BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Liberty High School has a new principal.
Rick Amato will serve as interim principal until a permanent replacement is hired, according to the Bethlehem Area School District.
Amato is the district’s supervisor of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
He will fill the vacancy created by the departure of Principal Harrison Bailey III, who left the district to become superintendent of the Wilson Area School District. Bailey starts the new job later this month.
Amato has held several positions in Bethlehem.
He was the principal of Governor Wolf Elementary School and principal of Broughal Middle School. He began his career in the Bethlehem Area School District teaching at East Hills and Nitschmann middle schools.
He also served a stint as assistant principal at Wilson Area High School.
Bailey has been Liberty High principal since 2012, after more than a decade as an assistant principal at Parkland High School.
In December, the Wilson Area School Board voted to appoint him as its school district’s leader. Bailey lives in Williams Township, which is part of the Wilson Area district.
"We are grateful for Dr. Bailey’s leadership and dedication at Liberty High School, and while we are sad to see him go, we are confident that Mr. Amato will provide strong interim leadership during this transition," Jack Silva, the Bethlehem Area superintendent, said in a news release.
"His extensive experience with our district and his deep commitment to student success will ensure continuity for Liberty High School students and staff."
Amato received his bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and his master’s in education from Wilkes University.
The district said it has begun its search for a permanent principal for Liberty High, with an appointment expected in the coming months.
Liberty has nearly 3,000 students in grades nine through 12.