The Allentown (Pa.) district plans to construct two new middle schools within the next 10 years.
The first of the new middle schools will accommodate about 750 students and will be built behind the district's Mosser Elementary School, reports WFMZ-TV 69 News.
The second new middle school facility will be built on the site of the existing Harrison-Morton Middle School.
Both buildings will serve students in grades six through eight.
Construction of the two new middle schools will enable the district to replace Harrison-Morton, its oldest building, which was built about 150 years ago.
The district has concluded that having five middle schools will provide students with smaller campuses and greater access to upgraded facilities.
Projected costs for the new buildings are $82.8 million for Mosser Woods and $95.4 million for Harrison-Morton.
In other facility improvements, the district will use federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds to install air conditioning in 10 of its buildings. The funds will also provide for window replacements, ventilation upgrades and preventative maintenance at several schools.
