This photo of Superintendent Dr. C. Russell Mayo is from 2013 provided by Allentown School District
Allentown, PA (June 23, 2016) Dr. C. Russell Mayo, Superintendent of the Allentown School District, announced today that he has requested and received approval for a sabbatical during the last year of his contract with the Board beginning July 1, 2016 and concluding June 30, 2017.
“I have been under a doctor’s care for several years now. He has recommended that I take this next year for health and restoration,” states Superintendent Mayo. According to David Zimmerman, Board President, “Our Board has agreed to this sabbatical not only for Dr. Mayo’s health, but also because of the dedication and difficult work he has accomplished during his tenure as Deputy Superintendent and his five years as Superintendent.”
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. During his tenure as Superintendent, Mayo led the charge on major initiatives within the District which included:
- New elementary math and literacy curriculum
- New secondary 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 has been at the core of every decision the District made. 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 Board, administrators, principals, teachers, staff, families, and community partners who have worked collectively to always put our students first.”
Superintendent Mayo led the District through three financially challenging school years and a 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 provide 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.
“Dr. Mayo has been a faithful executive overseeing the needs of our kids and employees,” explains Board President Zimmerman. “He is a person of integrity and even when we disagreed, he was patient and respectful.”
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.
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
