Orefield Middle School Gets New Assistant Principal

l students will soon have a new assistant principal.

The Parkland school board at its meeting Tuesday night appointed Thomas J. Stoudt Jr. to the post, effective July 11.

Stoudt is currently an advanced-placement economics teacher at Dieruff High School in the Allentown School District in Allentown. He also serves as the district's professional learning community facilitator, and he is on the instructional learning team. 

As Orefield's assistant principal, he will earn $80,000 annually.

Stoudt will replace , who is retiring at the end of June after 40 years with the district.

District officials said Stoudt stood out from among the more than 100 applicants for the job.

He has a bachelor's degree from Lafayette College in history and a master's of education degree and a principal certificate from Lehigh University. He was a high school teacher for seven years in the Allentown School District, and he also had served as a paid administrative intern and as a dean of students. Previously, he was a middle school teacher in Maryland.

In a prepared release, Superintendent Louise E. Donohue described Stoudt as a "strong instructional leader and enthusiastic, student-focused administrator."