Allentown, PA – August 21, 2025– At its Regular School Board of Directors Meeting held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Allentown School District School Board of Directors approved the appointment of several new administrators whose leadership, expertise, and commitment will support students & families.
As we begin a new school year, the District welcomes ongoing adjustments and additions to leadership in order to align talent with strategic priorities and enhance the high-quality educational experience for all students. These changes reflect our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
“These leaders bring a wide range of experience, insight, and passion to their new roles,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent. “As we continue implementing our Strategic Plan, Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030, we remain focused on building a leadership team that reflects our commitment to academic excellence, efficient operations, and student success.”
We extend a heartfelt congratulations to the following members of our team:
- Nicole Zawidski will join the Allentown School District as the Director of Virtual Education. Nicole Zawidski brings more than a decade of experience in education, instructional technology, and virtual learning environments. Most recently serving as a High School Assistant Principal for Commonwealth Charter Academy. A recipient of the PAECT Outstanding Leader of the Year Award and Keystone Technology Innovator recognition, she has extensive experience in online curriculum development, teacher mentoring, and college and career readiness programming.
- Heidi Becker and Earl Kunkel will round out the team of Supervisors of Instructional Technology. Both bring extensive instructional and leadership experience. Both will play a key role in supporting the District’s Verizon Innovative Learning Schools (VILS) program. Their work will focus on strengthening instructional technology integration, coaching teachers, and advancing digital learning practices across schools
- Ms. Freya de Conde will formally be named the Assistant Principal at Sheridan Elementary School, where she is currently serving in the Acting role. A doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Immaculata University, de Conde is committed to fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments.
- Brandy Rentko will move into the role of Acting Assistant Principal at Raub Middle School. A veteran ASD educator with more than two decades of experience at Raub, Rentko has served in roles spanning special education, instructional coaching, and leadership on multiple schoolwide committees. She was recently recognized as the Allentown School District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.
- Nicholas Snyder will move into the role of Acting Assistant Principal at Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School. A fully bilingual educator with over a decade of experience in secondary and higher education, Mr. Snyder has served in multiple instructional and administrative roles, most recently as an ELD teacher at Raub Middle School and Coordinator of ESOL at Innovative Arts Academy Charter School. His leadership includes curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and the creation of bilingual programs to support English Learners.
These leaders will play a key role in advancing ASD’s priorities of academic excellence, equity, and innovation, ensuring that all students are prepared to thrive in college, career, and life. In addition to moves at the leadership level, the District is proud to welcome 50 new teachers and 34 paraprofessionals ahead of the 2025–2026 school year. These new hires bolster our commitment to academic excellence and strong student-teacher relationships, enhancing the District’s ability to provide rigorous, high-quality, and engaging learning experiences for all.
These individuals will start in their new roles in the coming weeks.
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