ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Allen High School’s Ninth Grade Academy has its first principal.
Alicia Knauff officially was hired for the newly created role at Thursday’s Allentown School Board meeting.
Schools Superintendent Carol Birks said in a district news release that Knauff has a “wealth of experience and a clear vision for fostering academic excellence and personal growth.”
Knauff previously was an administrator at Whitehall High School, where she was responsible for the Zephyr Academy, a transitional support program for ninth-graders.
“This opportunity inspires me to cultivate a nurturing and rigorous learning environment."Alicia Knauff
Allen’s Ninth Grade Academy helps young high school students build a strong foundation for graduation and post-secondary success, the new release said.
With Knauff’s leadership, the academy will rely on “data-driven strategies and personalized interventions” to keep students on track academically and connected to the school’s culture, it said.
“This opportunity inspires me to cultivate a nurturing and rigorous learning environment," Knauff said in a news release.
"Where every ninth-grader can thrive academically, experience personal growth and establish a strong pathway to graduation and beyond."
Knauff also previously served as an administrator at Whitehall-Coplay School District’s Steckel Elementary School. She has worked in public education for nearly 20 years, including as a former Allentown teacher.
Knauff has expertise in student-centered leadership, attendance protocols, positive behavior initiatives and multi-tiered systems of support, which help address students' academic and social-emotional needs.
Knauff also is committed to equity, the news release said.
She has a doctorate in administration and leadership studies.
Head principal role still open
ASD still is looking to hire a head principal to lead the rest of Allen High School.
In February, Superintendent Birks confirmed the district is working on hiring for the role. A spokesperson for the district said Thursday the position has not been filled.
Acting Principal Frank Derrick has led the school for the past two years.Allentown School District records
Acting Principal Frank Derrick has led the school for the past two years. Before that, he was the district’s director of recruitment and retention.
Derrick took over when former Allen Principal Cheryl Clark was placed on administrative leave in April 2023 after reports that Allen’s staff had concerns about safety and morale under her leadership.
Clark, the first Black woman to lead Allen, was demoted and subsequently fired in January 2024 after she did not return to work.
Clark is suing the school district for racial- and gender-based discrimination, which the district denies, according to court records.
