Whitehall Copley introduces new special-education leaders and several new teachers

The Whitehall Copley School District introduced two administrative hires in special education and several new teachers during its July 28, 2025 meeting.

District administration formally welcomed Bianca McGrath as incoming director of special education and Rebecca Marmas as incoming assistant director of special education. District officials described McGrath as having more than 17 years of experience across preschool through age 22, including roles at the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, and noted her certifications as a board-certified behavior analyst, licensed behavior specialist and special-education supervisor; officials said she is completing a doctorate in special education leadership at Delaware Valley University.

Rebecca Marmas was introduced as incoming assistant director of special education with more than 16 years in the field, including classroom and administrative experience. District remarks said Marmas emphasizes inclusive practice, family partnership and servant leadership.

The board also introduced classroom hires: Robin Mattis, an English-language learner teacher who previously worked in Allentown and Northampton Area school districts and as an adjunct at LaSalle; Jacqueline Rivas, a special-education teacher joining from New Jersey; and Marlena Strap, an existing ESOL teacher who will transition into the ESOL facilitator role for the district. The superintendent and administration welcomed the new staff and noted their anticipated roles for the coming year.

No votes were required to introduce or recognize new hires at the meeting; personnel approvals appeared on the administrative agenda and were acknowledged later by vote as part of the personnel packet.

The board also recognized tenure for Mark Horvath, a teacher at Whitehall High School, and invited brief comments from administrators about upcoming meeting dates and committee schedules.