Northern Lehigh School District has gotten off to a smooth start in the 2026-27 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link provided a beginning of year update to the school board on Monday.

“We had a very positive and successful start to the new school year,” Link said. “We began with three days of new teacher induction providing our newest faculty members with time to learn about Northern Lehigh, prepare for their roles, and begin developing relationships with their colleagues and administrators.

“The following week we welcomed back all faculty and staff for our opening in-service days. Those days included professional development and training; updates regarding new policies and requirements; dedicated time for teachers and staff to prepare classrooms and instructional spaces; and opportunities for employees to reconnect with colleagues and prepare collectively for the year ahead.”

This year, Link noted that the district opened with a full five-day week of school followed by two four-day weeks surrounding the Labor Day holiday, which he added was the first time that the district opened the school year like that at least since he’s been there, as it depends on how the Labor Day holiday falls.

“I’m pleased to report that feedback from our faculty, staff and administrators has been positive,” he said. “Our buildings have opened smoothly, and there’s a great deal of positivity as we begin the year.”

Link pointed out that the district is fully staffed for faculty but still has some vacancies in the support staff positions.

Bulldog Stadium improvements and community partnerships was highlighted during the district’s first opening home sports and activities event earlier in the month, he said.

“Our home football opener gave us an opportunity to showcase the significant improvements that have been made to Bulldog Stadium,” Link said. “Those improvements included our new field turf; our new track surface; our new interactive digital scoreboard; and our new rededicated Rentschler Snack Stand.

“I want to recognize the Northern Lehigh Educational Foundation, Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, and Krise Transportation for their tremendous generosity and partnership.

“Collectively, they’re support fully funded the new interactive digital scoreboard, providing another excellent example of what can be accomplished through partnerships between our district, our Foundation and the greater Northern Lehigh community. The evening itself turned out to be a memorable way to debut all of these improvements.”

Link noted that the Bulldogs defeated Executive Education Charter School on a field goal with just two seconds remaining in the game, which made for an exciting game.

“I’m very excited for the upcoming days and months ahead as we move deeper into the school year,” he said.