Saucon Valley Middle School has a new principal. Sort of.
James “Jim” Deegan has been a familiar face as the acting principal for the school for the past four months-plus, since shortly after the resignation of former middle school principal Ken Napaver became effective Nov. 30.
On Tuesday, however, Deegan accepted the job on a permanent basis.
His appointment was approved by a school board vote of 8-0, with the appointment effective immediately.
Deegan said he was honored to be the middle school’s principal.
Saucon Valley Middle School
“My main focus, during my time at SVMS, is to support the initiatives the building administration, teachers and staff have successfully implemented,” Deegan said in a letter published on the district website upon his appointment as interim principal in December. “I believe communication is the foundation for a strong partnership between the school and home. With that said, I will work to sustain and implement various forms of communication to keep us connected as we work toward the goal of your child’s academic success and social growth.”
Deegan has worn several different hats at Saucon Valley School District over the years.
Prior to being the interim middle school principal, he was the associate principal for kindergarten and first grade at Saucon Valley Elementary School for two-and-a-half years.
He also has been employed by the district as its Supervisor of Assessment and Instruction, from 2007 to 2016.
Prior to that he was employed as a reading and English teacher in the Wilson Area School District and the Nazareth Area School District, respectively.
Deegan holds degrees from Moravian College (Bachelor of Science), Wilkes University (Master of Science) and Delaware Valley College (Master of Science), as well as a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility from Lehigh University.
He is a graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School.
Board member Mark Sivak was absent from the school board meeting, which can be watched on YouTube here.