School News

Francis Anonia, a former Parkland High School performing arts teacher, was arraigned in Lehigh County Court on Friday morning on charges he used his cell phone multiple times to secretly record a male student in a school changing room in 2022. If found guilty of all 19 charges, he could face up to 88 years in prison.

Robert “Bob” Smith Jr., 63, and Robert “Nick” Nicholoff, 29, will both seek spots on the Allentown School Board this election cycle. Both have board experience.

At the request of the Northampton Area School Board, the district administration provided options for where the district could save money as budget discussions for the 2025-26 fiscal year got underway.

School directors had to choose from seven options for updating Moore Elementary, ranging in cost from $15.5 million to $70 million.

There's an ongoing investigation into a sixth-grade assignment that asked students prompts about slavery, according to the school district superintendent.

Custodial and maintenance workers think the Teamsters could help them get a stronger contract when their current one expires in June. Allentown School District is recommending workers vote for no union representation.

Phoebe Harris, 59, first was elected to Allentown School Board in 2017. She has advocated for students and sometimes found herself at the center of controversy.

In the last year and a half, Allentown School District spent more than $1.4 million on new instruments and hired 34 educators to teach the related arts, which include band, choir and orchestra, among others.

Allentown School District's director of child nutrition services has added more culturally diverse options to school lunch menus. Students have noticed the changes, and they're happy about it.

Young students of Roosevelt Elementary School squealed with joy when Santa Claus, Teddy Oso and Lehigh Valley IronPigs' mascot FeRROUS roamed the hallways at the annual Christmas event.

Whitehall-Coplay School Board approved a 4.6% property tax increase at its Monday committee meeting, but it will require $2.8 million from the general fund to make ends meet.

The East Penn school board approved a 2025-2026 budget Monday which will raise property taxes by 0.84 mills, the most allowed under state law without a referendum.

School directors approved the final 2025-26 budget Monday. The district increased taxes, cut spending and dipped into savings to balance the $373.2 million spending plan.

Nestled between John Makuvek Field and Priscilla Payne Hurd Academic Complex, the Main Street North Campus’ 70,000-square-foot, four-floor centerpiece dedicated to student wellness is set to open in the fall.

Arts Academy Charter Middle School in Salisbury Township dedicated the school building in honor of outgoing executive director William Fitzpatrick.

A family whose association with Muhlenberg College has stretched for 85 years has made a $1 million gift to the school to establish a business professorship. In addition, the gift will be matched by $1 million more from a previous benefactor's estate, the college announced Friday.

The sale will take place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Broughal Middle School football field, 114 W. Morton St., in South Bethlehem.

Through the digital equity program, students, teachers and some other staff members at the Allentown schools will get an iPad equipped with a keyboard and 24/7 internet access.

A $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will help create employment opportunities in the polymer, or plastics, industry.

Easton Area School District is moving forward with a final proposed budget set to be voted upon in late June, though it comes with a 3.5% tax increase which will help fund the new high school.

The victim was a Bethlehem Township resident and junior at Freedom High School, according to township Police Chief Gregory Gottschall. Authorities say a criminal investigation is underway.

A $25,000 donation from the Garrigan Foundation will allow Lehigh Valley Public Media to contribute to a summer enrichment program and similar events at local libraries. It restores a federal grant the Trump administration froze earlier this month in a strike against PBS and NPR.