ALLENTOWN — State Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak announced Thursday he will step down to take the helm of the Allentown school district after local officials unanimously chose him as superintendent.

Zahorchak will resign effective May 7. He will replace retiring Superintendent Karen Angello, the school district said.

"As the vote by the school board's nine members indicates, and based on input from community leaders, parents and leaders of professional groups, we believe that Dr. Zahorchak is best equipped to lead our district," board president Jeff Glazier said in a statement.

Zahorchak will start July 1 in Allentown, the state's fourth-largest school district, with 18,300 students and 2,500 teaching professionals and staff.