Staff Spotlights that Inspire
Passionate. Engaging. Mentor. The BASD administrators, teachers, and staff are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which each student will attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a productive citizen and life-long learner in our technologically demanding and culturally diverse society.
Daniel Wynn Empowers his Students to take on the TV Studio at Northeast
Daniel Wynn, a German teacher at Northeast Middle School, was asked to take over the TV Studio project in the fall of 2021. He accepted with enthusiasm, despite having broken equipment and no funds to replace. He knew he wanted to empower his students to take on the TV Studio and become a student-led Journalism Club.
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Elizabeth Rega
BASD Elementary Art Teacher
Ms. Rega is currently an elementary art teacher in BASD and recently received the distinguished Alumni Excellence Award from Kutztown University. In addition, she has designed and implemented two grants from The Foundation for the BASD resulting in a Film Festival and a Mosaic installation, organized student work in a local children's hospital, and served on a committee organizing cultural engagement projects and was nominated for Teacher of the Year in 2015.
Read moreHappy Teacher Appreciation Week 2022
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of our Bethlehem Area School District teachers, teacher assistants, and staff members who make this the best district in the entire state of Pennsylvania. You are the best of the best, and we thank you for all that you do for our students and community.
BASD eNews Celebrates Aida Luque at Lincoln
Secretary
Whether it be students, staff, or visitors that ask for help, you offer it without hesitation. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic and always go above and beyond to make us BASD proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Arlene Vargas
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools
Your creativity, amazing work ethic, positive personality, and fun side are just some qualities that make you so wonderful. You are incredibly warm, kind, and empathetic and always go above and beyond to make us BASD Proud. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Lindsay Wieand at Freedom
English Teacher/Literacy Coach
Thank you for inspiring and igniting the imagination and instilling the love of learning in your students. Thank you for helping establish the Buddies Helping Buddies Club at Freedom! Thank you from the BASD school community for your hard work and dedication to our students, staff, and families!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Diane Williams at Freemansburg
First Grade Teacher
Thank you for inspiring and igniting the imagination and instilling the love of learning in your students. Thank you from the Freemansburg School Community for your hard work and dedication to our students, staff, and families! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read more2022 Assistant Principal Appreciation Video
April 4 - April 8 is National Assistant Principals Week, and the Bethlehem Area School District would like to say "Thank You " to all of our Assistant Principals across the district. We appreciate your efforts in providing incredible learning environments for our children.
Kim Harper Named as One of the Difference-Makers in the Lehigh Valley
Kim Harper, Bethlehem Area School District’s supervisor of literacy and humanities K-12, was named for her “diligent work to bring the best, most researched teaching strategies, curriculum and supports” to the district.
Read moreBASD Earns Six State Awards for Excellence in Education Communication
The Bethlehem Area School District is proud to announce the district received six “2021 Excellence in Education Communication” awards from the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA).
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Kathy Packo at Broughal Middle School
Grade 6 Mathematics Teacher
Thank you for your unique ability to connect, engage, and motivate your students to do their best in the academic setting. Thank you for your passion, humor, and leadership skills that make 6th grade an unforgettable experience for your students. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Angela Kukitz
Supervisor of Child Care
Thank you for being an amazing leader! Thank you for all the positive changes you have made to the child care program. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreEstablishment of the Office of Equity Initiative and Administrative Personnel Appointments
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.
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BASD eNews Celebrates Mike Byrnes
Transportation Maintenance Supervisor
Thank you for going above and beyond in all you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for all BASD students and staff! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Stephanie Berry at Liberty High School
Guidance Counselor
Thank you for going above and beyond in all you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for Liberty High School students and staff! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Mark James
Supervisor of Professional Learning and Technology Integration
Thank you for going above and beyond in all you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for all BASD students and staff! For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Mrs. Koski at Clearview Elementary School
Kindergarten Teacher
Thank you for the compassion and grace you have for all the students and staff at Clearview Elementary School. Thank you for inspiring hope, igniting imagination, and instilling the love of learning in our students. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Todd Repsher
Coordinator of School Safety and Emergency Management
Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to BASD staff during the pandemic. Thank you for continuing to keep our buildings safe. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBlack Bethlehem Project
Liberty High School Swim Coach Reik Faust was Celebrated for his 600th Victory!!
