AllentownSchool District

ASD Superintendent to Hold Series of ‘Fireside Chats’ to Meet, Gather Feedback from Community Members

ASD Superintendent to Hold Series of ‘Fireside Chats’ to Meet, Gather Feedback from Community Members
Posted on 01/12/2022

ALLENTOWN, PA — Superintendent Dr. John Stanford will host a series of upcoming “Fireside Chats” as he continues to prioritize gathering feedback from all stakeholders within the Allentown School District community.


The forums, which will take place in January and February, will give community members , parents, guardians, students the opportunity to meet with Dr. Stanford, hear about his vision for ASD and provide their thoughts and feedback on the future of the district. Attendees at these events will also get an overview of Dr. Stanford’s phased entry plan process. 


All sessions will begin at 6 PM. The first Fireside Chat will take place at Trexler Middle School on January 18. It will be followed by events:

Tuesday January 25 - Allentown Public Library 
Wednesday, January 26 - Virtual via Zoom
Tuesday, February 1 - East Side Youth Center - Community Room 
Wednesday, February 2 - Fearless Fire Company 
Thursday, February 3 - HOPE Community Church 

“The most important task of a new superintendent, especially one new to a school district, is to learn as much as possible about its schools, community and people,” said Dr. Stanford. “This process involves reviewing information and observing the systems, procedures, processes and protocols that are in place. Even more importantly, it means digging deep and listening to people to understand the culture of the community and the district. I look forward to meeting with our families and community members at these upcoming events.”


After hosting the Fireside Chats, Dr. Stanford will provide the Board of School Directors with a report, establish draft organization priorities for the remainder of the school year and outline the foundation for creating a long-term strategic plan for ASD. To gauge attendance we are asking that folks RSVP in advance: https://forms.gle/yiJaZCgpwdhT7UzH8 


Dr. Stanford officially began his role as superintendent on November 15, 2021. He brings more than 20 years of public education, nonprofit and public policy experience, with 15 of those years spent in numerous roles in the Columbus City Schools—Ohio's largest school district. He most recently served as Chief Officer, Strategic Performance, for that district. From 2007 to 2011, Dr. Stanford served as Executive Assistant for Education Policy to Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. 


To learn more about Dr. Stanford and the experience he brings to the role of superintendent, please visit http://allentownsd.ss14.sharpschool.com/OurDistrict/superintendent

If you are unable to attend one of these meetings but would like to submit feedback to Superintendent Stanford, you can also do so using Let's Talk.


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