ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Allentown School District swore in five new members to the School Board of Directors at its Thursday night meeting.
Evette D’Amore, Cereta Johnson, Dianne Michels, and Denzel Morris were all elected to serve four-year terms, expiring in 2029.
Robert Nicholoff was elected to serve a two-year term, which will expire in 2027. This election follows Mr. Nicholoff’s previous appointment to fill a vacancy on the School Board in 2024, according to the news release.
“These community leaders bring passion, perspective, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement for our students and families,” said Superintendent/ Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carol D. Birks. “I look forward to collaborating with each of them, as their leadership will be instrumental in ensuring effective governance, strengthening systems, and advancing the priorities outlined in our Strategic Plan, Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation & Excellence 2030.”
Outgoing board members LaTarsha Brown, Lisa Conover, Phoebe Harris and Jennifer Hartnett were recognized for their service at the last formal meeting, held on Thursday, November 20.
“We deeply appreciate the service and dedication of our School Board of Directors, whose terms have come to an end,” said Dr. Birks. “We honor each of them for their dedication, conviction, and a profound belief in service over the last four or eight years. Their service has been a testament to courage and care for our learning community.”
During the Reorganization Meeting, the School Board also elected its new leadership for 2026, President Andrene Brown-Nowell and Vice President Audrey Mathison, according to the news release.
Andrene Brown-Nowell
President Andrene Brown-Nowell is a proud parent who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Fine Feather Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children through the arts, with a focus on mental health and healing. Additionally, Brown-Nowell is CEO of Fine Fashion Kids, a children’s fashion company. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Brown-Nowell has represented the District on the Board for Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21, according to the news release.
Audrey Mathison
Audrey Mathison is a retired secondary English teacher who taught at Parkland High School for 40 years. Now in her tenth year on the Allentown School Board, she currently serves as Vice President of the Board, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Vice Chair of the Joint Operating Committee at LCTI, in addition to serving on several committees throughout her tenure.
President Brown-Nowell and Vice President Mathison return to serve in their roles for a third consecutive one-year term ending in December 2026.