Dr. Carol D. Birks Named Interim Superintendent of Allentown School District
Posted on 10/27/2022
ALLENTOWN, PA — The Allentown Board of School Directors approved the appointment of Dr. Carol D. Birks as acting superintendent at a special meeting on Thursday, October 27.
Dr. Birks is a transformational servant leader who currently serves as regional superintendent and chief schools officer with Booker T. Washington Academy, in New Haven and Hamden, Connecticut. There, she provides day-to-day management of the schools and guides the Network’s continuous improvement efforts.
For the past 27 years, Dr. Birks has served at all levels of education. She has been a teacher, a state, school and district leader, including serving as a principal, assistant superintendent and chief of staff for Hartford Public Schools and superintendent of schools for New Haven Public Schools, and Chester Upland School District located in Chester, Pennsylvania. Dr. Birks is an executive coach and has coached public and private sector leaders.
Dr. Birks will fill the vacancy left by Dr. John Stanford, whose last day in the district will be Friday, October 28. She will lead ASD starting Monday, October 31, and is expected to remain in the role until a permanent replacement begins.
“As we make this transition in our school district community, we are pleased to welcome an experienced and highly respected school district administrator to lead us on an interim basis,” said Nancy Wilt, Board President. “We know that Dr. Birks will help ASD maintain stability and a forward-thinking vision as we take the next steps in this important leadership process. In the meantime, our administrators, principals, and staff remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students.”
“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to serve as interim superintendent for Allentown School District. I want to thank the Board of School Directors for entrusting me with the opportunity to continue to educate and empower students and to support the adults who are entrusted for their care. As we continue to embark upon the way forward for our District, I invite all families, students, educators, staff and community members to give me feedback and ideas and partner with me to ensure that our beloved Allentown School District has what it needs to become one of the highest performing school districts in Pennsylvania.”
Dr. Birks holds a doctoral degree and master’s degree in educational leadership from Columbia University Teachers College. She also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Bridgeport and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampton University. Dr. Birks has a strong commitment to community service and civic engagement. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and The Links Incorporated. Dr. Birks also serves as a Regional Board Member for Hartford Healthcare’s St. Vincent’s Hospital and The Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc.
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