School News

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.

There are free summer meal sites for kids throughout the Lehigh Valley funded through the Summer Food Service Program.

Two local state representatives co-sponsored House Bill 17, which passed out of the chamber last month. It was referred to the state Senate's education committee for further review.

South Whitehall Township's planning commission voted Thursday to delay a vote to approve Parkland High School's planned expansion. Township staff gave the school district plenty to do before they return to seek land development approval.

If JOSHWAY meets its shoe drive goal, it will receive a $10,000 donation to fund its work supporting Lehigh Valley youth-focused nonprofit organizations.

Robert "Bob" Smith, 63, received enough write-in votes to secure the Republican nomination for the two-year term. He will compete against Democratic nominee Robert "Nick" Nicholoff, 29.

Proposed federal budget cuts would impact programs such as the free summer meal program for children in the Allentown School District.

The district has a two-year transition plan that includes enrolling middle schoolers at the academy in the 2026-27 academic year. Starting in the coming school year, the academy will replace Building 21 High School.

The free, two-week camp exposed Lehigh Valley teens to sheet metal, piping, plumbing and basic electrical work.

The district will consider the addition of a new assistant superintendent role focused on special education programming.

Some eligible Allentown residents will receive a $1,013.35 reduction to their school property taxes thanks to a state program.

School directors unanimously approved the $78.9 million budget at their Monday meeting.

Easton Area School District approved a $214 million budget for the upcoming school year. With a 3.5% tax increase to keep the district running, $3.3 million will go toward the new high school project.