Whitehall High School students began the 2022-23 school year with a new principal, after the departure of Nathaniel Davidson.

Whitehall-Coplay School District hired Dr. Peter Mayes as his replacement. Mayes’ administrative roles over the past 16 years include a year as assistant principal and six years as principal at Mosser Elementary School, Allentown, and nine years as principal at Nitschmann Middle School, Bethlehem.

While he was a student at Allentown Central Catholic High School, Mayes decided he wanted to major in education. He said his time working with students through Junior Achievement and Boy Scouts contributed to his decision. Originally, Mayes planned on becoming a high school social studies teacher, but he realized elementary education was a better fit for him when it came to teaching.

Mayes graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 1997. He continued his education at Kutztown University, earning a master’s degree in secondary curriculum and instruction, followed by a doctoral degree in educational leadership from East Stroudsburg University.

Before his years as an administrator, Mayes was a teacher at Bethlehem Area School District for nine years, where he taught fifth-grade math, English and science for seven years at James Buchanan Elementary School; fifth-grade math for one year at Regional Academic Standards Academy; and sixth-grade math and English at Nitschmann Middle School.

Mayes was frequently given leadership roles during his time teaching and discovered a new skill set and a desire to help educators, students and parents work together. Administrators each have their own leadership style, and Mayes’ approach is hands on.

“I believe leadership is an action, and I lead while in motion. You will often see me standing outside during arrival and dismissal of our students, helping a student in the classroom on a math problem, coaching a teacher how to improve their use of technology in the classroom, pushing a wheelchair with an injured student or cheering on our sports teams from the field. I expect to be active in our school community!”

Though changing jobs is never easy, Mayes said he has received a warm welcome from the WCSD community.

“I have enjoyed every minute since joining the team at WHS. Teachers, staff and students have shared their hopes and challenges for the future of WHS, which is very exciting to help our team move forward into the future,” Mayes said.

WHS is already a solid academic community, he said, adding he believes his role is to “assess the current implementation of our educational program, identify key areas to help facilitate improvement and set long-range goals in line with our WCSD comprehensive plan.”

According to Mayes, WCSD Superintendent Dr. Robert Steckel Jr. and Whitehall-Coplay School Board already have the district headed in the right direction. Mayes said educators and staff have identified areas to focus on, so students can get back on track following COVID-19.

“My vision for WHS is to keep our consistent focus on learning and building the necessary skills for all students to leave our school at graduation,” Mayes said. “WCSD leverages the purpose of public education - to help to integrate students from all kinds of backgrounds, experiences and families into a school community; empower each child to succeed to find their pathway forward; and ensure they are well prepared for their future career path. In addition, we want to continue to provide our students ... with the opportunities to explore their passions and give back to our community.”

When asked about the type of support he feels that educators need most during these difficult times, Mayes said, “Strong consistent support of our community, feedback to improve and sharpen their lessons for our students and encouragement to grow and develop as learners themselves.”

Mayes said students’ needs are similar to those of teachers and that WHS students need the “opportunities to grow within boundaries.”

“I believe strongly that our schools need to be safe and orderly so that our students can focus without distractions on the most important part of school - learning!” he said.

Mayes added keeping students focused on their classwork is a priority, and some new initiatives have been set for this school year, such as “clear expectations” for students’ phone usage and “consistent use of our technology programs” during the day.

Mayes is also a champion for the arts, an area that is sometimes overlooked in other districts.

“All students need to find their place at school to develop a group of friends, no matter if it is in the band, school play, sports teams or clubs,” Mayes said. “Many people look back on their high school career and can identify where they made a group of long-term friendships. I always make sure that all students have a place to participate. The performing arts are as equally critical to our school community as sports, volunteer clubs, academic honor societies and activities.”

When Mayes is not working, he loves spending time with his family, attending his daughters’ sporting events, working on their home, enjoying the outdoors and watching the Phillies.

Mayes also has advisory roles for the city of Bethlehem and Minsi Trails Council. He teaches courses for developing principals and curriculum supervisors at Moravian University as a way to help emerging leaders in education.