Establishment of Office of Equity Initiatives and Administrative Personnel Appointments

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From right to left – Dr. Benita Draper Director of Equity Initiatives, Ms. Maureen Leeson Supervisor of Science, Technology, Ms.Tracey Hirner Director of Student Services, Mr. Eric Fontanez Supervisor of Equity Initiatives. (Approved at BASD Board Meeting March 21, 2022)

The Bethlehem Area School District is excited to announce the establishment of an Office of Equity Initiatives to guide our BASD equity work. While every BASD staff member must have a commitment to equity and own their piece of our equity work, the wide range of current initiatives cutting across every academic and operational department in the district requires greater dedicated district level leadership.

Dr. Benita Draper was appointed Director of Equity Initiatives (effective immediately). Dr. Draper’s current responsibilities including Federal Programs, grants, Early Child and the Parents as Teachers program will be rolled into the new Office of Equity Initiatives.

Mr. Eric Fontanez was appointed Supervisor of Equity Initiatives effective July 1st. Mr. Fontanez currently serves as principal of Marvine Elementary School.

Additional administrative appointments included:

Ms.Tracey Hirner was appointed Director of Student Services effective July 1st. Ms. Hirner currently serves as Supervisor of Social/Emotional Learning.

Ms. Maureen Leeson was appointed Supervisor of Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) effective July 1st. Ms. Leeson currently serves as Administrator for Secondary Education.

About the Bethlehem Area School District

The Bethlehem Area School District is the 6th largest school district in Pennsylvania serving nearly 14,000 culturally and economically diverse students in 22 community-based schools. The district serves five municipalities: City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Hanover Township, Freemansburg, and Fountain Hill. The district enjoys numerous community partnerships with universities, businesses, and arts providers that extend the schools’ rich curricular and co-curricular offerings.

 
Information provided to TVL by:
Barbara Clymer
Communications Coordinator
Bethlehem Area School District
1516 Sycamore Street
Bethlehem, PA 18017