Palmerton Area School District’s planning process for a new administration office on its secondary campus is moving ahead, according to Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Facilities Ryan Kish.

“We’re moving forward,” Kish said during Tuesday’s district workshop meeting. “The district, along with our engineer, Keystone Consulting Engineers, will be at the Lower Towamensing Township Planning Commission meeting in September. We will be there to receive feedback on our land development plans with the township engineer.”

Kish emphasized that final approval depends on several outside agencies.

“Our land development approvals are contingent upon organizations such as PennDOT, the Carbon Conservation District, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,” he said. “We’re hopeful that quick approvals from these agencies will allow the project to stay on track.”

In July, the school board unanimously approved a schematic design package presented by KCBA Architects. The project includes a proposed one-story, 11,000-square-foot district administration office building to be located in the lawn area off the high school gymnasium.

Plans for the administration building feature layered security, including a secure vestibule and multiple internal checkpoints. The building will also contain a multipurpose room designed to host school board meetings, district events, and training sessions.

KCBA representatives told the board in July that the administration building will be designed with long-term use in mind. Extra offices will be included for future growth, and workspaces will be arranged around the perimeter to maximize daylight and efficiency. Interior spaces such as conference rooms, storage, and work areas will be placed at the center.

Under the proposal, each department would have access to a shared workroom to cut down on walking distances for routine tasks. A secure connection between the administration building and the high school is also part of the plan.

Campus improvements are included in the project. KCBA’s presentation called for a continuous sidewalk around the high school to improve pedestrian safety, as well as a reconfigured parking lot. While some spaces will be relocated to accommodate construction, officials said the total number of spots will remain similar, with a few additions for staff.

The district administration has already relocated from its former home on the third floor of the Parkside Education Center. Earlier this year, officials signed a two-year lease for office space at 3295 Forest Inn Road, paying $3,800 per month.