School News

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.

A Children First report looked at Allentown, Pittsburgh, Chester-Upland and Philadelphia school districts.

Allentown schools Superintendent Carol Birks said she plans to form a task force find ways to enroll more young children into early learning programs, with families on waitlists across the Lehigh Valley and statewide.

Saucon Valley schools Superintendent Jaime Vlasaty took the stand for nearly three hours Thursday, defending her decision to revoke permission for an after-school Satan Club to meet on school property.

South Whitehall commissioners granted preliminary/final approval to plans for the new Parkland School District operations center at their meeting Wednesday.

University police are looking for information on a screaming incident that occurred on Lehigh's campus over the weekend.

The ninth annual Governor's STEM Competition in Pennsylvania has announced its regional winners, with two teams from the Lehigh Valley among the top 20 finalists.

Puerto Rico's electrical grid has been devastated by hurricanes due to worsening climate change. Ruth Santiago, a Bethlehem native, has a solution.

The applicant Eric Moyer said he is considering appealing the decision or proposing a different development at the 3599 Broadway site.

The schools are under pressure from the Shapiro administration to improve outcomes for students.

The hourlong program explores the audit that found the district not committed to equity and social justice. It was conducted over four months early this year. More than 5,000 students, staff and community members participated in surveys and dozens of school district leaders participated in focus groups.

At its Nov. 11 meeting, Northampton Area school directors considered five partial renovation options for Moore Elementary.

Northampton Area school directors approved the second round of financing for the East Allen Elementary School and education center project at their meeting last week.

Easton Area School District officially canceled its Thanksgiving eve bonfire following a meeting with police and fire officials, who voiced concerns for the safety of people and property.

Bethlehem Area school directors approved the purchase agreement for 315 Columbia St. in South Bethlehem at their Monday meeting. The space would serve as a satellite campus for the Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech School.

The new heating system is expected to be finished by spring. As of now, students say temperatures in the school are "unbearable."

The operations center will be at 2619 Stadium Drive, across from Orefield Middle School.

Officials from BAVTS and its sending school districts have discussed purchasing a South Bethlehem property that once was part of Bethlehem Steel, instead of moving forward with a proposed main campus expansion.

Almost 400 students at Washington Elementary School in Allentown received new winter coats for free thanks to the nonprofit organization Operation Warm, in partnership with PPL and Accenture.

The nonprofit school based in Allentown received funds through Educational Improvement Tax Credits for the 2024-25 school year. A total of $66,000 will go toward helping low-income children.

Parkland School District presented a preliminary budget which highlighted a near $12.4 million shortfall, which could lead to a property tax increase for 2025-26.

Northampton Area School Board approved Kovalchik's retirement at Monday's school board meeting. It will be effective July 1.