Superintendent Dr. Christine Birx told the board the Allentown School District was selected to participate in a national effort through Digital Promise and the League of Innovative Schools. The district will participate in a four‑year initiative that will support five new theme‑based schools and provide professional learning, national partnerships and additional resources.

"This is a 4 year effort," Dr. Birx said, describing a rigorous selection process and saying staff would continue professional learning both locally and nationally. She said the district was able to secure the opportunity through active engagement over the past year and that a public announcement and community celebration are planned for March.

Board members praised the superintendent and staff for leveraging relationships and grant resources. A student speaker from Building 21 said the opportunity will benefit creative and arts-based programs; the student described ongoing art projects and internships and thanked the district for the resources.

Committee members voted to move the education items, including the Digital Promise selection and related approvals (graduation/commencement items and the 7 Mindsets program) to the full board for final action. No final contract or formal binding grant award details were provided in committee; Dr. Birx said those will be shared in the public rollout.