January 9, 2026 − On Friday, January 9, 2026, the Allentown School District hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new Family & Community Resource Center. The ceremony took place at the future site of the Center on the Bridgeview Academy campus, marking a major milestone in a project.
“The Family & Community Resource Center represents the work of turning our Strategic Plan, Lighting the Way: A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030, into action,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks, Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of the Allentown School District. “By strengthening how we connect families and the community to the District and to one another, we are building the conditions for trust, stability, and long-term student success. When families feel supported and engaged, our entire system is stronger.”
The Family & Community Resource Center is designed to:
- Centralize enrollment and registration support
- Expand access to coordinated health and wellness services
- Offer workforce development resources and community learning opportunities
- Provide multipurpose spaces for meetings, classes, and community events.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, which helped jump-start design and planning efforts. Architectural renderings feature welcoming public spaces, a healthcare suite, family meeting rooms, and entrances on both Union Street and Lehigh Street, all intentionally designed for accessibility and community use.
“Today marks an exciting step forward for the future of education in Allentown,” said Senator Miller. “The Family & Community Resource Center will serve as a cornerstone of support for our students and a place that brings families and community resources together. By bringing essential services such as enrollment, health care, and workforce development under one roof, this center will ensure that every student has the foundation they need to focus on their education and reach their full potential. I look forward to its completion and the brighter future it will help create for every learner in our district.”
The district’s design and construction team is advancing the project with a targeted completion date of December 2026.
