Ralph Andrews, who has served as principal at Parkside Education Center and S.S. Palmer Elementary since 2021, is leaving the Palmerton Area School District to become the next principal of Hanover Elementary School in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem Area School District approved Andrews’ appointment during its school board meeting Monday night. His salary is listed as $124,829, with a start date to be determined.

Andrews called his years in Palmerton both personally and professionally meaningful.

“Serving as principal at S.S. Palmer and Parkside has truly been the honor,” Andrews said. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside so many talented and dedicated staff members, supportive families and incredible students who inspired me to do my best every day. As I transition to Hanover Elementary, I will take with me the importance of building strong relationships and creating a culture where every child feels seen, supported and empowered to succeed.”

He said he is especially proud of the way Palmerton’s staff and families worked together to strengthen school culture, celebrate student success and deepen family engagement.

“I’m proud of the collective effort from staff, students and families to ensure that our schools are places where children feel safe, valued and excited to come to school to learn,” Andrews said.

Palmerton Superintendent Angela Friebolin said Andrews’ departure will be deeply felt.

“Mr. Andrews is a dedicated educator who pours his heart into his work at Palmer and Parkside,” Friebolin said. “He is supportive of his staff, and his students love him. His impact on our district is evident every day and we will miss him terribly. Bethlehem Area School District is very fortunate to have Ralph Andrews on their team.”

A highlight of his tenure was helping S.S. Palmer and Parkside become the first schools in Carbon or Monroe County to earn Lighthouse Certification through the Franklin Covey Leader in Me program.

“The journey and recognition of Parkside and Palmer becoming a Lighthouse School is something that we are all proud of,” Andrews said. “We started the Leader in Me initiative during my first year as an administrator. It was an opportunity to showcase the wonderful things our schools were already doing and building upon that foundation. I look forward to seeing the continued successes and victories that the school will achieve because of the structures that we’ve put into place.”

Asked what he will miss most, Andrews said it was the people of Palmerton.

“Without a doubt, I will miss the people the most,” he said. “The students who bring energy and joy into our buildings each day, the staff who consistently go above and beyond, and the families and community members who care so deeply about their Blue Bombers. Palmerton has been my home, and serving this community has been both personally and professionally fulfilling. While I’m excited about the opportunity to lead in the district where my children are growing up, I will always be grateful for the time I’ve spent here and the relationships that will last long after my role has changed.”

Palmerton’s influence, he added, will stay with him.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve the Palmerton community and its schools because they have had such a huge impact on me as a student,” he said. “Palmerton has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally, and I will always carry a deep sense of pride and gratitude for my time here. No matter where I go, I’ll always be a Blue Bomber at heart.”

Bethlehem Superintendent Jack P. Silva said Andrews brings the right experience to Hanover Elementary.

“We are excited to welcome Andrews to Hanover Elementary,” Silva said. “His leadership experience, instructional expertise and dedication to positive school culture make him an excellent fit for our BASD school community.