001Good afternoon. Welcome everyone. My name is Jen Ramos. I am a deputy superintendent, chief of schools here in the district. and I have one role today and it is to introduce it is to welcome you here to our groundbreaking ceremony and it's primarily to introduce Miss Brace and Miss Vargas our co-hosts. So, welcome and I'm going to turn the program over so we can get started. >> Good afternoon everyone. My name is Angie Vargas and I'm a proud parent at Rich Academy. Thank you. The chair of the school governance council and leader member of the superintendent family advisory council and proud to serve as your MC for this afternoon's groundbreaking event. Thank you to the William Allen High School band for that wonderful performance. At this time, I would like to introduce my co-host and
002fellow advisory council member, Miss Sarah J. Brace. Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Sarah Jane Brace, and I'm proud to join you today as we celebrate an important milestone for our students, families, and community. As a parent, teacher, and former school board member, this moment is especially important to me. When I was on the board, this was the first vote I cast to purchase this very property. Now, please rise for the presentation of colors by the William High School JC, the pledge of allegiance led by Jaden Santos of Academy and the national anthem performed by Reverend Carrie Holmes. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Say, can you see by the
003light at the twilight broad stripes and bright stars through the last we were so gallently streaming. And the bombs bursting in gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, does that star spangled away or the land of the free and of You may be seated. Thank you all. It is now my pleasure to welcome Dr. Carol D. Burks, superintendent and chief executive officer of the Allentown School District for the opening remarks. Put your lights up. >> Come on. Put your lights up. >> Put your lights up. Put your lights up. >> Come on. Put your lights up. round of applause. Let's give it up for town. I can't hear you. Let's give it up for >> Good afternoon everyone. as we prepare. You know, when I was thinking about this today,
004isn't this an exciting event? We have so many people that excited. We We didn't realize all of you were going to come. So, give yourselves a round of applause again. You know, as I was preparing my remarks for today, I thought about the most befitting song to capture this momentous occation. And I chose to elevate the the refrain from the song shine. Selected that intentionally because it represents unity. It represents community. It represents us coming together as a collective community for one purpose. When I came into I was like wow and we have people from all across our community represented today and my heart is very full. That O represents us coming together to build something that matters the most. To build something together that matters the most. Give yourselves a round of applause. And
005the message of that song, both sound and lyric, is clear. We are all in this together. This is a community moment. It's not Dr. B's moment. This is a community moment. And what we build today belongs to every single person this today is more than a groundbreaking. It is a reflection of what we as a community and what we believe is possible when we come together in one person purpose with one voice collaboratively working together. Some people said I don't think they're going to get this done. We're gonna get now before we begin the formal acknowledgements before we turn a shovel all things in that earth, all the dirt. I want you and I'm inviting you every voice into this moment, into this space because we are building today together literally and symbolically. We will
006not belong to a single this particular building will not belong to a single person or a single office or a single nonprofit or school district. It will belong to the collective community and a community moment should be claimed together out loud. So, I'm going to invite you and enjoy and invite you to join in with me. Everyone knows I like and this is call and response. I was a sixth seventh grade language arts teacher. So, we don't do we didn't do anything quietly because you have to keep people engaged. Okay. So when I say this is our moment, you respond. This is our Okay, we're gonna practice. I like to be a good teacher. All right, we roll role play. This is our moment. >> Okay, sounds good. Okay, let's do it again. I think
007you're just getting This is our moment. >> This is our moment. out there. Okay. All right. This is our moment. >> Now, I want you to do this one more time. I want you to feel it in your belly. I mean, really deep down, and I want everyone in Center City, all the children who are still learning here at Bridge View right now, they're still in classes. We want them our collective community say this is our moment. >> Give yourselves a round of applause, please. Because this is our community. You look I want everyone to just see this. Look to your left. Look to your right. Look at each other. Look at some people in their eyes. We are the community. We are Allentown. We are the community. When they say I hear people say
008the community, the community. Well, who's the community? It's us. We are the community. Well, I'm Dr. Carol. I'm Dr. Carol and I'm the proud, very humble and grateful superintendent, chief executive officer for people. And I want to begin by honoring leadership and partners who are here today who are making this moment possible and a lot of great moments for their children to our school board president who's here. Miss Anna Tersio school board member as well is here. Thank you so much. Miss Sierra is here. Dr. Johnson, one of our newest board members is here. Thank you so much. Mr. Nick Nicoloff is here. I want to thank you for your stewardship, for your governance, for your belief in supporting all these ideas. Everyone knows at night. So I thank you and I thank you for
