Bethlehem Central School District is welcoming back retired Bethlehem Central administrator Nick Petraccione, who will serve as interim assistant principal at Bethlehem Central High School for the 2026-27 school year.
Petraccione will assume the position currently held by Assistant Principal Heather Culnan, who has been named interim principal of Hamagrael Elementary School.
Petraccione retired from Bethlehem Central in 2024 after 18 years of service to the district. At the time of his retirement, he was the district’s K-12 social studies department supervisor.
Petraccione said he is looking forward to returning to a school community he knows well and cares deeply about.
“I’m especially looking forward to reconnecting with students, families, faculty and staff and contributing in a steady, supportive way during an important time for the high school,” Petraccione said. “I hope to bring my experience to support Principal Matt Urban and the high school leadership team.”
For Petraccione, returning to Bethlehem is about more than filling a leadership role. It is an opportunity to reconnect with a community that played an important role in his career as an educator and administrator.
“Returning to Bethlehem is more than a professional opportunity for me — it’s a chance to return to a school community that helped shape who I am as an educator and leader,” he said. “Bethlehem is a place where students matter, relationships matter and people share a deep commitment to doing what is best for kids. I’m excited for this opportunity.”