Allentown, PA – May 22, 2025– The Allentown School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Herman C. James as its new Chief of Talent Management and Labor Relations, a key leadership role overseeing talent acquisition, recruitment, and human capital strategy in direct support of the District’s academic priorities and student achievement goals.
Mr. James brings a wealth of experience to Allentown, most recently serving in a similar capacity in the Providence Public School District in Rhode Island. Prior to that, he held leadership roles in human resources and staffing across the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metro areas, building a strong reputation for innovation and operational excellence in K–12 education. He began his career in education as a classroom teacher and administrative intern, supporting instructional improvement in elementary reading, math, and science. He went on to serve as an assistant principal and later as principal in Prince George’s County Public Schools, where he led school improvement efforts and fostered collaborative learning environments.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. James to the Allentown School District,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent and CEO of the Allentown School District. “His proven track record of recruiting and retaining top-tier educators, coupled with a deep commitment to building strong, supportive school environments, aligns seamlessly with our strategic vision, Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030.”
While in Providence, Mr. James led a team of 40 professionals and helped reorganize the Human Resources Department in alignment with that district’s strategic plan. During his tenure, he oversaw the recruitment of nearly 750 external applicants, resulting in 328 new hires and a 94% success rate in filling vacancies. Under his leadership, the district also saw a 6% increase in teachers of color, and he launched an innovative “grow your own” teacher pipeline program to cultivate internal talent for hard-to-fill roles.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to bring my experience to the students and families of Allentown,” James said. “There is no greater calling in human resources than helping build the teams that directly impact student success. I look forward to supporting our schools and ensuring Allentown students receive the top-level support they deserve.”
This contract was approved by the School Board of Directors at the May 22, 2025, Regular Meeting. Mr. James will begin his transition to Allentown in the coming weeks in preparation for the 2025–2026 school year.
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