BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Bethlehem Area School District has selected a new principal of Hanover Elementary School.
Ralph Andrews will take over the role this fall, pending school board approval. School directors next meet on Monday and are expected to vote on the appointment then.
Andrews now is elementary principal for both Parkside Education Center and S.S. Palmer Elementary School in Palmerton Area School District in Carbon County, according to a BASD news release. He has held that position since 2021.
Before that, Andrews was assistant principal at Roberto Clemente Charter School in Allentown, where he worked closely with middle school students and staff.
Andrews began his career in education in Palmerton Area, teaching sixth grade, as well as eighth-grade math.
Andrews has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Cabrini University, a master’s degree in classroom technology from Wilkes University and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Penn State University.
"His leadership experience, instructional expertise, and dedication to positive school culture make him an excellent fit for our BASD school community."Jack Silva, BASD Superintendent
"We are excited to welcome Mr. Andrews to Hanover Elementary," Bethlehem Area Superintendent Jack Silva said.
"His leadership experience, instructional expertise and dedication to positive school culture make him an excellent fit for our BASD school community."
The previous Hanover Elementary principal, Erin Hines, was placed on leave in March after she was arrested and charged with drunken driving. She had crashed into three cars in a shopping center parking lot.
Hines had led the school in Hanover Township, Northampton County, since 2019.
She is no longer employed by BASD, Superintendent Silva told LehighValleyNews.com in a Thursday email.
Eric Fontanez, supervisor of BASD's Office of Equity, has served as acting principal at Hanover Elementary since Hines' incident.
He will continue in the role until Andrews joins the district.
