Lehigh Valley superintendents are mindful that running a school district means drawing on an extended circle of support.
When The Morning Call asked school leaders what they’re thankful for this school year, they spoke of the many people they rely on to execute their duties.
Here are their responses.
Lynn Fuini-Hetten, who joined Salisbury School District in 1995 as a middle school teacher and has served as superintendent since 2021, extended gratitude to both her own family and her work family.
“Personally, I’m deeply thankful for my family and friends for their love, patience, and support through every season. They remind me daily of what truly matters: laughter around the dinner table, shared stories, and time together. Their encouragement keeps me grounded and grateful, no matter how busy life gets,” Fuini-Hetten said.
“Professionally, I’m thankful for the dedicated Salisbury faculty and staff, supportive families, and inspiring students who make our schools such special places to learn and grow. Each day, I’m reminded of the power of teamwork, compassion, and purpose. It’s a privilege to serve alongside people so committed to helping every student succeed.”
Whitehall-Coplay’s Chris Schiffert, a former Whitehall High School principal who became superintendent a year ago, said he’s most thankful for the commitment and resilience district staff members have shown.
“With so much constant change and challenge, our teachers, administrators, and support personnel from maintenance to transportation consistently rise to the occasion. The dedication of our district staff goes well beyond the classroom to ensure that every student is supported, feels safe, and is engaged,” Schiffert said.
“I love seeing so much collective energy, professionalism, and genuine care for our school community. I am extremely appreciative of our staff’s hard work; they are dedicated professionals who take every positive step forward on behalf of our students, and it is truly inspiring.”
District staff were also foremost in the thoughts of Northampton Area Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik, who has led the district for more than 15 years.
“After 35 years in the Northampton Area School District as an employee, and as Superintendent of Schools for the past 16 years, I have much to be thankful for. What I am most grateful for are the relationships that I have developed with the students, staff, and community over the years,” Kovalchik said. “Those relationships have cultivated much success for our students and overall community which is the ultimate goal.”
Parkland Superintendent Mark Madson also recognized his staff.
“I am thankful to be part of such a remarkably caring, supportive, and giving school community. The dedication and compassion demonstrated by everyone within the Parkland School District is truly special. The community constantly amazes me with the care shown for each other, the genuine acceptance of everyone, and support provided for our kids. #Parklandpride,” Madson said.
Keeping district staff united behind a shared vision turns goals into daily realities, said Southern Lehigh Superintendent Karen Trinkle, who took over the top role this summer.
“This unity allows us to implement strategic initiatives. We are consistently reminded that when our students win, we win, with rich opportunities that showcase diverse talents,” Trinkle said. “Seeing their accomplishments, showcasing creativity through the arts, breaking athletic records, achieving top statewide rankings, or making positive strides in the classroom, this is the ultimate reward and the fuel for our daily efforts.”
Northwestern Lehigh Superintendent Jennifer Holman said the school board has been a key partner in supporting students.
“At Northwestern Lehigh, we have much to be thankful for this school year. I’m grateful for our teachers, administrators, and staff whose dedication makes our schools places of learning, stability, and care. Our students and families continually inspire us with their resilience, curiosity, and kindness,” Holman said. “I’m also thankful for our Board of Directors for their steady leadership and commitment to putting students first, as well as our community partners whose trust and collaboration strengthen all we do. Together, we remain grounded and united in supporting every child’s success.”
Several superintendents sent their gratitude out to the community at large.
“I am endlessly thankful for the richness and generosity of the Bethlehem community toward BASD schools,” Bethlehem Area Superintendent Jack Silva said. “BASD schools are of, by, and for our community — and the resulting culture is cherished by students, families, and BASD faculty and staff. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the BASD community!!”
Catasauqua Area Superintendent Christina Lutz-Doemling, who has been with the district for more than 21 years and superintendent for two years, said she’s grateful for the opportunity to be of service.
“I am thankful for the privilege to serve the students, families, and larger Catasauqua educational community. Additionally, I am grateful for our dedicated students and so proud of their academic/athletic achievements, leadership, and community involvement,” Lutz-Doemling said. “Furthermore, I feel blessed to work with such an incredible Catasauqua Area School District Team – School Board, Administration, Faculty, Staff, and Community Partners. It’s always a great day to be a Rough Rider. Go Roughs!”
Saucon Valley Superintendent Jaime Vlasaty, an administrator with the district since 2018, echoed those sentiments.
“This Thanksgiving, my heart is full of genuine gratitude for the profound privilege of serving the Saucon Valley School District — a community defined by its strength, pride and spirit-backed by a tradition of academic distinction. It is humbling to lead a district where everyone — from our unified School Board to our dedicated administration, teachers and staff — shares unwavering Panther Passion,” Vlasaty said.
“To witness our collective pursuit directly translate into brighter futures and academic excellence for every child is, quite simply, the most rewarding experience an educator could ever ask for.”