009your unwavering commitment to allies, all of our staff. I say this in public, they don't get paid for this paid friends in LA. We don't move to LA. Okay. But with that said, I thank you so much to our mayor, my friend Mayor Turk. Thank you for your partnership and for your commitment to our town and all our schools in our great city. Thank you for your service. to our state legislative delegation. Let me tell you, as I travel to speak conferences and when I talk with friends, I've never seen such dynamic group young men who are so committed to this community. Their hearts are full. They bleed Allentown. And let me tell you, I've been I've attended some events with represent like, you know, he makes and he sits on a role that he
010needs to care about everyone, but unapologetic about his love for all. So I want to thank Senator Miller. Thank you for your ad advocacy and your investment and he's one of the people talk to me a lot at night. So thank you so much for your belief and I want to thank our delegation also for bringing us resources to make all these efforts possible. I want to thank um I mentioned representative but he is the chair of education for the state house. This is huge. The House Democrats and he's right here in Allentown. So, let's give him a round of applause. Thank you for championing our students and our families in the role that you sit at the state level. I want to thank my friend Representative Strawber. Thank you so much for sitting on
011my right way. Thank you so much because he also sits on one of my committees, my my uh mental health task force and he keeps me honest like this and that. So I thank you so much for your support as well as to my friend in his new role, our new county executive Josh Seagull. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Allentown. I want to thank Mr. Fouse for being here for representing Senator Coleman's office. Thank you for your belief in this project. Uh and Happy to see say that Congressman McKenzie has a representative here, Miss Bachmann. Will you please be acknowledged? We want to thank Congressman McKenzie for his support. I want to thank you all for joining us on this truly transformational day in Allentown. Don't you love my parents and
012the students that you saw thus far? Today is about creating a place where the light can be seen, supported, and the time to do it is when that was a week now. The time to do it is to the community that is the heart of this. That's all of us. If you are part of the light that brought us here today, when I call your group, please stand. Now, when I call your group and you know your number, okay, so all our families who are here today, please stand. All members of my my superintendent family advisory council, we heard you. We honor you. You told me many evenings you said, "Dr. BS, we need a place for us. We need a place. You told me you're tired of running around the city to register and
013to get services. I heard you. I appreciate you. I thank you. Please to our teachers, administrators, support staff, counselors, nurses, everyone who works with children, administration, please stand. I thank you for your sacrifice, for your service, because I am nothing without you. Thank you so much for your belief in our children. May be seated. For the members of my interfaith and business advisory councils, please stand. Some of my business council members are not standing right now. Thank you for being anchors of care and hope within this community. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thanks. Okay. Thank you so much for being here today. I appreciate you. And it's good because they give me other perspectives about what was needed for where they sit. So I thank you. And finally, but
014most importantly, to the sensational, talented, gifted, amazing, handsome, beautiful children who attend the Bridge View Academy. Can you please you still please stand? I want to thank you. They are a tough group. Me too. They um many of them are part of my advisory council. So I get to meet with them and I I just I met them yesterday students and they represent the district. I just want to thank you for keeping us honest. Thank you for sharing what your needs are. This is for you. This is for you. There's a notable educational research his name is Dr. Tony and he talks about the instructional he and other researchers but he also talks about the family as well as the community. I want everyone in this room to think about that you are in student
015achievement. So I want you to really go deep on this one. So I want to thank you because all of this we need you and your support to continue this great for our children. This family and community resource center reflects our belief that student success does not start or end in the classroom. It starts with access stability, trust our partners, I don't think they construction because those people have the gifts and the talents to ensure that we build these buildings for our children. Let me tell you, I'm language all day. I can't build. Okay. So, I thank you for allowing us to use your gifts to our students and ouramilies. So, this family and community resource center will provide GED classes, English language classes, mental as well as physical health for our collective community. We're
016building our own little clinic right here. We will also create pathways for our families social service. This is our moment. This is understand. This is our moment. >> This is our community. In Allentown, we're building something bold and something lasting. A system where engagement is not an event. Oh, they had an event. Oh, I went to the ground. Oh, I dressed up. We're building a way of being. A way of being. So, we're building a way of being. We do it together. We're building a way. >> Yes. A way of being. This is a groundbreaking. As I said, it's not a single event. It's for everyone in not just the students who attend the school. This is for our All right. We need and value the cross sector collaboration and strengths. No single group could
017have brought us here to this place alone. What you are part of is just the move. Some of you have already done so much helping us secure more than $522,000 for this project. And I want to say thank you to our state delegation. Thank you, Senator Miller, for leading that effort with us. Thank you so much. We want to thank the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for awarding us this. Make sure I want more money from them. Yes. Okay. All right. We want to thank them as well. Going forward, we will need our health partners, our workforce development partners, and community organizations to really intentionally come together to help us cocreate this space. This is a welcoming space we want to build that provides families with support that they need. When we worked
