A new chapter is beginning for Catasauqua Area School District. Longtime superintendent Robert Spengler is retiring, making space for the former assistant superintendent, Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling, to take the reins and fill the void.

Her five-year term is set to run Oct. 10-Oct. 9, 2028.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to be appointed as the next Catasauqua Area School District superintendent,” she said.

This school year marks Lutz-Doemling’s 20th year in CASD. In 2004, she was hired as the K-12 director of curriculum and assessment. She was promoted to assistant superintendent in 2020.

Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor at Lehigh University, teaching curriculum graduate courses to future educational administrators and leaders.

Previously, Lutz-Doemling was an eighth-grade science teacher and assistant principal at Whitehall-Coplay Middle School. She has also served as an athletic coach at the youth, high school and collegiate levels.

“I have been extremely well supported in my transition into the Catasauqua Area School District superintendent position,” Lutz-Doemling reported. “Bob Spengler and I have worked closely together for the past 19 years, and he continues to provide support and mentoring to me.”

She noted Spengler served as her internship supervisor while completing the requirements for her superintendent’s letter of eligibility during her first year in the district. She said his mentorship and support continued throughout the years.

“He has taught me so many things about leadership through his thoughtful, collaborative and student-centered actions,” Lutz-Doemling added.

She also noted the rest of the district staff and personnel have offered her support during the transition.

“We have extremely knowledgeable and experienced individuals working at all levels within our organization,” Lutz-Doemling said. “Furthermore, we have a high functioning educational team made up of exceptionally dedicated and passionate individuals.”

She said she felt prepared for the transition and was ready for the new responsibilities.

“I feel as though the shift in responsibilities is what I expected,” Lutz-Doemling reported. “I am well versed in the educational side of the school district, and I am learning more about district operations. I know that learning takes time, but I love a challenge. I am always willing to research, listen and work toward improving my knowledge and understanding.”

According to Lutz-Doemling, she believes in lifelong learning and is ready to bring everything she has learned from former roles to this new position while keeping an open mind and expanding on her knowledge base. She also emphasized the importance of effective communication in building strong relationships.

“As a teacher, coach, building and district-level administrator, I have learned that leadership is about developing caring and supportive relationships - relationships with students, faculty and staff, parents, school board members and the community,” she added.

Lutz-Doemling said, as a public school administrator and mother of four, she values and prioritizes high school education.

“With this priority in mind, as CASD superintendent, it will be my privilege to continue to serve the students, families and larger Catasauqua educational community,” Lutz-Doemling said.

Her future goals include continuing the district’s focus on college and career readiness, as well as employability skills, “through learner-centered programs that embrace innovation, problem solving and interdisciplinary collaboration in order to foster student achievement and prepare students for success in life after graduation from Catasauqua High School.”

Lutz-Doemling said she looks forward to empowering and inspiring the students to achieve their fullest potential. She is also excited to work with the school board to “meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff,” while expanding and strengthening the district’s relationship with the community, influencing policy decisions and building support for district initiatives.

“Catasauqua is a close-knit community, and I believe that it is imperative that we build strong relationships in order to work collaboratively toward our identified educational goals,” Lutz-Doemling said.

She noted the district is unique and special in that it remains focused on the students while reinforcing its strong traditions and dedicated work ethic.

“Catasauqua Area School District is an extremely unique place to work,” Lutz-Doemling said. “We prioritize personal relationships, and we are a close-knit educational team that supports each other like family. Even when faced with the most difficult challenges, I know that our district will always come together in support of our students and their families.”