Allentown, PA -- The Allentown School District is excited to announce the appointment of several key administrators, reflecting the district's ongoing commitment to driving academic rigor, expanding student opportunities, and strengthening family, community, and operational efficiency. These appointments were approved by the School Board of Directors at its meeting held on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
"We are thrilled to welcome these talented educational leaders to our district and executive teams," said Mr. Herman James, Chief of Talent and Labor Relations. "Each brings a wealth of specialized expertise, a proven track record of innovation, and a deep dedication to student success. Together, they will help us continue to elevate our schools, optimize our infrastructure, and ensure every student is prepared for a successful future."
Please help us welcome and congratulate the following new team members:
Dr. Xavier Edwards, Chief Outreach Officer of Family and Community Engagement (FACE): Dr. Xavier Edwards joins the district as the Chief Outreach Officer for Family and Community Engagement, bringing extensive executive leadership experience from the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) system. Dr. Edwards previously served as Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff to the Chancellor at NYCPS, where he designed comprehensive engagement strategies for over 500,000 families and built citywide infrastructures with over 100 civic, faith, and philanthropic organizations. He holds a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Alliance University, and a New York State School District Leader license.
Dr. Benita Draper, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services: Dr. Benita Draper joins the Allentown School District from the Easton Area School District, where she currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. She brings extensive experience, including serving as the Supervisor of Early Learning, Grants, and Federal Programs for the Bethlehem Area School District, as well as a 13-year tenure as an elementary school principal, where she managed special education processes, crisis response protocols, and MTSS implementation. Dr. Draper holds a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership from East Stroudsburg University and a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Hanan Perlman, Director of Strategic Impact and Measurement (Strategic Data Fellow from Harvard University): Dr. Hanan Perlman will be the second Strategic Data Project Fellow to join the District from Harvard University, serving as Director of Strategic Impact and Measurement. Dr. Perlman recently completed his Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Policy at the University of Pittsburgh, where he served as a lead research analyst on grants funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on equitable educational implementation and continuous improvement practices. An expert in data-driven decision-making, quantitative methods, and educational analytics, Dr. Perlman is also a Strategic Data Project Fellow. He holds a B.Ed. and an M.A. in Educational Management and Policy.
Ms. Nicole Singer, Director of College & Career Readiness: Ms. Nicole Singer has been named Director of College & Career Readiness, following her service as Acting Director since July 2025. With over 23 years of experience in K-12 administration and business education, she is an expert in school improvement and workforce development. In the last year, she has successfully managed the federal GEAR UP grant, directed district-wide internship programs, and organized the inaugural Career Symposium. She holds a Master of Education from Wilkes University and a Principal Certification from Bloomsburg.
Mr. Spencer Cameron, Principal, Harrison Morton Middle School: Mr. Spencer Cameron has been named the Principal of Harrison Morton Middle School. Mr. Cameron is a dedicated middle school leader who has served as the Assistant Principal at South Mountain Middle School since October 2023. During his tenure, he successfully spearheaded the school's positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS) programs, managed summer learning programs, and drove a 75% reduction in high-level disciplinary referrals by emphasizing equity, inclusion, and social-emotional learning. He holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Principal Certification from Kutztown University.
Mr. Anthony Brinkley, Assistant Principal, Roosevelt Elementary School: Mr. Anthony Brinkley joins the leadership team at Roosevelt Elementary School as Assistant Principal. Joining Allentown from the Catasauqua Area School District, Mr. Brinkley brings a strong background in special education and student intervention protocols, having previously served as a lead teacher and interim coordinator for the Student Assistance Program (SAP) and the Instructional Support Team (IST). He holds a Master of Education in Special Education from Lehigh University and recently completed his Principal Certification at Robert Morris University.
Ms. Charlene Naugle, Network Engineer: Ms. Charlene Naugle has been promoted to Network Engineer for the Allentown School District. Ms. Naugle has been an invaluable asset to the district’s technology team, serving as a Network Technician since 2017 and previously working in a variety of IT roles since 2001. She possesses expertise in network infrastructure, Cisco devices, server optimization, and cybersecurity. Ms. Naugle is a proud graduate of William Allen High School and holds a CompTIA A+ Professional Certification.
As the Allentown School District continues to grow and innovate, we are actively seeking passionate, driven educators and professionals to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year. We encourage interested applicants to visit our careers page at www.allentownsd.org to view current openings and begin their applications today.
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