Allentown, PA – On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) joined local legislators, including House Education Committee Majority Chairman Peter Schweyer, and school officials at William Allen High School in the Allentown School District (ASD) to highlight the importance of safe, up-to-date school buildings and the $175 million the Shapiro Administration has driven out this year to help schools repair, upgrade, and build schools.
“Students in every zip code across the Commonwealth deserve to learn in classrooms that are up-to-date, safe environments,” said Education Secretary Dr. Khalid Mumin. “Today’s learners are the future of Pennsylvania, and we want to make sure we’re able to prepare them for a competitive future through a world-class education in school buildings and classrooms that keep our kids safe, healthy, learning, and productive.”
In October, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced $175 million in grants were approved for repairs to school facilities through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program.
“It’s a top priority of the Shapiro Administration to ensure our students and teachers have healthy, accessible schools all across Pennsylvania,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Through this program, we’re making important investments to upgrade school facilities and provide the safe environments our students need to thrive.”
ASD was awarded $2.5 million in funding through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant to update HVAC systems at William Allen High School. The district plans to use funds to upgrade the main heating system at the high school, replacing antiquated equipment with a state-of-the-art hot water heating system. By implementing a new heating system, the district will be able to reduce energy and operational costs, reduce maintenance, improve system reliability, and improve comfort for all building occupants and visitors.
“As a parent of a William Allen student, the funding ASD will receive for facility upgrades is welcome news,” said Chairman Schweyer. “Students and teachers deserve a school building that is a comfortable temperature and conducive to learning. I am proud to have advocated for the Public-School Facility Improvement Grant program last year. It is one more way we are moving toward more equitable education for all Pennsylvania students.”
In September, the Pennsylvania Department of Education also announced $75 million of new investments in 109 Pennsylvania school districts, career and technical education centers (CTCs), and charter schools through the Department of Education’s new Environmental Repair Grant Program to eliminate lead, mold, asbestos, and other environmental hazards
In total, the Shapiro Administration has delivered $250 million for environmental repairs and upgrades for Pennsylvania schools in 2024. The Shapiro Administration is committed to continuing these vital investments, ensuring every student in Pennsylvania has the opportunity to thrive in safe and healthy learning environments.