Renato Lajara picked to lead Bethlehem Area School District as next superintendent
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Bethlehem Area School District has selected Renato M. Lajara, an assistant superintendent in the School District of Philadelphia, as its next superintendent of schools, pending board approval, the district announced Tuesday.
Lajara will succeed Superintendent Jack P. Silva, who is retiring June 30 after three years leading the district and a 40-year career in public education. The district said additional transition details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Bethlehem Area is the sixth-largest school district in Pennsylvania, serving more than 12,240 students across 22 schools in the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Hanover Township, Freemansburg and Fountain Hill, according to the district.
Lajara currently serves as assistant superintendent for Network 8 in the School District of Philadelphia, where the district said he oversees 15 schools and more than 8,000 students. In that role, the district said, he has led initiatives focused on academic achievement, equity and organizational coherence as part of a five-year strategic plan.
“Dr. Lajara is a visionary, student-centered leader with a deep commitment to equity and excellence,” said Michael E. Faccinetto, president of the Board of School Directors. “Throughout the search process, it was clear that his experience transforming school communities, supporting educators, and delivering results for students sets him apart.”
Lajara is a graduate of the Philadelphia public school system. Originally from the Dominican Republic, he was an English Language Learner as a student, an experience the district said informs his approach to education.
In a 2022 interview with CBS Philadelphia, Lajara described growing up in Kensington and witnessing gun violence as a student, and credited a former teacher with shaping his path into education.
According to the district, Lajara’s career has included work as a principal and district leader on school turnaround efforts, standards-based instructional systems, inclusive programming and professional learning for educators. The district said his leadership has resulted in stronger academic outcomes, though it did not cite specific performance data.
“It is an incredible privilege to have been chosen to lead the Bethlehem Area School District, a community renowned for its cultural vibrancy, rich educational traditions, and deep-rooted pride,” Lajara said in a statement. “A school district thrives when it operates as a true partnership. Together, we will build upon Bethlehem’s solid foundation.”
Lajara holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master’s in educational leadership, both from Gwynedd Mercy University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He also holds a Pennsylvania superintendent letter of eligibility and principal certification, according to the district.
Silva, a 1982 graduate of Liberty High School, signed a five-year contract in 2023 that was originally set to expire in 2028.
He announced his retirement in February, telling The Brown and White he wanted his successor to be involved from the start in long-term planning, including potential redistricting and facilities decisions.
