Allentown School District Receives Update on Resource Center Plans

ALLENTOWN, PA — At its regular meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024, the Allentown School District Board of Directors received an update and preliminary plans for the new Family & Community Resource Center from DI Group Architecture. 

The Allentown School District has been awarded $522,205 by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Competitive Grant Program, which will be used for the Allentown School District Family and Community Resource Center. Out of 49 funded projects, the Allentown School District is one of only two school districts in the entire Commonwealth to receive this award and the only educational institution in the Lehigh Valley.  

“The Family & Community Resource Center will allow the Allentown School District to focus on its commitment to empowering families in alignment with the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan,” said Allentown School District’s Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer Dr. Carol D. Birks. “One of our goals is to transform community engagement by cultivating and expanding opportunities for communication, collaboration, and connection among families, students, schools, and community.” 

The two-story building will be constructed on the rear of the current Building 21 High School campus, facing Union Street. The Resource Center will serve as a hub for our families and the community to provide mental and physical health resources. The Center will also allow the District to streamline our enrollment and registration processes and provide surround care services such as workforce development programs, English as a Second Language classes, and other social services for our families. 

Design plans shared with the board included exam rooms for health services and space for the Central Administration staff office on the main level. Health services will range from general and dental exams to telehealth, immunizations, and mental health. The lower level design included two large meeting spaces and space for workforce investment and community resources. Enhancements also include 18 new parking spaces and usable green space. 

A timeline of the process was also presented, with construction slated to begin in the Summer of 2025. Under this grant, projects must be completed by December 2026. 

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