018on our strategic plan, lighting the way of blueprint for innovation and excellence, we listened to all of you. I think almost everyone in this room part of that. Hi Marcy, how are you? Good to see you. Listen to our families in our community from enrollment to mental health services we are going to provide here. As I mentioned, the parents said we are tired of this running around here this and that. We don't know where to go. We got to go to talk to this person, that person. We want one place that we provide all services and this We're taking a phased approach. This is the exciting part of this project. This is so exciting. This is a threephase approach. One, we're building the community resource center, but we're also building a 612. We are expanding
019on this campus. There'll be a 612 school on this campus. But this is just one the first part of this. In the near future, you're going to see that there's going to be some shovels in the ground. We're going to call you back. So don't say, "Okay, I went to the groundbreaking. Check off." Okay? We're going to invite you back. We're going to build a school center because the children at school, but we want a bigger We want to have access and everywhere else. So that also phase three of that project and our architects are going to tell you a little more about that a little later. This is our moment. >> So as we break ground today, let's be really clear, okay? We are not We are building a strong we are taking the
020first step. Okay. All right. We put one foot and we are going to be moving very quickly. And I just want I want to thank everyone for coming today. And I was talking to Miss Rainbow. I said I'm gonna take as much time as I want to talk. >> This is our moment. Thank you everyone for being here. I'm so excited. I'm so excited about being a part of this great community. Thank you for allowing me to serve and I'm just so This is our moment. >> This is our moment. >> Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. And to provide I'm sorry to provide a brief overview of the vision and design for this project. We now welcome principal architect from architecture. Good afternoon everyone. Um but I will try. So I just want to
021take a moment to thank um everyone in this room um and school district for giving us this opportunity uh to be a part of the journey um and the vision and the dream that this community had. So, thank you. Um I it's a mixed emotion for me because this is my first building. Um and I to celebrate it, I have my entire team with me. Uh Paul Graer, senior project manager for construction He's right there. Um, Laurian Jones, senior project manager who managed the healthcare portion. Evan Carol Evan Carol who was our junior architect who was there from soup to nuts. Always there responding to every um issues I was facing. And our business development first director uh Debbie Kaylor, she's there holding a camera. Um we wanted to be part of the celebration and
022you know recognition of the landmark um that we all school district and the community has dreamed of. So um thank you. I'm sorry, I'm having tears in my eyes, but uh u it when we were brought in um to build this uh family and community resource center, um Dr. Burks gave us a team to work with who was unconditionally supportive, giving us all the information we need. We asked them questions over questions over questions and without any hesitation we were given answers. So thank you because there is a complex program built into a smaller footprint but I think this will provide the landmark that the community deserves. Uh, I'm going to walk you guys through the walk you people. Not guys. I'm a woman. So, uh, walk you all through the community, uh, family and
023community resource center. Um, as you know, it's flanking on the north side of the Bridgeview Academy. Um when you enter in um you have this grand entrance which you know has a separation for the healthcare suite as well as the uh resource center portion. From the main lobby on the right hand side, you'll be directed to um the administrative wing which will allow the community to have all the information support and registration information that you would need. As you walk in, you have kiosk, you have a team that will help you and guide you through the process. There's testing centers in testing rooms within the comm within the space. So like Dr. Burke said, not having to go around the city. This is how we they had envisioned it, having everyone come into one space
024and work within this space so that the registration is much more easier. As you walk through on the other side, you have the health care suite which will provide for the community and the students. And as you go to the lower floor, um, you have the meeting room or the training room or the classrooms that Dr. Burks talked about for ESL and other, uh, needs that they have. So, you have this classroom, which is a multi-purpose space, which can be divided to smaller groups or have one big meeting room. Um when you walk out of that space you have this lobby area which provides option for any kind of help and then you enter into this uh small um lounge area for the team that is working within that place diligently. on the other side
025workforce development. That's where you would have the support for the community along with the training center, interview space, everything. So that's a small pro not small but that's the beginning and more to come. Lot of work to do now but this was a landmark moment that we wanted to recognize and thank you for this opportunity Dr. Perks and Allentown School District. I'm going to request uh principal uh Mr. Mike Kelly from KCBA architects. >> Well, thank you and thank you everyone. Uh welcome. Uh my name is Michael Kelly. I'm an architect with KCBA architects as Dr. Burks has mentioned. Um this is an exciting day and the first day of uh one phase of a multi-phase um improvements and advancements uh to this to this site. It's especially uh exciting for me to be here.
