K-12 News

Critics of the hiring process argued for a superintendent search instead of a direct appointment. Others said Karen Trinkle had more than proven herself ready to lead, and a search would be lengthy and costly.

Planned to open to students for the 2027-28 school year, the roughly $59 million project will go up on the same land as its predecessor facility, which dated back to the 1930s.

School directors voted 5-2 to approve Ethan Ake-Little’s resignation and settlement agreement. His resignation takes effect Aug. 31.

Southern Lehigh school directors appointed Karen Trinkle as chief of schools. They also approved a settlement agreement with Ethan Ake-Little, the HR director who filed discrimination and retaliation complaints against the former superintendent.

Ethan Ake-Little has been suspended with pay since June while the district investigated allegations about his job performance. Ake-Little previously filed discrimination, retaliation and fraud complaints against the former superintendent.

Additional cleaning and air quality testing remain underway at Sheridan and Ritter elementary schools, Allentown School District said in an update Sunday.

School directors are scheduled to vote Monday on whether to promote Assistant Superintendent Karen Trinkle to chief of schools. The proposed five-year contract comes a month after school directors voted to part ways with the previous superintendent.

Northampton Area School District’s inaugural Summer Career Mentorship Program exposed 50 high schoolers to careers in manufacturing, interior design, healthcare and more.

In an email, Allentown School District said mold spores were found in several elementary school classrooms. Remedial action has been taken, the district said in a release, and the classrooms will be tested ahead of the first day of school.

They will serve in districtwide administrative roles and as school building leaders.

There are free summer meal sites for kids throughout the Lehigh Valley funded through the Summer Food Service Program.

Two local state representatives co-sponsored House Bill 17, which passed out of the chamber last month. It was referred to the state Senate's education committee for further review.

A free, hands-on program will help teach new drivers the basic elements of vehicle maintenance in Forks Twp. this Saturday.

South Whitehall Township's planning commission voted Thursday to delay a vote to approve Parkland High School's planned expansion. Township staff gave the school district plenty to do before they return to seek land development approval.

If JOSHWAY meets its shoe drive goal, it will receive a $10,000 donation to fund its work supporting Lehigh Valley youth-focused nonprofit organizations.

Robert "Bob" Smith, 63, received enough write-in votes to secure the Republican nomination for the two-year term. He will compete against Democratic nominee Robert "Nick" Nicholoff, 29.

Proposed federal budget cuts would impact programs such as the free summer meal program for children in the Allentown School District.

The district has a two-year transition plan that includes enrolling middle schoolers at the academy in the 2026-27 academic year. Starting in the coming school year, the academy will replace Building 21 High School.

The free, two-week camp exposed Lehigh Valley teens to sheet metal, piping, plumbing and basic electrical work.

The district will consider the addition of a new assistant superintendent role focused on special education programming.

Some eligible Allentown residents will receive a $1,013.35 reduction to their school property taxes thanks to a state program.

The Lehigh Valley Greenways Mini Grant Program awarded grants to 12 organizations and municipalities this year.