Jan 21, 2015 3 min read

Burgettstown is turning the page back to a familiar face to lead the school district.

Deborah Jackson, who spent a decade as the Burgettstown Area School District superintendent before retiring last February, is returning to her former role on an interim basis after her replacement recently accepted a new job elsewhere.

Jackson returned Monday and will be paid $400 each day she works after David Palmer, who was hired as superintendent in March, left his position Friday to become principal at Deer Lakes High School. Jackson will continue as interim superintendent until the end of the school year and help the district find a new administrator.

“I did not expect to come out of retirement so fast, but when I was asked by the board, I was more than happy to come back and help them out until they find a permanent replacement,” Jackson said.

School Board President Tom Repole could not be reached for comment on the changes. Jackson said the district will advertise the position soon and she’ll assist the school board as it searches for a new superintendent.

She will continue to collect her state pension, which Jackson said the Pennsylvania School Employees’ Retirement System permitted due to the “emergency situation.” Evelyn Williams, a spokeswoman with the state’s school retirement system, said officials are aware of the situation and it’s permitted since Jackson is labeled as an acting superintendent. Williams added that Jackson’s pension situation would change if she remains in that role past June 30 when the school year ends.

Palmer spent nearly three years as Burgettstown High School principal before being promoted to assistant superintendent in August 2013 and to superintendent in March. Palmer said Wednesday he accepted the principal position at Deer Lakes because he felt more comfortable working with students and faculty.

“I just felt like I was losing connection with the students and staff as much as a building principal would be,” Palmer said. “After a long talk with my wife and family, when this position was available, it was the best position for me to be happy and to be around kids and teachers again.”

He thanked Burgettstown for its support and said his resignation was not a reflection on the school district.

“I enjoyed every minute I was in Burgettstown,” Palmer said. “The community accepted me, the staff was great and I loved the students. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave. I toiled over it.”

Meanwhile, Jackson said she will focus on helping the district craft next year’s school budget, although she has no intentions of returning to her post permanently.

“I was honored they would consider bringing me back to assist them and assist the district through the transitional period,” she said.