School News

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.

Parkland School District may add five full-time and 12 part-time positions next year. A final decision will be made as a part of budget discussions, which will happen in the coming months.

Superintendent Mark Madson said ‘reaching capacity’ does not mean students will not be able to enroll, but said that the district needs to act to address these projections.

Easton Area School District may not be able to have their classic bonfire next week, but students are engaging in a new tradition: developing their own themed floats for the parade.

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.