February 8, 2022…”Reik Foust Day” in Bethlehem as declared by Mayor Reynolds! Congrats to Reik, one of our aquatic supervisors, who celebrated 600 wins over his 35+ year career as a swim coach in Bethlehem, currently at the YMCA and Liberty High School. We are so proud of you and feel very fortunate to have you on staff
BASD eNews Celebrates Tanya Francis
Guidance Counselor
You are valuable. You are seen. You are appreciated. Your compassion and grace helps our students succeed. For all you do, for all you are, thank you!
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Joanne Kilpatrick at Freedom High School
Secretary
Thank you for going above and beyond in all that you do! Thank you for your compassion and grace for Freedom High School students and staff. For all that you do, for all that you are, thank you!
Read moreBethlehem Appoints Former BASD Educator to Serve on Council
Bethlehem City Council has appointed the first Black person to serve as a member of the council in the city’s history. Council unanimously voted Tuesday to appoint Wandalyn Enix to take the seat vacated by J. Williams Reynolds after he resigned in January to be sworn in as the city’s mayor. Enix was selected out of 11 candidates who submitted applications for the position.
Read moreBethlehem Mayor Names January 24 as Dr. Vivian Robledo Day!
Dr. Vivian Robledo, Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs for the Bethlehem Area School District, has announced that she is moving on to new and exciting opportunities. Vivian has served BASD for the past 23 years.
Read moreFreemansburg Welcomes Ashlee Woodson
Ashlee Woodson was announced as the new Principal of Freemansburg Elementary School during the Bethlehem Area School District Board meeting this evening. Ashlee Woodson most recently served as Assistant Principal at Nitschmann Middle School.
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Fred Harris at Liberty High School
Athletic Director
Thank you for being a teacher, mentor, friend, coach, and administrator! Thank you for always supporting our BASD students. Thank you for your compassion and grace for Liberty High School students and staff!
Read moreCésar Cordova Joins New Bethany with Advancement Goals
New Bethany Ministries, a local nonprofit providing basic-need services, housing, and support that lift individuals out of poverty, recently appointed César Cordova and Marcie Lightwood to its Board of Directors. While offered positions in fall 2021, Cordova and Lightwood officially begin their duties in January 2022.
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Ms. Stewart at Nitschmann Middle School
Guidance Counselor
We'd like to acknowledge the efforts of commitment, love, guidance, and dedication you have for the Nitschmann students on a daily basis. We want you to know that your influence on the lives you touch daily can never be erased.
Read moreFreedom’s Donna Roman is The Morning Call’s Coach of the Year
The Patriots did in fact put together their most successful season in nearly two decades, giving their coach memories she will not soon forget.
Harrison Bailey III: 2021 Pennsylvania Secondary Principal of the Year
BASD eNews Celebrates Ms. Santana at Governor Wolf Elementary School
"Aida is a Secretary at Governor Wolf Elementary School wo has gone above and beyond her normal secretary duties. She's helped when I've needed it without me having to ask. She is quick to get back to me if I've had just a simple question. She is appreciated and deserves this recognition! Best secretary, ever."
Krystal Davis/Strausser
(Nathaniel Strausser's mom)
Read moreFreedom’s Jason Roeder is The Morning Call’s EPC Coach of the Year
Freedom's coach Jason Roeder holds the District 11 Class 6A championship trophy in the team's weight room. The Patriots won nine straight games en route to the title and finished 11-3.
Jason Roeder believes he has one of the best coaching staffs of any high school program in the state. It’s a dedicated group committed to hard work and getting the best out of the kids they work with virtually 365 days a year.
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Mrs. Jackson at Farmersville Elementary School
"Thank you Mrs. Jackson for all your hard work. You have gone above and beyond when it comes to ensuring Scarlett and her class learn at their own pace. You've taken the time to personalize her approach at learning and it doesn't go unnoticed. Scarlett and our family appreciates you more than you know."
The Bream Family
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Mrs. Dudeck at Farmersville Elementary School.
"Thank you for the magic you create in you classroom. My daughter has done a complete 360 since entering your classroom. She loves going to school and even wants to go on the weekends".
