ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Allentown School Board’s Policy Committee on Thursday tabled a proposed policy addressing students convicted or adjudicated delinquent of sexually assaulting another district student after questions were raised about how the policy would apply to incidents occurring outside the policy’s language.

Under the proposal, the superintendent or designee would take action against a student convicted or adjudicated delinquent of sexually assaulting another district student, including recommending expulsion, transferring the student to an alternative education program or reassigning the student to another district school or program.

The policy states that the requirements would apply regardless of whether the assault occurred inside or outside the school setting. It would also prohibit the convicted or adjudicated student from attending the same school building, riding the same school vehicle or participating in the same school-sponsored activity at the same time as the victim.

During the discussion, district solicitor Jeffrey Sultanik addressed questions about the district’s authority and access to information. He said that the proposed policy appeared consistent with state law but cautioned that modifying it beyond what is authorized under the law could exceed the district’s authority.

Superintendent Carol Birks said the solicitor would conduct additional research before the policy returns for consideration.

“Students have rights,” Birks said. “We want to make sure we’re protecting all students involved.”

The committee tabled the policy for further evaluation and possible amendment.

Educator misconduct policy

The board approved a new educator misconduct policy establishing procedures for reporting and investigating allegations involving certificated district employees. District officials said the district has already been following the protocols outlined in the policy.

The policy requires the superintendent or designee to report certain cases to the Pennsylvania Department of Education within 15 days, including allegations of sexual misconduct or abuse involving a student, certain criminal charges or convictions and suspected physical injury to a student.

Educators are also required to report an arrest or criminal conviction to the superintendent or designee within 72 hours.

Student recruitment policy

The board also approved a new student recruitment policy providing postsecondary institutions, military recruiters and prospective employers equitable access to secondary students.

Under the policy, postsecondary institutions and military recruiters may receive students’ names, addresses and telephone numbers unless a student or parent requests that the information not be released without prior written parental consent. The district is required to notify families of their right to opt out.

Other business

The board also approved accepting $142,000 from the district attorney’s Violence Prevention Grant to fund the second year of districtwide peer mentoring and the Elementary Youth Athletics League.

Board members approved a memorandum of understanding with the Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, formalizing an ongoing partnership that provides trauma-informed prevention education, employee training and confidential victim support services to district students and staff.

The board also approved 41 community organizations to provide extracurricular activities, social-emotional learning and development, financial literacy and academic enrichment at no cost to the district. The organizations participated in the district’s community program partner approval process.

In personnel matters, the board approved moving Kristina Michener from instructional coach at South Mountain Middle School to assistant principal at the school, effective Sept. 28. Michener will earn $104,000 annually.

The board also accepted the resignation of William Allen High School Assistant Principal Jeffrey White, effective Nov. 20.

In addition, the board approved amended funding for translation and interpretation services for the remainder of the 2026-27 school year. The district will contract with FCI – The Language Experts for services at a cost not to exceed $100,000.