ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allen High School staff members are experiencing mixed emotions as they prepare to start a new school year with yet another leader — their fourth since February 2022.
Allentown School District appointed Alicia Knauff as acting head principal in July.
Knauff was initially hired by ASD in recent months to be the first-ever principal of Allen’s Ninth Grade Center, but was tapped to lead the entire school shortly after.
A former Whitehall-Coplay School District building administrator, Knauff will lead Allen while ASD continues searching for a permanent principal for its largest high school, which serves about 3,000 students.
Meanwhile, the search process has proven difficult.
“Across the nation right now, there’s a hardship,” Herman James, ASD’s chief of talent management and labor relations, said.
“There’s a challenge in finding secondary principals in urban schools and all school districts.”
LehighValleyNews.com recently spoke with a group of Allen staff members about their thoughts on how ASD has handled the hiring process for the head principal position.
The staff members spoke on the condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized by the district to speak with reporters.
Staff members also shared their opinions on the leaders they've worked with thus far and are poised to work with soon.
Additionally, they shared their concerns about the district's decisions regarding Allen's leadership altogether.
Head principal hiring process
ASD told LehighValleyNews.com it has had three interview rounds for the permanent head principal role at Allen since October.
Two rounds advanced to the stage in which candidates are interviewed by committees of staff, students, parents and community members, according to the district.
The vetting process includes four stages: a virtual interview, an in-person interview with a performance task, an interview with stakeholder committees and an interview with the superintendent.
Throughout the district’s search process, there have been two “viable” candidates who received offers from ASD, Superintendent Carol Birks said.
Both turned down the Allen principal role — neither wanted to relocate, and one wanted the flexibility afforded them in their current role, Birks said.
When asked if the pay for the Allen position may have contributed to the candidates declining the job offer, Birks said she was “not sure.”
“We have not found a candidate that we feel that their skill sets match the role at this time."Carol Birks, Allentown School District Superintendent
An ASD high school principal salary can vary from $132,318 to $185,246. That range is determined by the contract between the district and its administrators.
In the time since the candidates turned down the Allen head principal role, the district has had ongoing interviews to fill the position, Birks said.
“We have not found a candidate that we feel that their skill sets match the role at this time,” Birks said.
While the search continues, Knauff will lead Allen until further notice, the superintendent said.
Leadership transition
Staff members said they are wary of a newcomer leading their school, yet hopeful about the possibility of stability and fresh ideas under Knauff.
But some of those staff members also said they are disappointed Frank Derrick, Allen’s former acting head principal, was reassigned to another position in the district.
They had hoped he would be selected for the permanent principalship at Allen.
Others said they've welcomed the change in leadership because of concerns they had about Derrick’s tenure at the high school.
Staff members on both sides of the issue agreed constant leadership turnover is bad for their school.
They also said the district’s communication on the principal hiring process needs to improve moving forward.
“It’s a very high profile job — you would think there would be more discussion," one staff member said.
Another staff member said the district’s decision to suddenly reassign Knauff to the acting head principal role in the middle of the summer with little explanation was an “awful” way to go about the change.
“I think it's going to create a sense of distrust amongst [staff and administrators] because you hired somebody for a purpose — [who is] brand new, not from the district — and then they’re moved over.”
The staff member said they don’t believe the district set Knauff up to get a fair shake from staff.
“It’s not clear why there needs to be a change, and [when] it's not explained, it's not going to be looked on favorably,” the staff member said.
Turnover concerns
Knauff will be Allen’s fourth leader since February 2022 and the third in an acting role.
Constant turnover at the principal position has been the norm at Allen over the past decade, one longtime staff member said.
South Mountain Middle School Principal Kenneth Fritz served as acting head principal at Allen in the spring semester of 2022 before the district hired controversial former Allen Principal Cheryl Clark.
Clark served in her role for less than a year. She was placed on administrative leave in April 2023 after reports that Allen’s staff had concerns about safety and morale under her leadership.
Clark, the first Black woman to lead Allen, was demoted and subsequently fired in January 2024 for not returning to work.
