Palmerton Area School District’s board of directors unanimously reappointed Dr. Jodi Frankelli on Tuesday night as superintendent for the next five years, carrying her contract through June 30, 2028.

Effective July 1, Frankelli will make $145,000 with a 3.5% raise for each remaining year of her contract.

Following the vote Tuesday night, Frankelli thanked the board for its support, calling the opportunity to continue to lead Palmerton, “the honor of a lifetime.”

Frankelli was initially hired in 2020 at a salary of $125,000. Palmerton was her first superintendent job after a stint in the Bethlehem Area School District as both an elementary principal and later the supervisor of Early Learning, Grants and Development.

“When you start out in administration, not everyone wants to lead a district,” Frankelli said Tuesday, “but I’m so honored for the chance I’ve had here and for this reappointment tonight,” Frankelli said.

During her initial three years, Frankelli helped lead the district through the COVID-19 pandemic transition from a hybrid in-person/at-home class schedule to a full-time return to the classroom.

Her new pact, she said, will help her move closer to a goal set out during the initial hiring process.

“I mentioned when I interviewed for the job that I wanted to retire from this district and I really do mean that,” Frankelli said. “I’m very thankful for this opportunity.”

Board members congratulated Frankelli on her reappointment, noting their excitement that she will be remaining at the helm.

“Welcome to five more years,” Board President Tammy Recker said.

According to the contract, the board can adjust the superintendent’s annual compensation from time to time during the term of the agreement based on proficient or distinguished annual evaluation performance and can make any additional compensation in the form of a performance bonus.

The full contract is available for review on Palmerton’s website, www.palmerton.org.