026I grew up in Alllettown, graduated from Allen. I went I was Thank you. I I was in the band. I remember those days where they pulled us out of class to go someplace important. So this is an important day and that's what makes this uh so very exciting. Uh in about a year from now, we're going to jump from one side of the site to the other side, more of the parking lot side, uh to start the expansion for uh education u advancement on this property. If you want to share the the video, go ahead. I can uh talk a little bit as that goes. Um as you can see across the front of the building now at a completely new face. uh a face that talks about inspiration, a a place that talks about
027um STEM and research and technology and health and improvements. Um a lot of possibilities, a lot of exciting curriculum that um we're still planning and still going over with the district to be uh included in this uh in this project. So over the next year, there's going to be a lot of meetings, a lot of renderings, a lot of uh time to explore uh work with your students, uh work with your teachers. We're really excited to do that uh to see what's next here. Um to include some additional uh state-of-the-art future thinking uh academic spaces uh as well as a really nice um athletic center um multi-purpose space uh right actually right out where the band was earlier. Um that space to sit right there. So this is um an exciting beginning. Um, you're seeing
028here the kind of inside of of of the building, this kind of um, piaza of of learning and innovation and common space where all of these new state-of-the-art labs can pull out. Um, students can bring, they're not just enclosed within four walls. In fact, some of those walls open up into outer spaces. So, they can go outside, they can stay inside. gets cold outside sometimes, so we want to make sure we have some spaces inside as well um to really learn and and really make sure that the you know the four walls of the classroom isn't uh isn't holding us back that exploration and uh innovation can happen certainly throughout a larger complex here. Um as Dr. Brooks had mentioned again as well uh the introduc introduction of um middle school students six through eight
029uh provides a tremendous opportunity to to take um to to house some of the the students at even a younger age u bring them into a space like this have them walk around and see these types of spaces go oh man I can't wait till I'm in high school I'm going to be able to fly drones in the middle of my school that's going to be great um so being able to expose students to these types of spaces is is really exciting and something that we're we're excited to be developing and excited to be part of. Man, you're playing the whole video. >> That's all right. Thanks. Um spaces that um like I mentioned are very innovative. This is the one at the end here where you can see the the the family resource and
030community center on the left and kind of coming down uh Lehi Street here. Um with part of the addition, we're going to clad the uh the old the old kind of tan concrete looking building on the outside here. uh and like I said, kind of wrap the uh the front of this with something um much more uh future-looking um uh and and more most importantly uh safe spaces uh and innovative spaces for for our students for uh for learning advancement. So, uh again, thank you very much for um entrusting us and our team to to work with you over the next year and uh we'll see you back here next year for the start of phase two. So, thank you very much. Thank you. We are honored to be joined by several elected officials today.
031Without your support, projects like this would not be possible. We will begin with remarks from Senator Nick Miller, followed by State Representative Peach Schwire, State Representative Mike Schlober, Mayor Matt Turk, Miss Bachmann on behalf of Congressman McKenzie, and County Executive Josh Seagull. Thank you. Well, good afternoon. Uh, it's always exciting to be here with the Allentown School District team. Uh, really a lot of great momentum being built by the Allentown School District. It's because of the leadership of Dr. Burks. Between Christmas and New Year's Yes. So, round of applause for Dr. Burks. Between Christmas and New Year's, we're on a number of Zooms and calls talking about what 2026, the calendar year 2026 has for the Allentown School District. There's a lot of great and exciting things happening because of the partnerships and the team
032members she has around her and the stakeholders uh from Jen Ramos and Dr. Wharton if you f focusing on the facility front uh to our stakeholders like the mayor our new county exec Josh Seagull um and my friends and colleagues our majority whip Mike Sauberg and Pete Schwire uh our delegation and our community that Dr. Burks spoke about is stronger because of everybody in this room and in our community as we continue to move forward. I think about even years ago, uh, Sarah Brace and I were chair and vice chair of the building committee, thinking about how we utilize this property that's centrally located in the heart of the downtown school district, uh, and having a a a centralized hub for services for our families and has Dr. Burke has really focused on providing better
033service for our community members, having that centralized location for parents to know exactly where to go for resources, not just for educating their students, but even themselves that that workforce development if they they are looking for new new needs there and how to get new skills to be in the workforce of of today and tomorrow as that continues to develop. and health care needs. Thinking about all the health care needs that sometimes students get kind of dropped through the cracks on on being able to have access to health care and we know how expensive that is having this these resources right here in a central location. I applaud the entire school board um and most importantly our superintendent for seeing the vision. So, so again, I just want want to thank our partners and looking
034forward to a really exciting year for the downtown uh school district and our superintendent as well. And without further ado, for comedic comedic relief, Representative Peachwire. Thank you. So, state senator walks into a room and starts talking. No, I'm sorry. I I just uh I just leave that. So, um, on behalf of my only colleague that's still here because Josh quit earlier today, uh, earlier this month, uh, Mike Schllober, let me start with a sincere congratulations to our friends in the downtown school district. I I I, um, we had a, um, the Dr. Burks, your introduction of me about being majority chair of the House Education Committee was heartfelt and wonderful, and I appreciate it. But what matters more to me is that I'm actually an ASD dad. My daughter is a freshman at William
035Allen. My oldest daughter graduated from Allen last year and is off doing things at Penn State, mostly good. Uh, and uh, and that matters to to me so much more than any title or any anything that we do professionally. Um, but I will say one of the great opportunities that you get when you're a member of the general assembly is that you get to go visit classrooms as I did earlier today. Uh today um around earlier this uh this morning I got to uh meet uh a great group of fourth graders over at Roosevelt Elementary School and the the kids asked, you know, what's your favorite color? The answer is blue. It really Okay, I'm gonna be I'm going to get myself in a little trouble. It's Canary and blue right now, but anyway. Um
036yeah, I said it to all the deer and bridge folks. Anyway, um but then but they they they ended up asking us some asking me some really great questions and one of them is what is your biggest frustration? What do you dislike about the job the most? And and the answer is not being able to do the things that you want to do. We talked a little bit about what vision is. We talked a little bit about what ideas are. And ideas are awesome. Everybody loves a great idea. Who doesn't? But a great idea doesn't actually improve the lives of of our students. It doesn't make our teachers uh give them a space where they can be more creative and do all the great things that they want to do unless that idea actually happens.