She is suing the school district for racial- and gender-based discrimination, which the district denies, according to court records.
Frank Derrick transitions to new ASD role
Derrick subsequently took over as acting head principal when Clark was placed on leave. He served in that role for the following two school years.
Derrick, an educator for more than 20 years, previously was the district’s director of recruitment and retention, as well as the principal of South Mountain, where he served for 12 years.
With Knauff’s appointment to the acting head principal role at Allen, Derrick was reassigned as ASD’s director of opportunity programs and alternative education, based at the William Penn building.
His salary is $150,908.15 — the same as his pay while in the acting role at Allen.
In his new role, Derrick oversees the district’s alternative education program, which serves "disruptive" students with behavioral issues who qualify for the placement based on state criteria.
He also manages opportunity programs, such as those for students who need credit recovery and intensive social-emotional support.
Superintendent Birks confirmed Derrick applied for the permanent Allen principal job.
She also said Derrick applied for multiple other ASD roles, such as an elementary principal position.
“He was looking for other opportunities, so that kind of said a lot to us that he was looking to do something [different]," Birks said.
She said the district has the right to reassign leaders to meet its needs, and there may be more ASD leader reassignments on the horizon.
“It’s not about maybe they did something wrong,” she said. “It’s not just about him. It’s reassigning leaders to areas that will help the district move forward.”
Additionally, Birks said Derrick’s skills and experiences are suited for his new role, which lets him work with both high school and middle school students.
“As an administration, we can assign people in roles that we think best fit their skill sets, and given his breadth of experience, we think that this new role is the best role for him at this time in his career,” she said.
Transitions strain staff
But that doesn’t mean everyone at Allen is happy about the change.
One staff member who was disappointed by Derrick’s departure said the transition to a new leader will inevitably be “disruptive to the progress we’ve made” in the past two years.
They said it will be a challenge to boost morale again.
Another staff member said the leadership change represents more of the same at Allen.
“It’s just sad we can’t keep one person there,” they said. “There’s so much turnover.”
They said adjusting to a new leader is making them “a little uneasy,” and they’re fearful of the unknown that comes with a new boss.
“I feel a little uncomfortable because it’s like, ‘Oh no, here we go again,’” they said.
Staff: Improve communication
Staff members also expressed dissatisfaction with the district’s lack of communication about decisions regarding their school’s leadership and the hiring process to fill the principal job.
“I don't think enough information has been coming out, and it was just a rumor mill that was going on,” a staff member said. “It’s just been a total mess.”
Over the past two years, staff members have received little to no communication on the district’s efforts to permanently fill Allen's head principal role, they said.
That’s left them speculating about the principal position and their own futures based on the leader that's chosen.
First, they were left wondering whether former Principal Clark would return to her role, they said.
When it became clear that wouldn't be the case, they then questioned whether Derrick would be chosen to fill the position permanently.
“There really hasn't been a ton of communication,” one staff member said. “We’ve been wondering about this now for two years.
“I would say we’re pretty in the dark.”
Eventually, word got around that Derrick didn’t get an offer to stay on the job permanently, and speculation continued about what was causing the length of the search to fill the job.
“If they feel we didn’t communicate, we can take ownership and say that we’ll do a better job of communicating."Carol Birks, Allentown School District Superintendent
Superintendent Birks noted some staff members have been involved in the hiring process by way of a stakeholder interview committee, but she acknowledged there’s room for the district to be more communicative with the entire staff about how the principal search is going.
“If they feel we didn’t communicate, we can take ownership and say that we’ll do a better job of communicating,” Birks said.
“We apologize if staff feels as though that we were not intentional about sharing with them where we are in the process.
“And so I’ll make sure that our team comes together — talent, as well as the principal supervisor — so that we give people updates throughout the process.”
Alicia Knauff takes on acting head role
Staff members said they got little notice about a July 23 special Zoom meeting in which the district announced Knauff would be Allen’s new acting head principal.
Some staff members said they couldn’t attend because they were on vacation or otherwise busy with their summer off and not checking emails.
