
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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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.
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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.
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The free, two-week camp exposed Lehigh Valley teens to sheet metal, piping, plumbing and basic electrical work.
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The district will consider the addition of a new assistant superintendent role focused on special education programming.
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Some eligible Allentown residents will receive a $1,013.35 reduction to their school property taxes thanks to a state program.
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School directors unanimously approved the $78.9 million budget at their Monday meeting.
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School directors voted 5-4 to remove Emily Gehman as school board president. School director Stephen Maund was subsequently elected to serve out the rest of Gehman's leadership term, which ends in December.
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The anti-violence program is funded through a $1.28 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The program will continue next school year.
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The Palm Trees & Power Tools luau event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at BTI's Allentown campus.
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Bethlehem Area teachers have a new contract thanks to early bird negotiations. The agreement ensures three more years of raises.