As Upper Perkiomen's interim athletic director, Donald Harakal doesn't plan on implementing any changes. He said his main goal will be making sure the high school's student athletes get everything they need and deserve.

                "I may be employed by the school district" Harakal said Monday," his first official day on the job. "But I work for the kids."

                Harakal, who served as Southern Lehigh's permanent athletic director 22 years, is beginning his fourth stint as an interim administrator.

                On Thursday, Aug. 11, the Orefield resident received approval from the Upper Perkiomen School Board to succeed Steve Perlstein, who retired Aug. 5.

                Vice President Raeann Hofkin voted against a motion to hire Harakal. Following the public portion of the meeting, Hofkin expressed her concern with the nature of the administrator's contract.

                "I don't believe (Harakal) fits the definition of an independent contractor," Hofkin said.

                Harakal comes to Upper Perkiomen with excellent references, according to Superintendent Alexis McGloin.  "He knows everybody," she said last week. "Mr. Harakal will hit the ground running. The fact that he has been an AD before was very important."

                According to Harakal, he learned of the opening from Sandra Kassel, the district's business manager.  "She gave me a call," Harakal said, adding that he taught her children in the Southern Lehigh School District.

                Harakal, 64, has come out of retirement three previous times to serve as the lead athletic administrator, including a return five-month stint at Southern Lehigh, which competes in the Colonial League. Twice he served as the interim AD at Palisades High School.

                In his new position, Harakal says he plans to stick with the policies implemented by Perlstein, who moved out of state with his family.

                "This is not rocket science," said Harakal, who shadowed Perlstein for two days. "Steve did a great job. My job is to make sure things run smoothly."

                According to McGloin, the search for Perlstein's permanent replacement is underway. She said district officials hope to commence the first round of interviews within the next two weeks.

                A hire could be made in September or October, according to the superintendent.