Allentown School District notified staff and families at Harrison-Morton Middle School that their principal resigned Monday, the first day of school.
Spencer Cameron will “pursue an opportunity that will allow him to return to his home community,” the district statement read.
Cameron was named to the position in June. Frank Derrick will serve as acting principal.
“Mr. Derrick brings extensive leadership experience to this role, having previously served as both a middle and high school principal within the Allentown School District,” the district statement said. “He is deeply familiar with our district and will work closely with the Harrison-Morton leadership team, staff, students, and families throughout this transition.”
Derrick is the district’s director of opportunity programs and alternative learning, and previously served as acting principal at Allen High School.
A district spokesperson did not offer any comment Tuesday beyond the letter sent to the school community. Deputy Superintendent Amelia Coleman signed the letter, which says, “We recognize that leadership transitions can bring questions, particularly at the beginning of a new school year. Please know that our priority is to ensure that student learning continues without disruption and that our students and staff feel supported. We are confident in the strong team at Harrison-Morton and in Mr. Derrick’s ability to provide steady and experienced leadership during this time.”
Cameron was the third person to serve as Harrison-Morton principal in the past year. Stephanie Williams was named principal in July 2025, and resigned in October. District administrator Arcelius Brickhouse was acting principal until Cameron’s appointment.
As a Lehigh Valley school faces uncertain future, 70 years of alumni return to show support