037If it becomes the thing, what I what I respect so much about Dr. Burks, her entire team, our school board, and the leadership here at Bridgeview Academy is that you didn't just settle for an idea. It was never good enough to think about what we could have if we had the ability to, the money to, etc., etc., etc. you're actually doing it. And let's not lose sight of the fact that we're talking about what is going to be a super cool building. But that's not the point. The point is it's going to be a super cool building where our kids are going to have new opportunities, where our professionals in education are going to be able to uh use their talent, their expertise, and their creativity to make sure that our kids are doing better
038today than they would have done uh even just a few short months ago. So, as a member of the general assembly along with my friend and colleague Representative Schlober, whose wife is in fact a teacher at Derf, we're covering almost every high school here. Um, >> but more importantly than that, as an ASD parent, thank you so much for actually turning those great ideas into action. >> Sure. >> Thank you, Pete. Um, thank you to everybody who's here. uh others have spoken much more eloquently than I can on this specific project and I obviously associate myself with not only their words but I had my sincere gratitude for what you have all done for students, staff and community members in Allentown. But I just want to take a step back for a second here. Uh
039I've been in elected office since 2009 and I've been a member of the general assembly since 2013. And when I walked in the door, we had just survived our first round of layoffs. We were looking around number two or three at that point. Uh the Allentown school district was cut well beyond the bone. We were losing academic programs and the idea of being able to move forward was something that was really really far away. We have come so far and there is not one person responsible for that but all of us are responsible for that. And this board, this administration, and this community has positioned the Allentown School District to a point where we are no longer talking about just surviving the next round of budget cuts, but we're actually talking about doing things that
040go beyond a traditional approach to education. And that is to be here now is a credit to all of us. And I'm so glad to be able to be here and celebrate the opening of a new building. something which when I walked in the door was simply unimaginable. So, congratulations to everybody who's involved. Thank you all so much for your support. It's my honor to introduce our friend, Mayor Matt Turk. >> Thank you, Mike. Uh, buenes everybody. Good afternoon. I want to recognize I think we might have missed she walked in a little late. My colleague in city council, Vice President Cynthia Malta is here as well. Um felisano, happy new year. I know we still have an opportunity. It's a almost just over a weekend, but we can still say happy new year. Uh
041what a propitious start to this beautiful new year. Um there's a lot of new exciting things happening, a lot of familiar faces. Uh some familiar faces in new roles, right? Um, people ask me a lot about how like how to define the city of Allentown when I travel the country and I'm talking about this place that I love so much. And one thing that I often talk about is Allentown being a place not of second chances but of second acts. And New Years are New Years are a little bit like a second act. And we're starting a lot of second acts here today uh or in the few days leading up to this. There's there's second acts everywhere you look. uh Bridge View Estates, which was the former Little Lehi. We have a second act
042going on there, the next iteration of housing in the city of Allentown. And I'm so excited about that second act. There's a second act across Union Street where the old Valania Park was rebuilt with f help from many of our friends and then rededicated to an incredible leader in this community in Clyde Basket. So, we have the second act of this park and now we're here in the midst of a lot of different second acts. We we had Josh Seagull as our state rep for a little while and now he's starting a second act as a county executive. He's somebody who knows something about second acts. There's a lot of people in this room who know something about second acts. Dr. Bats, you know something about a second act. It's not a second chance, it's
043a second act. Yhaida, you know what a second act looks like. There's a lot of second acts present here. I know we've got future second acts ahead of us as well. Um, and that's what we're doing here now. This is a building that a lot of us might have first seen. Well, this had a lot of life. This space had a lot of life. A lot of people who are familiar with the history of this city, and Dan Boset knows the the history, he grew up in this area, and he can tell you what this used to be. And this has had a few different iterations during its first act, but now we're coming to the end of the first act for what did we call it before? Building 21. What's Bridge View Academy now,
044right? And this is the second act. And now we're about to throw some We're going to dig up some dirt here in a second and truly begin the second act, not just for this building and this site, but we're starting a whole second act in this city. We have really beautiful future ahead of us. Mike said it. You couldn't have imagined years ago that the city school district, Allentown School District would be building new facilities. And I put an S at the end, not just facility, facilities. We're starting an amazing second act in this city of Allentown. So, do not forget this early January day in 2026. Wherever you are at whatever point in your second act, remember this moment because this is this is more than just a simple groundbreaking. This is one of
