The Weatherly Area School Board approved a motion to hire Michael S. Sakelarides as the Pre-K to fifth grade principal at Weatherly.

Sakelarides will start work effective Jan. 4, 2027, at a rate of $82,000 per year and benefits per the Act 93 contract, pending all paperwork and clearances.

He will replace Christopher Kimmel, who has accepted the position of Head of School at MMI Preparatory School in Freeland. His last day is Dec. 31.

“I’m looking forward to working with Michael,” School Superintendent Dr. Robert Croop said. “He can’t be here tonight; he does have a commitment that he just could not get out of, but he wishes he could have been here with us. I do want to express congratulations to him.”

Sakelarides comes from the Saucon Valley School District, where he has worked since 2019 where he started as a teacher. Most recently he has been the school administrator.

“This is my 19th year in education, all of which at the Saucon Valley School District in Hellertown,” Sakelarides said. “I began my career as a 2nd grade teacher, and also taught 3rd grade for a number of years before transitioning into a quasi-administrative role as the elementary Academic Services Coordinator. Eventually I found my way into school administration, beginning in December of 2019 — yes, right before the pandemic. That year (2020-2021) I found myself as the acting principal of the elementary school when the principal unexpectedly left, and since then have spent my years in either the elementary or middle school as an administrator.”

Sakelarides grew up in the Lehigh Valley, attending Pen Argyl Area High School. He graduated from Shippensburg University, completed his master’s degree through Wilkes University, and received his administrative certification from Alvernia University. Sakelarides has two sons, both in high school. He resides in Packer Township and is married to Amy Smith.

He outlines his initial goals:

1. To establish relationships with all stakeholders so I can better understand what makes Weatherly thrive, including what traditions are most unique and meaningful. Ultimately one can’t lead a community school until one truly knows it.

2. To foster a safe, joyful environment for all students. I want to ensure every student feels safe, supported, valued and excited to come to school every single day.

3. To fairly evaluate the existing programs, assessments, and curriculum to ensure it is robust, meets all student needs, and that teachers have all the necessary tools they need to ensure the highest level of student success possible.

4. And simply to just observe, listen and support for the remainder of the school year. I want to be present in our teacher’s classrooms, get to know as many parents and students as possible, to listen to the strengths/weaknesses and what matters most to everyone, and to continue supporting the entire community in any manner that I can.”

Sakelarides also said that his name is pronounced “Sack-La-REE-Diss.”