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 Hellertown Library Board will be meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28.

The League of Women Voters of Lehigh County hosted the forum where the pledge signed onto by the "true Republicans" was center stage.

Parkland School District Superintendent Mark Madson recommended the district build additions to the high school to address its growing student population.

Superintendent Michael Mahon's objectives include a marketing plan for the new stadium and new cybersecurity measures.

Antonio Traca had filed a lawsuit against BASD and former Superintendent Joe Roy after a physical altercation between himself and Roy at a high school football game last fall.

In a recent national report, Pennsylvania received a failing grade in its regulation and treatment of lead in schools’ water. Six local schools have reported unacceptable levels of lead since 2018, and one expert says some of the remediation methods they used are less than perfect.

The school district wants to install upgrades — including restrooms, concessions and seating — at Andre Reed Park next to Dieruff High School.

Some people say they're concerned Gov. Josh Shapiro will nominate people to the Charter Appeals Board who have political agendas.

The school administration said it does not have the complete data on exactly how many students attending school may be homeless.

The 19th annual Emmaus Arts Commission Student Film Festival has opened registration, giving students throughout the Lehigh Valley opportunities to make something for the big screen with a kickoff event taking place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24 in the Emmaus Community Park's Arts Pavilion.

Nitya and Rudra Thakkar, Cole Hubert and Samuel VanNorman of Saucon Valley High School, along with Harrison Vicic of Moravian Academy will join three different Lower Saucon panels this school year.

Organizers say the day is about community service, and honoring historic Moravian traditions.