Those who were at the meeting described Knauff, who spoke during the call, as “motivating,” “personable” and “very positive.” They said Knauff planned to start meeting with staff members and told them she had an “open-door policy.”
The next day the school board approved Knauff’s appointment to the acting role at a salary of $152,000.
The district plans to reassign a current employee to serve as acting principal of the Ninth Grade Academy for the 2025-26 school year, the superintendent said.
Knauff will either return to the Ninth Grade Academy leadership role once someone is hired for the permanent head principal position, or if she applies and is selected for the permanent head principal role, then she will stay in that job, the district said.
Staff hopeful about new leader
Some staff members said they are hopeful about Knauff leading Allen and want to learn more about her background and leadership style.
“We’ve just been kind of floating around [with] no home base, but I feel like she could lead us in the right direction."Allen staff member on Alicia Knauff, new acting head principal of the high school
“We’ve just been kind of floating around [with] no home base, but I feel like she could lead us in the right direction,” one staff member said.
Another staff member was not so optimistic.
“Dr. Knauff may be nice, but she doesn't have experience about how things are run here at Allen,” they said. “Allen is quite different from other schools.”
LehighValleyNews.com requested a statement from Knauff via the district. ASD did not acknowledge that request.
On July 31, a video message from Knauff was posted on the district’s YouTube page.
Standing outside the school she now leads, Knauff said Allen is committed to fostering “a culture of achievement, respect and community.”
“We are committed to providing a safe inclusive space where every student can explore their interests, challenge themselves and prepare for a bright future,” she said.
Knauff’s background
Most recently, Knauff was the assistant principal of Steckel Elementary School, according to Whitehall-Coplay School Board documents.
In a previous Whitehall-Coplay role, Knauff was responsible for the Zephyr Academy, a transitional support program for ninth-graders, according to a previous ASD news release.
LehighValleyNews.com obtained an introduction letter Knauff recently sent to Allen staff.
A spokesperson for ASD confirmed the validity of the letter.
In it, Knauff said she worked in the Whitehall-Coplay School District for the past 19 years, spending most of those as an assistant high school principal.
In 2001, she started her education career at Allentown’s Dodd Elementary, teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages. She then taught high school English in ASD’s alternative education program.
Superintendent Birks said Knauff was chosen for the acting head principal position at Allen in part because of her experience supporting students who are English language learners.
Allen has a large population of those students, Birks said.
According to the most recent state data, English language learners represent about a quarter of Allen’s student body.
“This is truly my dream job and exactly where I’m meant to be."Alicia Knauff, Allen High School's acting head principal
In her introduction letter, Knauff said she was ready to work toward the goals of the district’s strategic plan, as well as Allen’s other goals.
She said she’s passionate about public education and “advocating for historically unrecognized populations.”
Knauff acknowledged the work teachers and former leaders have done in recent years. She expressed a willingness to build on that success and address remaining weaknesses.
“It’s crucial to remember that statistics aren’t just numbers; they represent individual students who are depending on us to prepare them to meet benchmarks and reach graduation,” she wrote.
Knauff also acknowledged the cultural, racial and economic diversity of the district. She stressed “humility,” “consistent” action, “collective wisdom” and “unified effort.”
“This is truly my dream job and exactly where I’m meant to be,” she wrote.
But not all staff members are convinced.
“I'm not rooting against her because it’s all of our fate,” one staff member said. “It's just very upsetting when you think you have [a principal], and they’re taken away without a reason.”
Another staff member said, “I think Mr. Derrick was more familiar with the district and the ways of the district. He knew the ins and the outs, and I don’t know if she does.
“And that’s a pretty big thing to learn.”
Some staff ‘sad’ to see Derrick go
Some staff members told LehighValleyNews.com that Derrick provided Allen with stability, and they were just beginning to make progress at the school when the recent leadership change was announced.
Derrick was focused on improving the building’s culture while bolstering academics through measures, such as revamped preparation for state Keystone Exams on algebra, biology and literature.
