East Penn School Board honors six retiring educators with 138 years of service

The East Penn School District School Board made significant strides during its meeting on October 28, 2024, particularly in personnel matters, approving the retirement of six long-serving educators. This decision marks a poignant moment for the district, as these individuals collectively contributed 138 years of service to East Penn and 166 years to the field of education.

Among those retiring are Kelly Lesko, a math teacher, and Steve Yoder, a social studies teacher and former basketball coach from Emmaus High School. Additionally, Doug Hunsicker and Heidi Rock from Iyer Middle School, first-grade teacher Steph Yoder from Macungie Elementary, and Mark Wharton, the Assistant Facilities Director, will also be leaving their positions. Their dedication to students and the community has been recognized and celebrated by the board, highlighting the impact these educators have had over the years.

Following the personnel decisions, the board moved on to business operations, where they approved several items without objection. This included a discussion led by Dr. Campbell regarding the K-3 realignment, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance educational strategies within the district.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to honoring the contributions of its staff while also focusing on future initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students. As these seasoned educators prepare for retirement, their legacy will undoubtedly influence the next generation of teachers and students in the East Penn community.