The Jenkintown School District announced that its Board of School Directors has appointed Dr. Brea D’Angelo, currently Director of Educational Affairs in the Hatboro-Horsham School District, to the role of superintendent, effective July 13, 2026.

According to a press release, Dr. D’Angelo has been an administrator at Hatboro-Horsham since 2014 and has served her current post for the last five years. She began her career as a teacher in the Lower Moreland School District.

“Dr. D’Angelo stood out in a highly competitive pool of candidates because of her exceptional combination of academic, operational, and communications experience,” said school board president Carolyn Riley. “Throughout our search process, she earned strong support from staff and community participants, reflecting the kind of collaborative, respectful leadership and communication our district values. Those qualities were a central priority for the Board as we considered the kind of leadership Jenkintown needs.”

Acting superintendent Steven Van will return to his prior role of Director of Curriculum and Human Resources this summer. Dr. D’Angelo will be scheduling introductory meetings with Jenkintown staff, parents, and community members in the coming weeks, the press release said.

“I am excited to join the Jenkintown School District and to work in partnership with a community that clearly values education and relationships,” said D’Angelo. “Together, we will continue to strengthen opportunities for students while honoring the traditions that make the Drake community so special.”

On March 28, Glenside Local reported that Dr. Jill Takacs, the district’s current superintendent, had been hired as the South Brunswick School District’s (Middlesex County, NJ) Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

According to the South Brunswick School District’s website, “Dr. Takacs will work closely with administrators, teachers, and staff to support curriculum alignment, professional learning, and initiatives that enhance opportunities for all students.”

Glenside Local emailed board president Riley and vice president Nina Russakoff on March 26 to ask when Dr. Takacs’ employment with South Brunswick School District began, and if she is being paid by the Jenkintown School District while she serves in her interim role with SBSD.

We did not receive a response until April 6. Riley wrote that “We will address whatever can be discussed publicly at our board meeting on the evening of Monday, April 13th. I am happy to forward you whatever statement we make at the meeting.”

We did not receive a statement. On Sunday, April 19, we sent a follow-up email to Riley and Russakoff with the same two questions we asked in March. We have not received a response at the time of this writing.

Dr. Jill Takacs has served as Jenkintown schools’ superintendent since the fall of 2016 and has come under fire over the past academic year. In late August 2025, Walkable Jenkintown shared a retirement letter written by Dr. Christopher Janke, which included a scathing review of Dr. Takacs’ performance. In early September, Dr. Takacs was allegedly placed on temporary leave. Following the decision, Glenside Local emailed former school board president Dr. Megan O’Brien for confirmation, and, if possible, elaboration. We did not receive a response.

Days later, the Jenkintown School Board officially announced Dr. Takacs’ retirement plans at the end of her term, which concludes on August 31, 2026. Around the same time, Bob Kohlhepp, who was campaigning for a school board position in the fall, began circulating a petition titled “Petition to the Jenkintown School District Board Members” which details Dr. Takacs’ alleged misconduct. 

Over the course of her tenure, a number of the superintendent’s decisions have made waves with area residents, including the decision to discontinue the annual Homecoming Bonfire in 2022 and the decision to discontinue the contract of Coach Jim Romano in 2023 (he later sued the district).

We will provide more information as it becomes available.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.

Photos: JSD