A moment months in the making, Palmerton Area School District’s board of directors unanimously approved Dr. Jodi Frankelli as the district’s next superintendent Wednesday night.

“It has never given me more pleasure to sign a contract,” board President Kathy Fallow said as she signed the deal.

Frankelli will receive a three-year contract, which calls for a salary of $125,000, followed by a 2% increase for each of the final two years.

“I appreciate all the time you put into the search,” Frankelli told the board during the meeting, which was held via Zoom. “You involved so many people and constituent groups in the process, giving them a voice, and I really appreciate that. Hiring a super is certainly one of the most, if not the most, important decisions you will make and I promise to work very hard for everyone.”

Frankelli is currently the supervisor of Early Learning, Grants and Development in the Bethlehem Area School District. Previously, she was a middle school English teacher in the East Stroudsburg and Nazareth school districts, a high school English teacher for Project Upward Bound at East Stroudsburg University, an adjunct professor at Wilkes University, a middle school assistant principal in the Pen Argyl School District and an elementary principal in the Bethlehem Area School District.

She will start in Palmerton on July 1.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Frankelli also thanked parents, community members, teachers, support staff, students and the administrative team for welcoming her in during the interview process.

“The teachers allowed me to come into classrooms and you can see the pride they have for their profession and the work those students are doing,” she said.

“The community is in great hands if we are looking at student groups like the ones you had participating in the interview process. Their questions were pointed. You could see the passion they have for their school and district.”

In July, Frankelli will take over for interim Superintendent Dr. Alan Lonoconus, who has been in that role since October.

“It will be my pleasure and honor to hand over the reins,” Lonoconus said.

“Dr. Frankelli and I have already been working together and she will be welcomed in the district with open arms. Palmerton is a great place to be. After 40-plus years in education, I told my wife maybe this is the last stop. I want to go out on top, and this was certainly a great experience.”

Tom McLaughlin, Palmerton’s human resources director, welcomed Frankelli on behalf of the district’s administrative team, and Michelle Muffley, president of the Palmerton Area Education Association, spoke on behalf of the teachers.

“We all look forward to working with Dr. Frankelli over the next several years,” Muffley said.

Leading up to July, Frankelli said she’ll be gathering input from the different groups within the district and working on an entry plan.

“I look forward to the next chapter for the district,” Frankelli said. “I will continue working hard each day and I want to make everyone proud.”