LOWER NAZARETH TWP., Pa.- The Nazareth Area School District is preparing to once again make its case for rezoning land in Lower Nazareth Township where it wants to build a new elementary school. 

According to a message that was sent to district parents via email from Superintendent Isabel Resende, the district will hold two community information sessions in the coming weeks to discuss issues pertaining to its long-range planning efforts, ahead of another appearance before the township.

In May of 2025, the Nazareth Area School Board approved the $1.7 million purchase of a five-parcel, 43-acre tract of land near the intersection of Hecktown Road and Country Club Road in Lower Nazareth Township, with the intention of building a new elementary school there.

The district, which currently has three elementary schools, claims that, as of March of 2025, 97% of its elementary capacity was being used. 502 additional students are projected to join the district by 2034.

“Existing Nazareth school properties have reached practical expansion limits due to land, septic, and core-space constraints,” the district said in its message.

The district determined that, after looking at 32 properties, the Lower Nazareth site made the most sense for the new elementary school because of, among other reasons, its proximity to high-growth population areas, road accessibility and the opportunity to preserve open green space. 

But the land is currently zoned for agriculture. In July of 2025, township supervisors voted 4-0 to deny the district’s request to rezone the property to allow the school to be built.

In response, the school district has requested a curative amendment, saying this in its latest message:

“The current zoning ordinance of Lower Nazareth Township restricts where the District is permitted to locate school facilities. The Pennsylvania Public School Code gives the board of school directors broad authority to acquire property and determine the best location for schools. The District is requesting that a school be permitted as a use on the property.”

Lower Nazareth Township has scheduled a hearing on the curative amendment request for September 15 at 7 p.m. at the township building at 623 Municipal Drive.

Before that happens, the district will hold two community information sessions that will include a presentation from leaders and the chance for residents to ask questions.

The first session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The second session will happen on Tuesday, August 25, after the 7 p.m. school board meeting.

Both sessions will take place inside the WLP Board Room at the NASD District Offices at One Education Plaza in Nazareth.

69 News reached out to all of the township supervisors via email for their current take on the district’s position but did not receive a response.