The Penn Manor school board has approved the hiring of a new human resources director and appointed an interim dean of students at Hambright Elementary School.
The new HR director is Courtney Kunes, who replaces Theresa Chiodi, who was with Penn Manor since March 2016.
Kunes is currently director of human resources and Title IX coordinator for Elizabethtown Area School District. She will join the Penn Manor administration in February 2024.
Kunes previously was human resources director for the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center and for UPMC Lititz, formerly Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center.
She earned her master’s degree in adult education from Penn State University and her bachelor’s degree in applied human services from the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
“As I step into this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons of the past and the excitement for what lies ahead,” Kunes said. “I am thrilled to contribute my best to my new team and our journey together.”
“We are excited for Courtney to bring what she has learned from her past experiences to Penn Manor,” Dr. Phil Gale, Penn Manor superintendent said.
Also approved at the December 4 school board meeting was the appointment of Patty Detter as interim dean of students at Hambright Elementary School.
Detter has been teaching second grade at Eshleman Elementary since 2014. She previously was a first-grade teacher at Eshleman, beginning in 2006.
Patty has a bachelor’s degree in education and a masters in language and literacy, with an ESL concentration, both from Millersville University.
“I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity to work at Hambright Elementary,” Detter said. “I’m eager to work with and learn from Hambright staff and students, and I look forward to meeting and connecting with more of our Penn Manor families.”
Her appointment is as part of a plan to have two Penn Manor principals swap schools.
Effective next semester, Carly McPherson will be switching from principal of LeTort Elementary to lead Central Manor Elementary. Central Manor principal Brian Malek will be on sabbatical next semester; upon his return, he will take over as LeTort principal.
During Malek’s absence, Kelli Eachus will serve as interim principal at LeTort. Eachus currently serves as assistant principal at Hambright Elementary. Detter will fill her slot at Hambright as dean of students through the end of the school year.
“Each of these educators who are making a ‘remix’ are seeking new challenges in their professional careers at Penn Manor,” Gale said of the changes. “We applaud them for their willingness to grow. In addition, the district is taking the opportunity to grow some of our talented professionals in their leadership abilities.”
Congratulations, and best wishes to these employees.
Courtney Kunes