045the moments at the beginning of the second act of the city of Allentown. And I'm so so proud to be part of it and I'm so grateful to be along on this second act writing the future with all of you. Thank you, Dr. Burks. Thank you, Allentown School District. Phenomenal job. Thank you. Gracias. And now it's my honor to introduce uh a man who's beginning his second act. Who knows if I don't know usually plays are in two acts, right? This guy might have like eight acts to his play, but uh County Executive Lehigh County Executive Josh Seagull. >> Thank you, Matt. It's actually my third act, I think, because I was on city council like the rest of these gentlemen. So Pete Pete Pete, Mike and I all did a tour of duty on
046Allentown City Council. So we've all suffered together. Uh uh it is a real honor and a pleasure to be here today. And I think uh one of the first meetings actually I took and I want to give her a shout out um after I was elected was actually with Lindseay Parks uh from the Allentown School District Foundation and and she does such a phenomenal work here in the city and Bridge View Estates is is incredible. So, you might remember a few months ago, there was uh a shortage of funding and resources for our food banks and Bridge View Academy here and a lot of their students actually showed up and did a food drive uh and made sure they collected canned goods and food and they actually gave it to local food banks um thousands
047of pounds of food so that we could help families here in Allentown and Lehigh Valley get through that moment of uncertainty. Um, some of the future pole workers are being truly educated and trained right here at this academy and working in polling stations all around Lehigh County and Allentown, helping translate, making sure that people can flex their civic muscle and participate in democracy. All that's happening here and and I tell you that story to say that our kids in this community are showing up for us. And I think that one of the strengths of the Lehigh Valley has always been the power of our partnerships. And that's something that Dr. Burks acutely understands is the power of partnerships and the innovation we've seen in the Allentown school district. Uh when the Da Vinci Science Center
048opened up, we didn't just settle for a state-of-the-art science center built to attract people to Allentown. We made sure that it was harnessed for the benefit of our students. Uh you know, 60% of the kids in Allentown are within a mile radius of that. But Dr. Burks made sure that we had a state-of-the-art academy in the basement there at Da Vinci where kids get access to 3D printing and state-of-the-art technology. We make sure that our school district is at the forefront of ingenuity and innovation. And I think that's what's so incredible about this center is about Allentown and our community showing up for our families. Now, our kids have showed up for us and they've showed up for the community. This is about the power of partner partnerships and showing up for the Allentown school
049district. And I think of all the faces in this room, Promised Neighborhoods, Paul Anthony from the Lehigh Valley building trades. What this is about is recognizing that the whole person is what matters. that what you learn in the classroom means nothing if your health and well-being and your mental health is not there. You can't put anything into practice that you learn in school if your family dynamic isn't strong and you don't feel like the community has your back and has your well-being in mind. And this is about the power of partnerships and the power of love and making sure that every family and every student knows we've got their back and we've got their well-being in mind. And at the end of that, we're changing the narrative. I think Mike put it so eloquently when
050he said the the old story around the Allentown School District wasn't just a place that was in decline and was cutting, but frankly a place that so many families said they would flee. Because of Dr. Burks and her leadership, the Allentown School District is becoming a place that families want to go, that they want to belong. Matt talked about second acts and second acts matter Allentown is the story of a second act of rebirth and revitalization and renaissance. We are changing the narrative in this city in every facet and every way about what this city is about. And Dr. Burks is changing the narrative at this school district. That this is a place families should want to be if you want to be on the cutting edge of education. If you want your child to
051get the absolute best opportunity, yes, you might be able to find it in Parkland and you might be able to find it in Salisbury, but you can also find it here in Allentown. And so I'm so extraordinarily proud to be here with my my partners. Pete Pete Pete said I left. I like to think I got promoted, but we'll call it a promotion or lateral. We'll say later. We're all equal. We all love each other. But I am so utterly proud to be here and stand with so many incredible partners as we continue to change that narrative and we continue to build the power of partnerships where we all show up for each other because that's the only way we're all going to get ahead. So, thank you. was Miss Andre Brown. Nola, will you
052please come up? >> Good afternoon everyone. >> I have to follow Josh. Wow. First, I would like to welcome everyone. This is such a monumental moment for ASD. I feel like, you know, we were talking about the second act. Just a couple of months ago, we just broke the ground on our brand new school and now here we are about to break ground again and I'm so excited about it. First, I would like to acknowledge everyone in the room. I would like to acknowledge Senator Miller, Representative Pete Pete Schwire, Mike Schaburg, New County Executive Josh Seagull, our mayor Matt Turk, city council vice president Cynthia Ma. There's so many of our amazing community partners that are in the room. Also, our families. Thank you all so much. This moment belongs to all of us. There
