In the works for almost four years, a plan to build a new elementary/middle school in Kidder Township was approved on an 8-0 vote of the Jim Thorpe Area School Board.

The facility is expected to cost at least $17 million and will be constructed along Route 903, near the intersection with Route 534.The district intends to bid the project in September, begin construction in December, and have kindergarten-eighth grade building completed by the beginning of the 2004-05 school year.