schedule” as reasons for the resignation.

“Because of this situation, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and Lehighton Area School District if I step down from the board,” Hunter said.

Lehighton has 30 days from Nov. 21 to fill the vacancy.

Board President Jeremy Glaush on Monday night polled the board, the majority of which indicated their preference was to solicit letters of interest for the vacancy but not conduct interviews.

“We already have four letters of interest,” Glaush said. “Some information unfortunately got out from an executive informational session we had. It is sad to see the unethical behavior of leaking executive session material is still going on. I would appreciate it if it ends.”

Lehighton said it intends to accept further letters of interest through Friday.

Acting Superintendent Jack Corby said at least five directors, which constitutes a majority of the remaining board, need to vote in approval of a candidate for that person to fill the vacancy.

Whoever fills the vacancy will do so through the reorganization meeting in December 2025. Hunter’s term was to run through December 2027. The final two-years of his term will be up in next year’s municipal election.

“This is a loss for the board,” director Joy Beers said of Hunter’s resignation. “Zac brought some ideas and knowledge that others didn’t have.”

While the board did not identify the four people who have already submitted letters of interest, former director Dave Krause announced his interest publicly.

“Given the short period you are dealing with, 11 months until the next election, I think it’s important for you to hit the ground running,” Krause said. “I’ve been attending the meetings regularly for years and am well aware of the challenges and opportunities in the district. I think I could bring a wealth of experience to the board and it would be an honor to work together as a team for the best interest of the district and community.”