K-12 News

The Allentown School District said it will dismiss students early Friday because of the potential for road closures Friday in connection with vice presidential candidate Tim Walz's campaign stop in Allentown.

Several parents, educators, and even a young student came to EASD's board meeting Tuesday night to speak out against the reduced music education time at the elementary schools, which has been reduced to 30 minutes per class this year.

11Fest will be from 5-11 p.m. Nov. 11 (11/11) inside the Main Library at 11 W. Church St., Bethlehem.

A staffing shortage caused the South Side Branch of the Bethlehem Area Public Library to close for two months. The library branch at 400 Webster St. is set to reopen Monday, Oct. 28.

The field trip features live animals, hands-on lessons, and lots of knowledge from professionals in the Agricultural industry.

Wilson Area School Board approved a bond financing resolution that will secure at least $15 million to renovate the high school athletic fields, and up to $60 million overall for several years' worth of projects.

After implementing weapons detectors at its high schools, Allentown School District started using the machines at its four middle schools Monday.

The Bethlehem Area School District is getting $2 million in federal rebates to buy 10 more electric school buses. Officials expect the buses to be in service next school year.

In response to an audit report on equity and inclusion commissioned by the Allentown School District, Superintendent Carol Birks says lasting change requires consistent leadership, trust and time.

Representatives from left-leaning political groups gathered to raise alarm about the political donations of Pennsylvania's richest man, billionaire Jeff Yass, to right-wing super-PACs. They are accusing him of using his own funds to interfere with democracy, and say his interest in private schools could cause inequity.

Sketch plans for an athletic complex for Allentown Central Catholic High School were reviewed by the Whitehall Township Planning Commission on Wednesday night.

The anonymous donation will be used to support the teachers and students across the district, officials from the Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District said.

Board Treasurer Donald Carpenter thanked residents from all sides of the topic at hand for their emails in to the board. He said he received upward of 40 messages.

Allen High School's pool, which was built around 1970, has been leaking for years, causing the school to restrict access to the athletic facilities below it. It was the subject of a social media post that has gained considerable attention.

School Director Emily Gehman said Southern Lehigh has a pattern of pay disparities between female employees and their male colleagues.

“We were looking for answers that aligned with our vision as an association for the work that we want to do in the district,” said Allentown Education Association President Leslie Franklin.

The planning commission will review the sketch plans for the athletic complex Oct. 15. Central Catholic plans to fundraise for the project as part of its centennial capital campaign.

The false bomb threat prompted a 90-minute evacuation at Allen High School on Thursday. Police are investigating.

Candidates discussed the ethical use of AI in classrooms, how to keep school property taxes low and the district's upcoming plans for transitioning to a full-day kindergarten program.

Candidates for Southern Lehigh School Board participated in a forum Tuesday at the Univest Public Media Center organized by the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County. There are seven candidates on the ballot, vying for four seats.

After a round of public interviews Monday, school directors chose David Gogel, 74, to fill a vacancy. He previously served on the school board for 20 years.

The League of Women Voters of the Lehigh Valley organized a forum Monday for all six candidates funning for the Parkland School Board. It was held at the Univest Public Media Center in Bethlehem.