053is a proverb that says the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Today, as we put these shovels into the ground, we aren't just moving dirt. We are planting promise. We are breaking ground on a vision that has been years in the making. Like Senator Miller said, we are breaking ground on a vision that has been only a thought before, but it's actually happening now. In the Allentown School District, we know that a child's success isn't determined solely by what's happening between the first and last bells of the school day. Success is nurtured at home, supported by health and wellness and fueled by stable, empowered community. We recognize that our families face real challenges. This center is our way of saving saying to our neighbors, you
054do not have to run this race alone. This building will be more than bricks and mortar. It will be a one-stop shop for our community and once completed, the space will pro provide seamless enrollment. So, our f our new ASD families will be able to register their children for school in a welcoming, streamlined environment, ensuring their journey with us starts on the right foot from day one. They will receive direct service connecting families with essential services, nutrition programs, and housing resources. they'll receive health and wellness, ensuring our kids are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. And not just our children, the entire family because we have been investing in the whole child framework for the past few years. We'll also be offering workshops, GED classes, workforce development to help parents and guardians thrive. An initiative
055of this magnitude requires relentless champions. We have found that in our superintendent, Dr. Carol D. Burks. Dr. Burks, your visionary leadership and your students first heart are the reasons we are standing on this site today. Thank you for your amazing leadership and for constantly pushing us to dream bigger for our community. We also owe a massive debt of gratitude to our partners in government. The project is a reality because of the advocacy of Senator Nick Miller, Representative Pete Sch Pete Schwire, Mike Schlesburg, and of course I'm I'm sorry. And they have a little rivalry too going >> a fun one. A fun one. and County Executive Josh Seagull. Together, you all work to ensure that Allentown is never forgotten. Because of because you fought to give our families the access they deserve and the funding
056to back it up, we are able to move from blueprint to reality. As we turn this soil today, let it be a symbol of our collective growth. Let this site be a beacon of hope for every family in Allentown. We aren't just building a center. We are building stronger, more resilient future for our children who calls this city home. Now, let's break ground. >> Thank you, President Brown Noel. Centering student and family voice is at the heart of this work. At this time, we welcome Amaleni, a student from Bridge View Academy, and Miss Yahra Ailles, parent and member of the family advisory council. >> Okay, thank you. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Good afternoon everyone. My name is Amalani Lorenzo and I am a sophomore here at Bridgeview Academy. Here at Bridgeview, our mascot
057is the phoenix. A phoenix represents transformation and rebirth and rebirth. And that is exactly what this project means. Last year, our school changed its name. A small but significant step in changing our identity. We got to keep what was important to us, like our mascot, Fuego, and our core values of passion, power, agency, and impact. But now that we have the chance to reimagine what school looks like for students in Allentown and focus on pathways in health, science, innovation, and technology. The family and community research center is a next step in our transformation. This center is the start of the physical transformation of our campus. Not just a name but an evolution of what we can accomplish here and what students can experience. Sometimes people forget when families struggle students feel it at school, in
058class, and even at home. When parents are stressed or confused about what re about resources, where to go or where to go for help. It affects how students show up every day and sometimes if they can show up at all. This research center shows that the district actually cares about what life is like outside of school for our families and for our bigger community. For students like me, it's exciting to see change actually happen, not just being talked about. As a 10th grader myself, I'll be here to see this part of the project complete, and that matters to me. I may not be here for every phase of the future, but I know this working I know this work is laying out the foundation for students who came after me. Thank you. I would now
059like to introduce a member of the family advisory council, Messiara Az. Can we please give her another round of applause? Thank you. Okay. Um, I I have to start with before I get to my thing, thank you all for being here. And when I say all, it's everyone in the building, of course, but the ones that are actually making things happen. It's been I can't even say decades. It's been I mean, I can't even say years. Let me say decades that this work is long overdue. And it is because all of you and the leadership of Dr. Burks that has finally gotten here got gotten us here. So with my heart in hand, sincerely I thank you. Thank you. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Jira and I am the proud mama within the Allentown
060School District. I currently have two babies within our grand district. They are in Europe. Uh, that's what my nails are for. But being that we have Allan represented in here, that's what my dress is for. I will get yellow pumps for the next time. Okay. Um, let me see where I'm at. I currently have two babies within our grand. I know I just said babies, but they are actually a young man and a young woman. Just forever my babies. They are they are Zavier Washington, a phenomenal student and role model in the 10th grade at Dur High School, and Nessiah Washington, senior year, a student with an excuse me because this I get very emotional. Senior year, a student within the early college program with Lehigh Carbon within Lehigh Carbon Community College and recently accepted
