Allentown, PA (May 31, 2016): Dr. C. Russell Mayo, Superintendent of the Allentown School District, announced today that he will not seek another contract at the end of his term June 30, 2017.
“I have enjoyed my years in the Allentown School District and it has been my pleasure to serve our nearly 17,000 students and their families,” states Superintendent Mayo. “Along with the School Board and the District’s administrative team, we have worked diligently to create an environment of academic opportunities where we can make a difference in the lives of our students and have a positive impact on our community.”
Superintendent Mayo joined the Allentown School District in 2004 as Deputy Superintendent. He took over the helm of the state’s third largest urban school district as Superintendent in 2011. He is making the announcement at this time to provide the School Board with ample time to recruit and select the best possible candidate to lead the District into the future.
During his tenure as Superintendent, Mayo led the charge on major initiatives within the District which included:
- New math and literacy curriculum
- New math and science curriculum
- Universal Full-Day Kindergarten
- Implementation of Leader in Me program in elementary schools
- District-wide Student Dress Code (Uniforms)
- Created a position and office for District Equity
- ASD Virtual Academy
- Allentown Re-Engagement Center
- Building 21 Allentown High School
“My goal as Superintendent has been to ensure that the best interests of our students was at the core of every decision. Even when faced with financially difficult times, our School Board and Administrators forged onward making tough decisions,” explains Superintendent Mayo. “I am proud of our administrators, principals, teachers, staff, families and community partners who have worked collectively to put our students first.”
Superintendent Mayo led the District through four financially challenging school years and a fifth year of state budget impasse. Throughout his service, he has worked tirelessly with local and state legislators to secure additional funding needed for one of the state’s poorest school districts – funding that was critical to providing our students with services they need. He also established and maintained a community and corporate network to ensure that students were connected to additional support services.
“Every day our administrators, teachers and staff provide our students with the academic and life skills that shape their future,” explains Superintendent Mayo. “They go that extra mile for so many of our students to keep them on a pathway to success in school and in life. I am grateful to each ASD employee for their commitment and dedication to our students and to our District; and I am more proud than I can express of the students of our District. Their success comes in many forms – in academics, in the arts, on the field, and on the stage. They have achieved great success and to know that I have had some part in guiding them on their journey – however small – has been one of the most rewarding parts of my 46 year career.”
Superintendent Mayo’s plans after this contract are not final at this time.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 16,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. A shared vision of the community, parents, guardians, staff and faculty focuses on “Empowering Students for Life,” providing ASD students with the skills and academics they need to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs approximately 2,200 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866 and celebrating its Sesquicentennial throughout 2015-2016, serves students from 43 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
www.allentownsd.org
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
