Valley West seeking state grant for Third Ave. special education center

August 9, 2026 - 00:09

KINGSTON - The transformation of a Wyoming Valley West property into a focused center for special education is moving forward, with district officials now looking to Harrisburg for financial backing. The project, centered on the former Third Avenue school building, is designed to consolidate services and create a tailored environment for students with a range of learning and developmental needs.

During a recent work session, the board discussed applying for a state grant that would help offset the costs of renovation and program setup. The plan goes beyond simple classroom space. It calls for specialized rooms for therapy, sensory activities, and life skills training, all under one roof. Administrators argue that the current setup, with programs scattered across multiple buildings, limits the quality of instruction and makes it harder for students to transition between activities.

If the grant is approved, the district could see a significant portion of the construction and equipment expenses covered. The building has been mostly unused in recent years, and the project would bring it back to life while solving a growing logistical problem. The board is expected to take a formal vote on the grant application at its next regular meeting. No timeline for construction has been set, but officials say the need is urgent, and they are pushing to move quickly once funding is secured.