ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Allentown School Board approved a contract Thursday night for the design and placement of temporary modular classroom units at Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy.
The district is hiring Barry Isett & Associates to provide professional engineering services at a cost of $101,800.
Officials said the academy must accommodate the addition of a third-grade cohort, which will exceed the capacity of the existing school building at 2020 E. Pennsylvania St.
The modular classroom units are intended as a timely and flexible solution while the district evaluates and plans a larger, long-term capital project — potentially a new school facility, officials said.
Isett’s feasibility, engineering and site evaluation services will ensure the temporary modular complex is compliant, functional and aligned with future development, officials said, allowing the district to maintain program continuity and meet growing student needs without disruption.
The modular classrooms are expected to provide immediate benefits by accommodating the additional third-grade cohort without overcrowding or disruption to learning.
Officials said the climate-controlled classrooms will mirror traditional learning environments, helping students remain engaged in high-quality instruction while long-term plans are developed.
The additional space will also reduce class-size pressures, support program delivery for the Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy’s model, and help maintain continuity of services, routines and school culture during a period of growth and transition, officials said.