Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva announced at the Sept. 22 school board meeting the newly appointed and board approved Hanover ES Principal Ralph Andrews. Andrews has experience since 2021 as the elementary principal for both Parkside Education Center and S.S. Palmer ES in the Palmerton Area School District.

The board also approved a resolution, read aloud by Silva, to withhold payments to charter schools until state funding resumes, as a third of the district’s budget depends on state compensation. Charter schools receive their funding directly from the district that the attending student lives in. School districts are feeling the pressure of having to pay charter school tuition without any state compensation. Silva said, “Our hope is that this action adds to the growing call for Harrisburg to do its job – pass a budget, fund public education fairly and end this uncertainty for all Pennsylvania’s students.”

Student Board representatives Eliza Moore (Freedom) and Farida Ismail (Liberty) reported the many activities available for high school students this year.

Academically, activities such as college fairs and information sessions are held to show students how to apply to colleges, considering cost, scholarships and admission requirements. Athletics such as football, soccer, tennis and field hockey keep students busy on the field. Socially there are assorted clubs and organizations building their membership with enthusiastic students.

The next BASD meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Education Center, 1516 Sycamore St.