061via the early college acceptance at Penn State main campus. >> Thank you, Mr. Schlles. Please let Miss Schlber know >> with a 5% acceptance rate. I am beyond ecstatic. Although I am within various rooms, tables and spaces, I always introduce myself as just a mom. However, today I will say with great pride that I am also here representing the superintendent's family advisory council. Thank you. I am beyond ecstatic although I am with very Okay, I already said that. Sorry. Um, I've had I've had multiple children go through the district. I too have gone through the district as a child. I've seen and experience how hard it can be to navigate sometimes, especially when you're juggling work, kids, and life and very many times a very tough life. I consider myself an active and engaged parent,
062but there were times when I didn't know where to go or who to call, especially when my children were young. I know I wasn't alone. And if I couldn't figure out where to go to get the help my kid, the right bus information or sports physical, how were other parents figuring this out? This was all part of what made me begin my student parent advocacy 14 years ago. This center means families won't have to bounce from building to building or tell their story over and over. I know firsthand how tough that is mentally and physically. It shows the district understands that families need support that's accessible, welcoming, and respectful. As a parent, it gives me confidence knowing there's one place focused on helping families get what they need from getting their four-year-old into a prek
063classroom or mental health services when school and life gets tough. This resource center is an investment in our students, but also us, the parents, the caregivers, and the entire community. I'm grateful to see district taking this kind of action to invest in our students, families, and the entire community. Thank you to every single individual who's had a part in bringing this to life. With my heart and hands, I thank you all. Oh, sorry. >> Okay. Sorry. Um, before we close this afternoon, I would like to welcome two more special individuals to the podium. As you have all seen, today has been a celebration of community and collaboration. The Family Resource Center will not function effectively without collaboration with our community partners. To lead us in a declaration of unity, please help me welcome the chairs
064of our interfaith advisory council, Pastor Alex De Jesus and Pastor Jean Stillville. I promise you I won't preach for 35 minutes. Uh uh greetings to everyone. It is uh humbling and honoring to be part of this historic moment in our community. As I listen to the voices of students, of parents, uh school leaders, school officials, I'm encouraged about our future. As a local pastor here in the inner city of Allentown, I'm often asked a powerful yet simple question. A pastor, I need your help. Pastor necess that question pushes us to the call of a faith community to serve, to guide, and to care for people spiritually and also holistically. While it brings me great joy to be able to help people uh during those moments, it also brings me a great burden uh in the
065moments where I have to say no, I can't help you. But today, we stand with hope. Uh we celebrate a resource that's right in our backyard. I like to preach it this way. The resource and the miracle it's already in the house. >> Can I get an amen? This center represents possibly or the the possibilities of what happens when we work together. Uh we become more practical. We become more efficient and we become more intentional. By creating more spaces like this, we can have more strategic opportunities. We build stronger bridges. And through those bridges, we eliminate all excuses. And together we can be the light and shine brighter than ever before. The best is truly yet to come. Uh, I want to invite my brother, Pastor Jean Stinville, as he leads us in this declaration
066of unity. As members of the Allentown School District Interfaith Committee, we gather with grateful hearts, united in purpose and hope. We declare to collaborate with shared purpose. May our words and actions bring understanding where there is division and kindness where there is need. May we listen and lead with wisdom, courage, compassion and strength to serve our students and community. May our diversity remind us of the beauty in every voice. And may our shared work shine as light for all. Together we choose unity, respect, and peace for our schools, our city, and our future. Thank you. Thank you everyone. I would now like to invite you to join us outside in just a few minutes for the official groundbreaking. >> There we go. Cameron Yeah, it was lovely. >> All right. Put your lights up. Put
067your lights up together. It's our time to shine. We shine our lights for the world to see how wonderful the world could possibly be. If everybody will take a moment and own it and break it down to components overion. It's time to turn on your mind. >> You never actually Shine. Are we ready? One, two, three. I don't care. Don't care. Do not care. >> You say whatever you want. >> Hassan, I paid for this. All right. >> You don't have to You don't have to shovel it if you paid for it. We are all in this together. It's our time. >> We shine our lights to see how wonderful the world could possibly be. If everybody would take a moment and own it and break it down to components, you'll notice your light is
068free. Now in this world and seven billion lights shine that the divine can elevate us to heights and all of us. It's time to turn on your lights. >> Come on. We got to shine a light. Come on. We got to shine family advisories. Put your lights up. Come on. Put your lights up. >> Simple. time. It's our time to shine. How wonderful the world could possibly be if everybody will take a moment and own it and break it down to components. You'll notice now it's time to turn on your mind. You got to shine a light. Come on. We got to shine the light. Yes. >> Well, Yeah. >> Put your lights up. Put your lights up. We are all together. not shine. It's time to shine your love.