ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allentown school directors approved a round of leadership hires and appointments Thursday ahead of the new school year, which starts next week.
The changes align Allentown School District’s leadership for best execution of its strategic plan, according to an ASD news release.
The district also hired 50 new teachers and 34 paraprofessionals.
The new leaders are:
Nicole Zawidski, director of virtual education. Zawidski has more than a decade of experience in education, instructional technology and virtual learning environments.
She most recently was a high school assistant principal for Commonwealth Charter Academy.
A recipient of the PAECT Outstanding Leader of the Year Award and Keystone Technology Innovator recognition, she has extensive experience in online curriculum development, teacher mentoring and college and career readiness programming, according to the release.
Heidi Becker and Earl Kunkel will round out the team of Supervisors of Instructional Technology.
"Both bring extensive instructional and leadership experience," the release says. "Both will play a key role in supporting the District’s Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program."
The release says their work will focus on strengthening instructional technology integration, coaching teachers and advancing digital learning practices across schools.
Ms. Freya de Conde will formally be appointed assistant principal at Sheridan Elementary School, where she is currently serving in the acting role.
A doctoral candidate in educational leadership at Immaculata University in Chester County, de Conde is "committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments," the release says.
Brandy Rentko will move into the role of acting assistant principal at Raub Middle School.
A veteran ASD educator with more than two decades of experience at Raub, Rentko has served in roles in special education, instructional coaching and leadership on multiple schoolwide committees.
She was recognized as the Allentown School District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
Nicholas Snyder will move into the role of acting assistant principal at Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School.
A fully bilingual educator with more than a decade of experience in secondary and higher education, Snyder has served in multiple instructional and administrative roles.
Most recently, he was as an ELD teacher at Raub Middle School and Coordinator of ESOL at Innovative Arts Academy Charter School.
His leadership includes curriculum development, teacher mentorship and the creation of bilingual programs to support English Learners.
