School News

Leaders of the Lehigh Valley's two largest school districts say Gov. Josh Shapiro's education budget doesn't go far enough.

Students, parents and area residents responded to a pledge by some Republican candidates to out transgender students and censor "woke" curriculum in the Southern Lehigh School District.

The East Penn school board heard proposals as part of the budget process to hire 7 reading interventionists for elementary school students in the 2023-24 school year while also seeing presentations for policy amendments and a presentation on middle school grading procedures.

The board's preliminary budget for 2023-24 includes a nearly $7 million funding gap, plus $1.7M in staff positions covered by one-time grants.

Just days after Superintendent Joseph Roy announced he will retire in July, the Bethlehem Area School District announced Assistant Superintendent Jack Silva will be considered for the top job. A school board vote is set for April 24, according to a district statement.

Warmkessel's legislative priorities include transparency in the board, not raising taxes and "lowering standards" for academics in the district. She says school staff are now "more concerned with kids' pronouns and their feelings" than curriculum.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The students of Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Bethlehem are planning a mental health awareness social media campaign.

The move comes after secret investigation wrapped up last month without findings released

Commuters and students can complete classwork or attend virtual classes at DeSales Allentown, which will also be open to residents, businesses and alumni.

The center will support medical and nursing students and is expected to be completed early next year.

The district is trying to keep its schools open in spite of the surging number of COVID cases.

Plans are to resume in-person classes on Jan. 31.

Multiple bus runs after school could also mean students will get home later.

Some districts move to remote learning as another reports more than 700 student absences in one day.

The third-largest school district in Pa. is launching its first esports team.

Delaware County school district asserts its under-funding violates the state constitution.

Some say the way the state distributes money to small school districts is not equitable.

Keeping kids in school is a challenge as wages rise.

'It's a Christmas miracle," said one state legislator.

The threat does not appear to be credible, Easton school officials said.

Some routes on some days can expect to arrive at school or home up to 90 minutes late.