The principal of Harrison-Morton Middle School in Allentown has been placed on paid administrative leave following an incident two weeks ago that is now under police investigation.
Stephanie Williams, who was appointed principal in July, was removed from her role effective Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 according to a message sent to parents and staff by the Allentown School District (ASD).
The district named Arcelius Brickhouse, Executive Director of Instructional Leadership, as acting principal until further notice.
“We are confident that he will provide strong leadership and support to students, staff, and families in the interim,” the district’s message stated.
Police inquiry underway
ASD solicitor Jeffrey Sultanik confirmed Sunday that the incident is being investigated by police but said Williams had “not been arrested yet” to his knowledge. He added that no official police report had been issued, limiting his ability to provide details.
Williams, who came to ASD with over 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in Philadelphia, was hired at a salary of $140,000. Before her appointment in Allentown, she served as principal of Belmont Charter Middle School. Her placement marks the third leadership change at Harrison-Morton in the past year.
Viral social media videos
Complicating matters, videos began circulating on social media Sunday appearing to show Williams behaving erratically at a public park. In one clip, a woman wearing a name tag that read “Stephanie” can be seen rolling on the ground while laughing, telling youths nearby, “Y’all be thinking I’m crazy, but I’m the smartest person in the room.”
In another video, the same woman jogs toward the camera while someone off-screen remarks, “I think our principal [is] on drugs.” The woman then points to the group, saying, “Y’all are brilliant,” before whipping her hair and making exaggerated expressions.
Two people familiar with Williams confirmed to LehighValleyNews.com that she was the woman in the videos.
Staff and community reaction
One Harrison-Morton staff member, who requested anonymity, said Williams had seemed “uncharacteristically stressed out” the day before her leave and mentioned being sick with a cold.
The staff member also expressed concern about the effect of yet another leadership transition on both teachers and students.
“The district keeping the teachers in the dark while the community knows everything going on — it’s frustrating,” the staff member said.
Sultanik, speaking on behalf of the district, emphasized that teachers remain responsible for continuity in the classroom despite the uncertainty.
“The fact of the matter is they have to go into the classroom and educate kids and keep them safe,” he said.
A school in transition
The leadership change adds to a challenging year for Harrison-Morton, which previously dealt with temporary relocations due to building damage from burst pipes.
Teachers have voiced concerns about being held to strict standards without adequate flexibility during times of disruption.
Williams had reportedly been meeting with staff individually to address frustrations from past leadership turnover. Now, many educators are bracing for difficult conversations with students about why their principal is suddenly gone.
“This level of uncertainty is, of course, very stressful,” a staff member said. “But our first priority is making sure students feel continuity.”