“I was actually very sad to hear they didn’t keep him. I have nothing but high regard for the man."Allen staff member on Frank Derrick, the high school's former acting head principal
He also was building relationships with students and families, staff members said. He visited classrooms and made efforts to be visible at the school during arrival and dismissal times.
Those staff members said they don’t understand why the district decided to make the leadership switch.
“I was actually very sad to hear they didn’t keep him,” a staff member said. “I have nothing but high regard for the man.
“My students adore him, just a very all-around great human, great principal, great leader.”
Another staff member said he gave teachers support and time to meet expectations.
“He was open, he was honest, he was direct,” they said. “It wasn't a situation like someone was coming down with a hammer against you.”
Another staff member said they believe Derrick should have been offered the permanent principal job, which would have let him make even more progress.
“I think he’s done a fair job, I would say," the staff member said. "Certainly, if he were appointed principal he would have done an excellent job.”
Bob Smith, a former longtime school director and candidate to rejoin the school board, has been vocal about his belief Derrick should have been offered the permanent Allen principal role.
He said Derrick is “loyal” to ASD and “loyalty should work both ways.”
“William Allen — that’s a tough school, scores are not good,” Smith said. “[Derrick] provided stable, good leadership.
“We got to get these kids back on track. He’s a valuable asset for the district.”
But Smith, who served on the school board for 16 years, acknowledged Derrick wasn’t universally supported by staff members.
“Some people like him very much and some people don't — 50/50,” he said.
Critiques of Derrick’s tenure
It’s unlikely for any leader to avoid criticism, one staff member said.
“Sometimes [Derrick] did things I didn’t agree with, and I’ve had that with every principal I’ve worked for,” they said. “I thought he was doing a decent job.”
Those staff members who expressed criticism of Derrick’s tenure at Allen told LehighValleyNews.com they represent a notable faction of staff, though not the majority.
“He just was running the ship, keeping it a float. He wasn't turning it into anything better than what it was.”Allen staff member on Frank Derrick, former acting head principal of the high school
“He didn't have any direction,” one staff member said. “He didn't have a grand plan for the school.
“He just was running the ship, keeping it afloat. He wasn't turning it into anything better than what it was.”
Some staff members described him as a “hands-off” leader who often delegated work to an assistant principal.
"It’s like he couldn’t do anything on his own,” one staff member said. “I think he was an incompetent leader. He wasn’t a good leader.”
Staff members said Derrick had an “abrupt” communication style that had on occasion made staff members cry.
“He had favorites,” a staff member said. “He had a good old boys club, and if you weren’t in it, you weren’t treated nicely.”
Another staff member said, “If he didn't like you, he made your life hell."
An additional staff member said Derrick had different standards for different people. They said those who disagreed with him or wanted to share their opinions were treated more harshly.
“Once he had it for you, he had it for you,” they said. “The biggest word I'd use is ‘targeting.’”
Some staff members also expressed concerns about academics at the school under Derrick.
They said Derrick promoted a final exam policy in which the result of the test “can’t hurt” students’ final grades, “only help them.”
They also said Derrick asked teachers to make sure students passed the exam if they showed up to take it. For those students who didn’t show up, teachers were told by Derrick to exempt them, the staff members said.
Additionally, if a student or their parents complained about a grade, Derrick asked teachers to pass the student, some staff members claimed.
They also said Derrick asked teachers to give students an excessive number of chances to complete work.
“The academics were really watered down under him,” one staff member said.
Derrick did not respond to phone calls seeking comment for this report and other recent reports about his time at Allen and his new role.
He also did not respond to a detailed list of questions sent to him via text.
Superintendent Birks declined to comment on the complaints about Derrick’s leadership style, saying she can't discuss personnel matters related to someone’s performance, she said.
But she wished Derrick success in his new role.
The superintendent also offered well wishes for Knauff as she begins serving in the acting head principal role at Allen.
“We’re just looking forward to seeing the students and staff in the William Allen learning community continue to move on the path of continuous improvement,” Birks said.
