Another top Philly schools official is leaving the district to become Bethlehem’s new superintendent

Renato Lajara, a longtime city educator and current assistant superintendent in the Philadelphia School District, is on his way out of the school system.

Lajara has been chosen as the new superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District, Pennsylvania’s sixth-largest school system, with over 12,000 students.

Lajara now supervises a learning network composed of 15 schools in North Philadelphia and Kensington. He has also worked as a principal of both district and charter schools, and in Cheltenham.

Michael Faccinetto, president of the Bethlehem Area school board, called Lajara “a visionary, student-centered leader with a deep commitment to equity and excellence,” and said he had a proven record of improving student outcomes.

“Throughout the search process, it was clear that his experience transforming school communities, supporting educators, and delivering results for students sets him apart,” Faccinetto said in a statement. “We are confident that under his leadership, the Bethlehem Area School District will continue to grow and thrive.”

Lajara, who holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Gwynedd Mercy University, came to the United States from the Dominican Republic as a child and enrolled in city schools as an English language learner.

He replaces Jack Silva, who is retiring June 30. Lajara, in the statement, called the Bethlehem job “an incredible privilege.”

Lajara’s departure represents another loss for the Philadelphia School District leadership team. Jermaine Dawson, deputy superintendent for academics, will soon become superintendent in Baltimore.

There has been no word on who will replace Lajara in the district.