Rachel Wallace
Read moreBASD eNews Celebrates Ms. Dell at Fountain Hill Elementary School
"Thank you Mrs. Dell for always giving my son the recognition to keep wanting to do amazing things. You make him want to do his best and be extra helpful with other students. I appreciate you!"
Ms. Janell Colon
Read moreBASD Staff and Students make Thanksgiving Meals
BASD's Executive Chef Laura McCann and Mrs. Eva Howells and Ms. Quay Matyus from East Hills Middle School led a team of 13 students who made 120 Thanksgiving meals for the Lynfield Community Center in South Bethlehem.
Read morePatience, Kindness, and Love Before Learning.
In this episode we define trauma, how to respond to it, and what caregivers can do to help at home. Guests: Ann Marie Vaughn, Principal, Clear Run Intermediate, Pocono Mt. School District; Rebecca Keptner, 8th grade teacher at Broughal Middle School; Kory Kutzler Supervisor of Special Education for the Partial Hospitalization Program for Colonial Intermediate Unit 20.
Click here to watch the video.
Fountain Hill's Mrs. Stambaugh Deserves Recognition
It may take a few seconds to find her in this photo, because she would rather the spotlight shine on her students. But FHE’s principal, Mrs. Stambaugh, deserves some special recognition of her own.
Read moreThe Foundation Awards Teacher Grants
The purpose of The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District is to enhance the learning opportunities for all students. Over $20,000 total in grants are awarded to several staff members, whose innovative ideas were chosen to be funded for the 2021-2022 school.
PSBA Honors BASD Board Directors
Long-term school directors across the State are being honored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association at local school board meetings. Thank you to Michael Faccinetto, Craig Neiman, Angela Sinkler.
Read moreJamie Bloss for receiving the Outstanding Elementary Art Educator Award
Congratulations to Jamie Bloss for receiving the “Outstanding Elementary Art Educator” award from The Pennsylvania Art Education Association!
Read moreHappy National Principals Month 2021
We not only have the best teachers and support staff in the Bethlehem Area School Districts, but we also have the most incredible leaders. Happy National Principals Month to the most caring, diligent, and professional principals anywhere. Thank you for all that you do for our BASD
Congratulations to Jerome Hymans, BASD Employee of the Month, October 2021
At the beginning of each school year, three outstanding teachers are recognized and receive the BEST Award at Convocation. Last school year the BASD started a new tradition to highlight a support staff member and present them with the title of BASD Employee of the Month.
Read moreAir Products Salute to Diversity Awards High School Award Winner Kristen Vazquez
The Air Products Salute to Diversity in Education Awards recognize teachers in the Bethlehem Area School District who celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by sincerely demonstrating a commitment to create a safe and supportive community within their classroom.
Read moreAir Products Salute to Diversity Elementary Award Winner Jessenia Roman
The Air Products Salute to Diversity in Education Awards recognize teachers in the Bethlehem Area School District who celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by sincerely demonstrating a commitment to create a safe and supportive community within their classroom.
Read moreAir Products Salute to Diversity Middle School Award Winner Lynn Vento
The Air Products Salute to Diversity in Education Awards recognize teachers in the Bethlehem Area School District who celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion by sincerely demonstrating a commitment to create a safe and supportive community within their classroom.
Read moreCongratulations to Patrick Larkin, BASD Employee of the Month, September 2021
At the beginning of each school year, three outstanding teachers are recognized and receive the BEST Award at Convocation. Last school year the BASD started a new tradition to highlight a support staff member and present them with the title of BASD Employee of the Month.
Read moreRobin (Hemmons) Alozie
Liberty Learning Support Special Education Teacher, Liberty Class of 2000
My name is Robin (Hemmons) Alozie, and I am proud to be #BuiltByBethlehem. I attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Northeast Middle School, and Liberty High School as a member of the Class of 2000.
Read moreCongratulations to the 2021 B.E.S.T. Award Recipients!

Liberty football countdown to kickoff: New coach and new attitude have Hurricanes ready to kick up a storm, plus 3 things to know
Vivian Robledo
Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs, Freedom Graduate
Ms. Robledo is the Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs for the Bethlehem Area School District. Previously, she served as Supervisor of Student and Community Engagement for the district as well as serving as guidance counselor, elementary assistant principal, high school assistant principal and principal of the district’s alternative school.
