Allentown School District celebrates Lehigh Parkway's national ranking and announces wellness initiatives
April 27, 2025 | Allentown City SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Allentown School District is celebrating significant achievements and ongoing improvements as highlighted in the recent ASD Committee of the Whole / Regular Board Meeting held on April 24, 2025. Superintendent Dr. Thomas emphasized the district's commitment to enhancing educational experiences, particularly in the arts, which have been recognized nationally. Lehigh Parkway was notably named one of the top schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, a testament to the hard work of students, families, and staff.
During the meeting, Dr. Thomas acknowledged various celebrations throughout April, including Assistant Principals Week and the upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week, set for May 7. He expressed gratitude for the dedication of school bus drivers and the transportation team, highlighting their essential role in the learning community.
The district is also making strides in addressing social-emotional learning needs. An ongoing series titled "Guiding Lights" aims to empower families, with a focus on topics such as bullying and mental health. The next webinar on depression is scheduled for May 7, inviting community participation.
In terms of staffing, the district has seen growth, hiring 151 new members over the past three years, which aligns with efforts to bolster support for students' social-emotional needs. The attrition rate has decreased to 9.44%, reflecting successful recruitment and retention strategies. Dr. Thomas noted that the district's turnover rate is now below the national average, indicating a positive trend in employee satisfaction.
The meeting also addressed the district's strategic plan, which has garnered recognition from the American Association of School Administrators. Dr. Thomas assured the board and community that updates on the strategic plan's progress will continue to be shared, reinforcing the district's commitment to transparency and community engagement.
As the meeting transitioned to financial discussions, the focus remained on aligning budget decisions with the district's comprehensive and strategic plans. The Allentown School District is poised for continued growth and improvement, with a clear vision for becoming one of the highest-performing districts in the region.
During the meeting, Dr. Thomas acknowledged various celebrations throughout April, including Assistant Principals Week and the upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week, set for May 7. He expressed gratitude for the dedication of school bus drivers and the transportation team, highlighting their essential role in the learning community.
The district is also making strides in addressing social-emotional learning needs. An ongoing series titled "Guiding Lights" aims to empower families, with a focus on topics such as bullying and mental health. The next webinar on depression is scheduled for May 7, inviting community participation.
In terms of staffing, the district has seen growth, hiring 151 new members over the past three years, which aligns with efforts to bolster support for students' social-emotional needs. The attrition rate has decreased to 9.44%, reflecting successful recruitment and retention strategies. Dr. Thomas noted that the district's turnover rate is now below the national average, indicating a positive trend in employee satisfaction.
The meeting also addressed the district's strategic plan, which has garnered recognition from the American Association of School Administrators. Dr. Thomas assured the board and community that updates on the strategic plan's progress will continue to be shared, reinforcing the district's commitment to transparency and community engagement.
As the meeting transitioned to financial discussions, the focus remained on aligning budget decisions with the district's comprehensive and strategic plans. The Allentown School District is poised for continued growth and improvement, with a clear vision for becoming one of the highest-performing districts in the region.
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