Jenny Roberts
Education ReporterI cover education in the Lehigh Valley, focusing primarily on Allentown and Bethlehem Area schools. Originally from Allentown, I graduated from Central Catholic before moving to Philadelphia, where I attended Temple University to study journalism. In 2020, I got my start in journalism writing for Philly publications, including Billy Penn, Generocity and Grid Philly. Shortly after, I returned to the Lehigh Valley to join The Morning Call, where I worked for two years and won a Keystone Award for diversity coverage. Contact me at jennyr@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8109.
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There's an ongoing investigation into a sixth-grade assignment that asked students prompts about slavery, according to the school district superintendent.
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Custodial and maintenance workers in Allentown School District voted Thursday to join Teamsters Local Union #773. They hope the Teamsters can help them negotiate a better contract.
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Custodial and maintenance workers think the Teamsters could help them get a stronger contract when their current one expires in June. Allentown School District is recommending workers vote for no union representation.
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Phoebe Harris, 59, first was elected to Allentown School Board in 2017. She has advocated for students and sometimes found herself at the center of controversy.
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In the last year and a half, Allentown School District spent more than $1.4 million on new instruments and hired 34 educators to teach the related arts, which include band, choir and orchestra, among others.
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Allentown School District's director of child nutrition services has added more culturally diverse options to school lunch menus. Students have noticed the changes, and they're happy about it.
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Allentown school directors approved the 2025-26 program of studies Thursday, adding 23 new courses for secondary students across multiple subjects.
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The policy would outline which AI tools are allowed for student and teacher use. It will be considered at the next regular board meeting Dec. 19.
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A local youth sports nonprofit organization said it couldn't afford the $200-a-day fee to rent gym space for a basketball program. Now, some school directors want to waive fees for small community groups.
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Allentown school directors elected the board president and vice president for 2025. They will serve a one-year term in their roles.