The former principal of Roosevelt Elementary School claims she was forced to resign due to issues stemming from her Puerto Rican heritage and its influence on her leadership style, according to a federal lawsuit.
Elizabeth Serrano’s departure contributes to a turnover trend in recent years among the Allentown School District’s administrative ranks.
District spokeswoman Melissa Reese said the district is aware of the lawsuit.
“As this matter is currently in active litigation, the district will respond through the appropriate legal process and is limited in what it can address publicly at this time.”
Serrano worked in the district for 18 years, the lawsuit says. She graduated from the district and was well-suited to run the predominantly Hispanic school, it says.
But she clashed with colleagues and was called out by the upper administration for what was perceived as a lack of discipline, it says. She cited several examples where her disciplinary decisions were second-guessed, including an incident in October 2022 where she interpreted a boy’s actions as “horseplay” and retaliatory rather than bullying as was alleged by a teacher.
On Nov. 21, 2023, Serrano was allegedly told by administrators to accept intervention to correct her deficiencies or to take a yet-to-be-determined job in the special education department.
An administrator allegedly told her 18 people cited her as the reason they would no longer work at Roosevelt. The turnover wasn’t her fault and was consistent with the turnover at other schools, the lawsuit says.
Two Roosevelt teachers told lehighvalleylive.com on Friday that Serrano was unable to handle some of her job’s basic duties and refused to ask for help. They spoke with lehighvalleylive.com on the condition of anonymity.
“She is a nice person but she is a very poor leader,” one teacher said.
The lawsuit says Serrano was prohibited from bringing a legal advisor to meetings scheduled to discuss her employment status after November 2023.
After Serrano filed an internal discrimination complaint with the district, and after subsequent disciplinary meetings, Serrano claimed she was left with no choice but to resign on July 12, 2024. She says she was discriminated against based on her race, color, national origin and sex. She sued the district on Friday, April 10, in federal court.
Allentown School District turnover
The district has seen administrative turnover in recent years.
Thomas Parker resigned as superintendent in spring 2021. He was replaced by acting superintendent Jennifer Ramos, who was replaced by John Stanford in November 2021. He was terminated in October 2022 and replaced by Carol Birks.
Former Allen High School principal Cheryl Clark was fired in January 2024. She claims she was fired because she is Black. Her federal lawsuit is pending.
Harrison-Morton Middle School principal Stephanie Williams resigned in October 2025 after behaving erratically in a public park. She was allegedly picked up by police and kicked out the rear window of the patrol cruiser. She said on social media that she suffers from bipolar disorder.
Reeese said turnover among school district leaders is “a normal part of public education.”
“Leaders pursue new opportunities, transition into different roles, or conclude their service as part of the natural progression of their careers.
“The district does not view these transitions as a concerning trend. The district remains focused on maintaining stability, strengthening leadership systems, and improving student outcomes,” she said.