BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Bethlehem Area School District has welcomed in a new Superintendent.
Introducing, Dr. Renato Lajara.
With school set to begin in less than a week, 69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle sat down with him to learn his goals for the upcoming school year.
“I feel great. Feel great. Really great,” Lajara said.
Better than ever and moving full speed ahead into a new school year, celebrating 25 years in education.
“I spent 19 years in the Philadelphia School District, with a little stint in the Cheltenham School District {in Montgomery County} for five years,” said Lajara.
First, he shared his story at the district’s convocation on Tuesday.
“I feel like we all need to hear the same message, right? From the new leader of the district. I really got to tell my story, who I am, how I grew up, the challenges that I had growing up in in North Philadelphia,” said Lajara.
Now, taking 69 News back to where it began.
“I’m originally from the Dominican Republic. My family immigrated here when I was seven years old,” said Lajara.
He studied through the entire public school system in Philadelphia.
“I grew up in a neighborhood where I lost 23 friends to murder. One of those friends was killed right in front of me, and I still had his blood on my sneakers. That’s how much shock I had, and I didn’t even notice.” said Lajara. “Not one adult stopped me to say, ‘Hey, you know, you have blood on your sneakers. Are you okay?'”
It sparked his passion to create an educational environment where students feel safe and welcomed.
“So that every kid, whatever trauma or challenge they’re going through, they have at least one adult in that building that they can go to,” said Lajara. “Because that’s what education is about, right? It’s not just teaching and learning. I think we need to be able to help students in all levels and meet them where they’re at.”
He spent his first 100 days in office, diving into community events around the Lehigh Valley and sketching out his goals, including student achievement and attendance, leadership development, fiscal responsibility and public trust.
“Believe in the 4e’s: enrollment, employment, enlistment, entrepreneurship,” said Lajara.
A new school year on the horizon and Lajara has a message for all educators opening the doors for students.
“Kids come to school with two backpacks, right? One that has all the tangible stuff,” said Lajara. “But the invisible backpack? The one that we don’t see? That has the trauma. That’s the one that we really need to unpack.”
Students return to the classrooms on Monday, August 24.
“I want to make sure that they have the best experience,” said Lajara. “Get ready because it’s going to be an amazing year. Everywhere that I go, I like to bring joy. I always love being around students and visiting students. And this year, we’re really trying to tell our story of who we are in the Bethlehem Area School District.”