The BASD school board announced a key administrative change, authorized the payment of routine bills, and approved previously discussed curriculum, facilities, financial and human resources items at its May 18 board meeting. All nine members were present, and all measures passed unanimously.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy informed the board that state Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera’s direction to school districts on the distribution of CARES/ESSER funds is to follow Title I formula, which means that roughly $55,000 of the $3.4 million BASD allotment will go to non-public schools – not the extra $500,000 to non-public schools the federal Department of Education recommended.

Roy also noted the district’s dining service department has served 100,000 meals since mid-March (32,000 every day), and thanked the dining services employees, principals and other staff who have helped to feed the community.

The usually routine list of HR changes had a few notable items this month, including 13 noninstructional staff members granted five weeks of paid leave mandated by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). (More details on FFCRA are available from the federal Dept. of Labor here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave).

A major change in district administration is the appointment of Lincoln ES principal Benita Draper as supervisor of early learning, grants and development, replacing Dr. Jodi Frankelli, who will be the new superintendent of the Palmerton Area SD starting July 1. Frankelli is known for her work with Asst. Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva in developing the RBG3 initiative that has improved literacy across the district over the past five years, and Draper has presided over improved literacy at Lincoln ES, as well as working with community partners to initiate cultural events like the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Observance.

“Both Benita and Jodi have made tremendous contributions to our district,” Silva said. “I’m proud to call them colleagues.

“Palmerton is fortunate to have selected Dr. Frankelli,” Roy said in a statement. “During her tenure in BASD, Dr. Frankelli had a track record of continuously improving all areas she supervised, while building great relationships with the BASD community. She will be missed.”

Roy went on to voice the high opinion of Draper that is shared by many. “Ms. Benita Draper is a talented principal who has served as principal of Lincoln Elementary for the past 13 school years. Ms. Draper brings her literacy leadership success as a principal, her knowledge of the community, and her experience with federal grant programs to her new district-level role. The entire district will benefit from her excellent leadership.”

On a personal note, Roy added, “Ms. Draper is loved by her students and staff. My two daughters who are Lincoln students cried when I told them Draper would be moving to the Ed Center.”