School News

As a key early vote approaches, several East Penn school board members again raised concerns Monday over plans to realign its middle grades, and how much the project will cost.

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.

Superintendent Carol Birks said compliance with federal guidelines will focus on the language ASD uses rather than a complete overhaul of its programs.

Cedar Crest College will use a $608,000 grant from the U.S. Justice Department for creation of an Expert Witness Training Center and Crime Scene Lab.

If the policy is approved, Bethlehem Area would become the fifth district in the region to put a generative AI policy on the books.

Also citing presidential executive orders, NASD could up going over its coursework with a fine-tooth comb.

Northampton Area School Board approved its role in the deal, while Bethlehem Area School Board is up for the same vote in the coming weeks.

A draft version of East Penn School District's budget for the 2025-2026 school year includes a 0.84-mill tax hike. The district has raised property taxes nine times in the past 10 years.

V Spehar became famous for UnderTheDeskNews, explaining complex topics in a conversational, to-the-point fashion. On Thursday night, Spehar gave a Q&A with Lehigh President Joseph J. Helble.

The interim principal will take over for Harrison Bailey III, who has accepted the position of superintendent of the Wilson Area School District. A search is underway for someone to fill the job permanently.

The Wilson Area School Board approved the appointment of Amy Austin as the new assistant superintendent. She had been the district's director of curriculum and instruction since 2023 and is a former principal.

The Bethlehem Area School Board's curriculum committee said it would like to talk more with the district and its stakeholders on the future of local school sports programming.

Lehigh Valley Health Network Childcare Center at River Crossing YMCA observed its 100th day of operation. Services are available for LVHN employees and other community families.

Easton Area School Board settled on a site for the new high school during its Jan. 28 meeting, but concerns over cost remain ever present.