Photos provided courtesy of Allentown School District
Allentown, PA – (December 4, 2025) —The Allentown School District is pleased to welcome new members to the School Board of Directors following the official swearing-in ceremony held on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Four of the five members were elected to serve a four-year term, expiring in 2029:
- Ms. Evette D’Amore
- Dr. Cereta Johnson
- Ms. Dianne Michels
- Mr. Denzel Morris
Mr. Robert Nicholoff was elected to serve a two-year term, which will expire in 2027. This election follows Mr. Nicholoff’s previous appointment to fill a vacancy on the School Board in 2024.
“These community leaders bring passion, perspective, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement for our students and families,” said Superintendent/ Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carol D. Birks. “I look forward to collaborating with each of them, as their leadership will be instrumental in ensuring effective governance, strengthening systems, and advancing the priorities outlined in our Strategic Plan, Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation & Excellence 2030.”
The District extends its sincere gratitude to the following outgoing School Board Directors, Ms. LaTarsha Brown, Ms. Lisa Conover, Ms. Phoebe Harris, and Ms. Jennifer Hartnett, who were recognized for their service at the last formal meeting, held on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
“We deeply appreciate the service and dedication of our School Board of Directors, whose terms have come to an end,” said Dr. Birks. “We honor each of them for their dedication, conviction, and a profound belief in service over the last four or eight years. Their service has been a testament to courage and care for our learning community.”
During the Reorganization Meeting, the School Board also elected its new leadership for 2026. These newly elected leaders will play a crucial role in guiding the District’s work. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Andrene Brown-Nowell and Ms. Audrey Mathison, who will work closely with district leadership to represent our learning community and advocate on behalf of all students.
Meet President Andrene Brown-Nowell:
President Andrene Brown-Nowell is a proud parent who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Fine Feather Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children through the arts, with a focus on mental health and healing. Additionally, Brown-Nowell is CEO of Fine Fashion Kids, a children’s fashion company. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Brown-Nowell has represented the District on the Board for Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21, showcasing her dedication to fostering collaborative partnerships and advocating for Allentown students.
Meet Vice President Audrey Mathison:
Audrey Mathison is a retired secondary English teacher who taught at Parkland High School for 40 years. Now in her tenth year on the Allentown School Board, she currently serves as Vice President of the Board, Chair of the Finance Committee, and Vice Chair of the Joint Operating Committee at LCTI, in addition to serving on several committees throughout her tenure.
Ms. Mathison holds a BA from Grove City College and a Master’s from Lehigh University. She ran for the School Board to remain connected to education and to support the growth and success of Allentown’s students. She is proud of the District’s practical and inspiring strategic plan and is energized by the progress already underway. Her top priority is ensuring that every student has what they need today to build successful, fulfilling lives in the future.
President Brown-Nowell and Vice President Mathison return to serve in their roles for a third consecutive one-year term ending in December 2026.
Information provided to TVL by:
Melissa Reese