Read moreLearning is a Lifelong Endeavor for this Transporation Consultant

“I am a firm believer in trying to learn something from everyone that crosses your path,” advised Jenny Robinson, the transportation general manager at Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) in Pennsylvania. “They have something to teach you for good or for bad, but you have to listen without speaking. You have to listen intently to what they say and what they don’t say.
New Liberty Football Coach and Players Lend a Hand to Community
2021 Softball All-Area Coach of the Year: Freedom's Michele Laubach
Northampton softball coach Kristy Henritzy, left, and Freedom softball coach Michele Laubach. (Ash Bailot / The Morning Call)
Normally in deciding softball coach of the year, you look to the coach’s performance from the official start of practice in March to the end of the season in late May or June.
Broughal Alum, Ms. Kari Bennett to join the Broughal Middle School Family
A huge Welcome (and welcome back) to Ms. Kari Bennett to the Broughal Family as the new Broughal Technology Education Teacher! Ms. Bennett attended Broughal 20 years ago and is even replacing Mr. Neveling who was her Tech Ed Teacher!
Freedom High School welcomes Laurie Sage, their 7th Principal
This week Laurie Sage takes over as the 7th Principal in the 54-year history of Freedom High School. Our community wishes her success as she leads FHS to Excellence in All Things.
Read moreJack P. Silva, Ed.D
Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer, Liberty Class of 1982
Dr. Jack Silva is a lifelong resident of the Bethlehem Area School District and currently serves as its Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer. Jack was #BuiltByBethlehem schools having been a student at Fountain Hill Elementary School, Broughal Middle School, and Liberty High School.
Read more69 News Golden Apple Award Winner - Barbara Clymer
If you ask Barbara Clymer to tell you about herself, she'll say, she was "built by Bethlehem."
She works in the administrative offices for the Bethlehem Area School District, the very building where she attended school as a little girl.
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Congratulations to our B.E.S.T. Teacher Award Recipients!
Since 2000, the B.E.S.T. Awards reward excellence in teaching at the K-12 levels in the Bethlehem Area School District. The Bethlehem Educational Scholastic Trust (B.E.S.T.) Fund at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation began more than two decades ago by a group of Bethlehem civic & business leaders who believed that the work of teachers is so critical to the community - as well as to the students - that outstanding teachers required special recognition.
Read moreSelines Oquendo
Freedom School Counselor, Freedom Graduate
Selines Oquendo is a proud faculty member of Freedom High School where she has served as a school counselor for the past five years. Her parents moved to the states from Puerto Rico.
Read moreFour New BASD Staff Members Named
The Bethlehem Area School Board approved three new principals and one administrator this week, who are all familiar faces to district families.
Read moreGet to know Greer Hockmeier, Community School Coordinator at William Penn Elementary School
Greer Hockmeier shares her rewarding experience as the Community School Coordinator at William Penn Elementary School. Click here to read the article written about Greer featured on Moravian's College's website.
Allen Frank Becomes Fifth Band Director for Grenadier Band
Assistant Band Director Allen Frank will become the fifth director in the Grenadier Band’s history when current Director Kevin Long retires at the end of this school year. Frank’s spent the last eight years in his current role.
Read moreThe Foundation for the BASD Teacher Grants Are Awarded
The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District awarded over $11,000 in grant funding to BASD teachers during the 2020-2021 school year.
Congratulations to Dr. Harrison Bailey III, 2021 PA Secondary Principal of the Year!
Dr. Harrison Bailey, principal of Liberty High School was name the 2021 PA Secondary Principal of the Year by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. This video captures the surprise ceremony honoring Dr. Bailey.
Fountain Hill's Mr. Lynn is a part of the PA National Guard Band
Aside from being an influential instrumental music teacher to students at Fountain Hill, Mr. Lynn is also in the PA National Guard band — and was recently promoted to Sergeant! He will take on a leadership role within the ensembles in addition to continuing to play and perform.
Read moreMr. Cordova and Ms. Holmes Bring a Mobile Pantry to Lincoln
Mr. Cordova, Community School Coordinator at Marvine Elementary School, and Ms. Holmes, Community School Coordinator at Lincoln Elementary School, brought a mobile pantry to Lincoln Elementary School to help meet the needs of the Lincoln family. This is just pure love and servant-leadership. Thank you both for your kindness!
