The last regular meeting of the Bethlehem Area School District for the 2022-23 school year was held June 26. All committee agenda items that were discussed at the June 12 and 19 committee meetings were passed in preparation for the summer.

Administrative financial issues and curriculum recommendations were passed, and the Facilities Committee recommended that the board approve the stairway repairs at William Penn and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools to Ondra-Huyett Associates. The William Penn exterior stairs collapsed several months ago, and the Thomas Jefferson building was built from matching plans. Ondra-Huyett Associates presented the lowest bid for this job.

The board approved the pre-design stage, the site survey, and the request for architect proposals for Fountain Hill ES. All transportation agenda items were also passed.

The Human Resource Committee’s administrative recommendations approved Dr. Maureen Leeson to replace recently-promoted Dr. Jack Silva as assistant superintendent. Her contract began July 1, and ends June 30, 2027. The four-year term can be modified or extended at the will of the board.

There was a bittersweet ending to 2022-23 as Board Vice President Shannon Patrick extended the board’s sincere best wishes to Chief Human Resource Officer Russell Giordano and Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy on their respective retirements.