A school board meeting took place Thursday, at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology center. This after a preliminary hearing for 40-year-old Eric Palmer, who as of Thursday, is still listed as the executive director on the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center website was continued.
Palmer is facing multiple child pornography charges, after police were alerted in may, about eight files showing child sexual abuse, allegedly flagged on Palmer’s personal g-mail account. Palmer has served as the Blair county tech center’s executive director since 2018, and was not seen at the tech center’s board meeting.
GACTC officials say they are taking the situation seriously.
“I just wanted to clarify for the members in attendance, as well as the public, that the first time the CTC became aware of the charges and allegations against Mr. Palmer, were on November 8th, 2024.” says GACTC solicitor, Jennifer Dambeck.
School officials say they took immediate action upon learning of the allegations. In the meantime they’re appointing Mrs. Nicole Zernick to serve as the interim executive director.
“Mrs. Zernick exemplifies leadership by pulling the rope alongside her team, rather than attempting to push it, as was the case with Mr. Palmer.” says one concerned resident.
Palmer is free on unsecured bail, with his current employment status not clarified at the GACTC board meeting.
As of Thursday, a preliminary hearing date for Palmer has not been set.