Andrew Santandera
The Bethlehem Central Board of Education has appointed Andrew Santandera as the district’s new director of athletics and wellness. Santandera’s appointment is effective July 1, 2026. He succeeds Leonard Kies, who will retire at the end of the school year.
Santandera will provide leadership and oversight for all interscholastic athletics in the district. Bethlehem Central currently offers 20 sports for students in grades 7 through 12. A total of 68 interscholastic teams compete annually, including three Unified sports teams (bocce, bowling and basketball).
As athletic director, Santandera will oversee the management of all athletic facilities, fields, and equipment to ensure safety, accessibility, and instructional quality. He will also supervise all interscholastic coaches to ensure all coaching staff meet the required certification, training, and safety standards.
Additionally, Santandera will oversee districtwide wellness initiatives, promoting a healthy school environment and balanced lifestyles that are foundational to mental and physical well-being. He will work with building and department leaders in physical education, health services, food services and student support services to ensure wellness programming is integrated across academic and extracurricular settings.
Santandera brings 12 years of experience in athletics administration at both the secondary and collegiate levels. He has served as senior associate athletic director at Siena University for the past seven years.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Vermont College, a master’s degree in education, and a certificate of advanced graduate studies in educational leadership from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).
“We are excited to welcome Drew Santandera to BC,” said Superintendent Jody Monroe. “As an administrator and as a coach, he has built a reputation as a collaborative leader, committed to student growth on and off the playing field. His approach to wellness will align well with the district’s values and mission.”
Santandera said he was drawn to Bethlehem by its outstanding reputation and is looking forward to working with BC students, staff, coaches, administrators, parents, and community members.
“Having grown up in this area, I have long had tremendous respect for the district and its community,” said Santandera, who said he is embracing orange and black as his new favorite colors. “I am honored to become a part of Bethlehem Schools.”
