Scranton, PA: $2.5M to expand SPED services for K-2 students; "increasing demand"

Dec 18, 2025, Wilkes-Barre, PA, Fox 56:  Scranton School District purchases Friendship House East Mtn. building for $2.5 million 

https://fox56.com/news/local/scranton-school-district-purchases-east-mountain-building-to-expand-special-education

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Scranton School District is moving forward with plans to expand its special education services, announcing the purchase of a building on East Elm Street that will house an extension of the district’s Monticello Program for kindergarten through second-grade students.

Officials say the property at 1509 Maple Street will help address the district’s rapidly growing need for full-time Autistic Support classrooms. Monticello, currently located at the Electric City Academy on Dickson Avenue, serves as a center-based program for young special education students and has seen rising enrollment pressures over the past several years.

The district paid $2.5 million for the property.

The district added 10 Autistic Support classrooms at the start of the 2025–2026 school year, bringing the total to 48. Even with that expansion, Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating said projections show the district will need additional space as approximately 160 Early Intervention students transition into kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year.

District-owned buildings do not have the capacity to absorb the anticipated increase, prompting officials to search for additional property. After reviewing multiple sites, the East Mountain location emerged as the best fit, according to the district. The building can be renovated to meet specialized classroom requirements and is expected to open to students in the 2026–2027 school year.

The property will also generate revenue through rent from an existing program already operating in the building. District officials said they are also exploring the possibility of offering seats to students outside Scranton, creating an additional income stream.

The district will now work with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Bureau of Special Education to ensure the expansion meets state requirements.

“We are thrilled to take this step forward,” Dr. Keating said. “This investment gives our students and staff the learning environment they deserve.”

The purchase comes as Scranton continues to adapt to increasing demand for specialized services, a trend that districts across Pennsylvania are also experiencing.