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Four new principals chosen

Published May 05. 2021 11:49AM
by Theresa O’Brien Special to the Bethlehem Press

The school board approved the appointment of four new principals at its April 26 meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy expressed the administration’s pride in being able to fill the positions with talented professionals who were already working in the district.

The following individuals were approved for reassignment at the meeting: Amanda Hinkel will be the new principal at James Buchanan ES (replacing the retiring Jill Moran); Lisa Young will be principal at Miller Heights ES (replacing the retiring Deb Roeder); Theodoro Quinones will be principal at Northeast MS (replacing the retiring Joe Rahs); and Laurie Sage will be principal of Freedom HS (replacing the retiring Michael LaPorta). Additionally, Garrett Podhyski, who has been Fountain Hill ES dean of students, will become the assistant principal at Fountain Hill.

“We look for people who have reached out beyond their immediate role – who have taken advantage of projects and training, to be prepared for the next role,” Dr. Roy said in response to a question from board member Winston Alozie. He cited strong organizational skills, strong relationships with students and families, and instructional leadership as key attributes of successful principals.

Board member Dr. Dean Donaher reported that Northampton Community College has seen a 13 percent decrease in credit hours this semester, and is considering a tuition increase of 3.8 percent for in-county students. Emily Schenkel reported that the district’s vo-tech school is taking the first steps toward creating an electric vehicle repair program. Mike Faccinetto invited members of the public to email him with recommendations for board members for the Foundation for the Bethlehem Area SD.

Alozie commended the Mustangs of Marvine ES for organizing a community cleanup. Alozie’s full-time job as CEO of the Boys Club of Bethlehem afforded him an inside view of the Earth Day cleanup of the Marvine-Pembroke area, and he offered his thanks to Community School Coordinator César Córdova and Principal Eric Fontanez.

Parent Sue Testa asked whether BASD Stadium could be used for end-of-year events, e.g., “moving up” ceremonies, for elementary and middle school activities. Board president Mike Faccinetto noted that high school activities, including Freedom and Liberty graduations, spring musicals, and concerts, will use the stadium – the district’s only large outdoor space – for too many of the remaining days of the year to be able to accommodate elementary or middle schools.

The next meeting will be at East Hills MS in the auditorium at 6 p.m. May 10, and will be open to the public. Masks will be required for entry. The public will also be allowed to participate via Zoom for the three meetings in May.

Photos courtesy BASD

Freedom HS - Laurie Sage served as assistant principal at Freedom HS for the past four years and taught English there as well. She is an alum of Moravian College, where she received her bachelor of arts degree, her master's of education in curriculum and Instruction and her administrative certification.
Northeast MS - Dr. Theodoro Quinones. served as the principal of Governor Wolf ES for the past six years. Prior, he served as an assistant principal at Stroudsburg HS and at Stroudsburg Intermediate ES. He also taught in Easton School District and worked for nine years in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
James Buchanan ES - Amanda Hinkel served as the assistant principal at Liberty HS for the past seven years. She was also the dean of students and an English teacher. She received her bachelor of science from Kutztown University and her master's degree in educational leadership from Wilkes University.
Miller Heights ES - Lisa Young is presently a first grade teacher at Governor Wolf ES and also serves as the lead teacher for the school. She has taught in the district for over 25 years and taught kindergarten and second grade in the East Penn School District.