Allentown, PA (January 12, 2017): In a Special Board Meeting on Thursday, January 12, the Allentown School Board of Directors approved the hiring of Thomas Parker as the District’s new Superintendent beginning July 1, 2017. Parker was one of the District’s three top finalist who were provided the opportunity to meet with administrators, teachers, staff, students, families, and the general public.
“We could not be happier with the outcome of our nationwide search for the next leader for our District,” states David F. Zimmerman, President of the School Board of Directors. “Thomas’ past successes in improving student academic achievement, developing strong transparent relationships with all stakeholders, and his ability to create an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect in his districts, were some of the key strengths that our Board felt would benefit our District and the Allentown community.”
Parker will take the reins of the Allentown School District starting July 1. The Board approved a contract for five years at a starting salary of $175,000. Parker spent some time after the Special Meeting at a Reception in his honor. Earlier in the day, he spent time meeting with District administrators.
Parker has been the Superintendent of Ecorse Public Schools in Ecorse, MI since 2013. In his capacity as Superintendent of Ecorse, Parker restructured the district to become more efficient and financially solvent. He implemented several districtwide initiatives that focused on improving student achievement with special emphasis on closing the achievement gaps among underachieving groups. His numerous programs, including a 1-to-1 technology initiative have resulted in Ecorse being recognized as a Future Ready District and making it one of the only districts in Michigan with a 100% school to home technology program.
He has served as Harper Woods High School and Middle School Principal, and Founding Principal of Harper Academy for the Harper Woods School District, MI; Principal of Osborn College Preparatory Academy and Assistant Principal for Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School and Chadsey High School, Dean of Students, Interim Curriculum Leader and Teacher for Detroit Public Schools; and Program Coordinator of Cranbrook Schools – Horizons Upward Bound in Bloomfield Hills, MI.
Parker is a Doctoral of Education – Educational Leadership candidate and holds an Education Specialist (ES) in Educational Leadership degree from Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI. He has his Master of Arts in Education Foundation and Policy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, and earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 17,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. The District’s Mission focuses on providing a safe, rigorous, and engaging educational experience that prepares all students to excel in learning and life to guide ASD students on their individual journey 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, serves students from 51 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
