After three years with Whitehall-Coplay School District, Dr. Robert Steckel Jr. has resigned from his role as superintendent of schools.

“Good morning, WCSD staff. I am writing to you this morning to notify you that yesterday, I informed the board that I will be resigning from my position as superintendent of schools here in the WCSD,” read an email Steckel sent Aug. 29 to the district staff members.

Steckel provided the email to The Press as well.

Steckel said this resignation comes after he was presented with an opportunity in the private sector that will be a “tremendous growth opportunity” for him and his family, according to the email.

“Although I had no intentions of pursuing other jobs and have thoroughly loved my position and the WCSD, this offer came, and I wish to take advantage of the opportunity,” the email read.

Steckel’s career started in 2003 as a seventh- grade social studies teacher at Orefield Middle School in the Parkland School District.

In 2007, Steckel left that district when he was offered the position of alternative education teacher at Northampton Area Middle School. A year after that, he became a social studies teacher in the Northampton Area School District and joined the school board.

Steckel would then become the assistant principal at Northampton Area High School, followed by principal and, ultimately, assistant to the superintendent.

Steckel’s journey as superintendent in WCSD began in 2021 when he replaced Dr. Lorie Hackett, following her retirement.

“The Whitehall-Coplay School District has been an amazing and special place for me, and I am very proud of everything we have accomplished,” Steckel’s email read.

Steckel credits the district’s success to the collaboration and hard work of all staff members.

“The vision has been set, and the groundwork has been laid for continued growth and opportunities for all students and staff,” he said.

The Whitehall-Coplay School Board will vote on Steckel’s resignation at a special board meeting Sept. 9.

Steckel said he is still determining an official final date of employment with the district, adding he wanted to make this transition as smooth as possible. Families and staff will be updated as more details become available, he said.