Allentown School District Superintendent Carol Birks, Mayor Matt Tuerk and city Director of Public Works Mark Shahda are seen in the background.

Source: https://www.mcall.com/2023/05/30/allentown-highlights-funding-from-the-infrastructure-investment-and-jobs-act-photos/

Carol Birks speaks after being sworn in. Allentown School Board held a special meeting Thursday, March 9, 2023, to vote on awarding a four-year, $250,000 superintendent’s contract to Carol Birks.

Source: https://www.mcall.com/2023/03/09/dr-carol-birks-is-the-new-asd-superintendent-photos/

Carol Birks speaks after being sworn in. Allentown School Board held a special meeting Thursday, March 9, 2023, to vote on awarding a four-year, $250,000 superintendent’s contract to Carol Birks.

Source: https://www.mcall.com/2023/03/09/dr-carol-birks-is-the-new-asd-superintendent-photos/

“During this current academic year alone, members of our learning community have faced several injuries, some serious,” Birks said, “including the loss of a beloved and devoted staff member, as a result of our current safety infrastructure.”

Source: https://www.mcall.com/2023/05/30/allentown-to-make-a-six-figure-investment-in-improving-pedestrian-and-biking-infrastructure/

Martinez asked the board Thursday to pause in hiring Birks and reach out to community members for input, a request that was ultimately ignored.

Source: https://www.mcall.com/2023/03/09/superintendent-carol-birks-hired-as-first-black-woman-to-lead-allentown-schools-in-fiery-board-meeting/

These sensors detect “aggression” by measuring vibration — for instance, student fights in a bathroom — and Birks said they could also help staff identify safety incidents.

Source: https://www.mcall.com/2023/10/11/after-community-safety-forum-allentown-school-board-to-vote-on-weapons-detection-system/