Catasauqua Area School District is preparing to say goodbye to its longtime superintendent, Robert Spengler.

Spengler’s intent to retire at the end of his current term was approved at the March 14 board meeting. His term ends Oct. 9.

Spengler officially hit his 20-year mark in the district Aug. 1.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling is ready to take the reins and step into the role. She was approved by the board at the March 14 meeting to serve as the district’s superintendent Oct. 10-Oct. 9, 2028.

Spengler was born and raised in North Catasauqua Borough and went through CASD from kindergarten through 12th grade. He noted he went to North Catasauqua School in kindergarten but attended the brand-new Sheckler Elementary School in 1972 as a first-grade student. He went on to attend Lincoln Middle School on Howertown Road and graduated from Catasauqua High School in 1984.

Spengler’s career in education started in 1988 at Pleasant Valley High School, where he taught math and computer science. He continued with teaching computer science but added assistant to the principal duties through 1994.

In 1994, he became the director of instructional technology in Northwestern Lehigh School District. He also took on additional responsibilities in the areas of operations and human resources.

Spengler returned home to CASD in 2003, when he assumed the role of superintendent of schools.

“Being part of the Catasauqua Area School District team has been an overwhelmingly rewarding experience,” Spengler said. “There is nothing like helping to lead the organization that was part of your upbringing and childhood experiences.”

He noted his father graduated from CHS in 1952.

“My parents married here, attended church here, raised their family here,” he said. “It’s just simply intrinsic to my being that I would answer the call to come to CASD and be part of this team and community.”

According to Spengler, his favorite memories are too numerous to list. He said he is proud of the district being named a Top Workplace for four years. He noted this distinction, as well as the district’s parent choice model in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, “has been the culmination of many years of establishing a culture of caring, compassion and service to our children and community.”

He said he will miss the challenges and problem-solving involved in running a district.

“Believe it or not, I will miss the challenges that demanded a critical resolve and developing a win-win solution,” Spengler said. “While this can be daunting at times, our ability to embrace the challenge, bring the stakeholders together and develop a solution is extremely rewarding.”

With the exception of enjoying some downtime with his family, Spengler said he does not have any concrete retirement plans but is keeping his eyes open for the future.

“I strongly believe some purpose will present itself and guide me to opportunities,” he said. “The ability to spend time with family and on home projects, as well as getting my father’s 1967 Mustang convertible back on the road, will be welcome.”

He also added he is looking forward to having more flexibility to visit his son and daughter-in-law in Texas.

“I am incredibly proud of every single member of our Catty team,” Spengler said. “My school board leaders and fellow team members are an inspiration to me and model an effective community-based organization.”

Spengler’s final school board meeting was Aug. 8. He reported Lutz-Doemling will be taking his place at the table starting with the Sept. 12 meeting.

The board members and administration all wished Spengler the best in his retirement and said how much he will be missed.

Board member Dale Hein noted this was a momentous meeting, marking another step at the end of Spengler’s 20 years in the district.

Board Secretary Jason Bashaw reported Spengler served as a mentor for him. Some of the biggest lessons he learned from Spengler included being a humble leader and the importance of the community.

Board President Duane Deitrich commended Spengler for the district’s momentum and his legacy.

“You should be proud,” Deitrich said.

At the meeting, Spengler embodied the humble leader lesson and emphasized the district’s success is not the work of one person, but rather the team. He noted the importance of listening to all the members of the team, including input from families and the community.

He said he was very happy with and proud of the team they have assembled at CASD.

“Everybody’s got their hearts in a good place,” Spengler said.

He added he believes the district is in the strongest position it’s been in years. He said a solid board and administration team have led the district to a strong and stable position.

Lutz-Doemling said she feels fortunate to have been able to work so closely with Spengler the past 19 years.

“During my first year at CASD, Mr. Spengler served as my internship supervisor while I completed the requirements for my superintendent’s letter of eligibility,” she said. “He has continued to mentor and support me over the years.”

She said he has taught her a lot about leadership “through his thoughtful, collaborative and student-centered actions.

“I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to transition into the Catasauqua Area School District superintendent position,” Lutz-Doemling said. “I look forward to continuing to serve our Catasauqua students and their families as I expand my role and responsibilities.”

Spengler noted Lutz-Doemling and her team are “both seasoned and service-centered.” He said he is confident in the future of the district.

“It has been the journey of a lifetime to serve the CASD community, and I have both enjoyed and will miss the service aspect of my position as superintendent,” Spengler said. “However, the district is in such a fabulous position right now, from both a leadership and financial perspective, that I feel it’s a great opportunity to allow the next generation of leaders to impact the community and take things to the next level.”