Congratulations to Amber Farnholtz, BASD Employee of the Month, April 2021
Congratulations to the April Employee of the Month, Amber Farnholtz. Amber is a Lead Teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District's Child Care Program and Spring Garden Elementary School. Watch as Amber is surprised with the news!
Daniel Zettlemoyer Selected for Rose Parade
Nitschmann Middle School Instrumental Band Director, Daniel Zettlemoyer, was recently selected by the Saluting America’s Band Directors project (SABD) and the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation to perform in the Band Directors Marching Band in the 2022 Rose Parade.
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Thank you Coach Truby for all that you've done!
After 8 years of coaching Liberty High School's Football team, Coach Truby has decided to step down. As a Freedom alum, and Liberty history teacher, we thank you for representing Liberty High School and the Bethlehem community with honor and pride over the years. He is a role model to all BASD athletes.
Bachman recognized as "One of the Women in the LV Who Have Made a Difference"
BASD is proud to announce that our CTO Marie Bachman was recently named as "One of the Women in the LV Who Have Made a Difference".
69 News Golden Apple Award Winner - Lauryn Bencker
The 69 News Golden Apple Awards is where they take time to honor educators across Eastern Pennsylvania. This month, their winner is a teacher who made sure she spread the love to her students, even when they couldn't be in school. It's pretty hard to surprise a teacher. After all, they've seen just about everything.
Read more69 News Golden Apple Award Winner - Mike Sule
The Golden Apple Award Winner this week, came to 69 News from the Bethlehem Area School District's Broughal Middle School. Everybody knows somebody who works overtime in the background, to make sure everything up front shines. At Broughal Middle School, that guy, the staff unanimously says, is head custodian Mike Sule.
Kelly Gaspar, BASD Employee of the Month, March 2021
At the beginning of each school year, three outstanding teachers are recognized and receive the BEST Award at Convocation.
Stacy Gober Receives Gary E. Reeser Memorial Award
The Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) is pleased to congratulate Stacy M. Gober, PCSBA, SFO, Chief Financial Officer and Board Secretary at Bethlehem Area School District as the 2021 recipient of PASBO's prestigious Gary E. Reeser Memorial Award.
Read moreMeet the Teacher Making Bedtime a Little More Fun!
Miss Hunsicker has been an amazing teacher for eight years now. She is one of those teachers that makes connections with every single student and comes to school with a smile on her face each day. Like most teachers, when the pandemic hit she wanted to find a way to continue to connect with her students even when she couldn't see them in person.
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Recipient of the Priscilla Payne Hurd Award
Congratulations to Mrs. Alicia Creazzo, our Community School Coordinator, who is the recipient of the Priscilla Payne Hurd award in recognition of her enhancement of life in the Bethlehem Community through the Arts, Education or Health Care.
Read more4 New Principals named in the BASD
The Bethlehem Area School Board approved four new principals Monday night, who should all be familiar faces to district students and families.
The openings at Freedom High, Northeast Middle and Governor Wolf and James Buchanan elementary schools are all being filled by current district employees.
Read moreMr. Eric Frank receives the Air Products Salute to Diversity Award
Congratulations to Eric Frank on being one of the three 2020 recipients of the Air Products Salute to Diversity Award! Mr. Frank is a fourth grade teacher at William Penn Elementary School.
Dr. Trinidad Sierra receives the Air Products Salute to Diversity Award
Congratulations to Dr. Sierra for being one of the three recipients of the Air Products Salute to Diversity Award for 2020! Dr. Sierra is a spanish teacher at Nitschmann Middle School.
Mr. Adam Reitz receives the Air Products Salute to Diversity Award
Congratulations to Adam Reitz, Liberty High School history teacher, on being one of the first recipients of the Air Products Diversity Award. Mr. Reitz is the creator of "Humans of Liberty" which can be found on Instagram.
2020 B.E.S.T. Awards
Congratulations to this year's B.E.S.T. Awards Recipients!
Aja Olivares, Seymore and Sophie Haber Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Elementary School Level
Megan Stocker, Bernie Cohen Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Middle School Level
Jennifer Curti, Anthony Ruggiero Award for Excellence in Teaching at the High School Level