Northern Lehigh School District has taken the next step for asbestos removal and flooring upgrades at its high school.

The school board last week agreed to advertise the request for bids for the high school asbestos flooring abatement project.

The district recently received a $904,350 Public Schools Facility Improvement Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development for asbestos removal and flooring upgrades at its high school.

The funding, which was the third largest awarded in Lehigh County, represents the highest percentage of requested funds by a district in the region and will enable essential health and aesthetic upgrades in the high school.

Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Link previously said congratulations goes to district Director of Operations Christopher Mann, whose first application for a state grant proved successful.

Link said the grant will fund the removal of about 49,000 square feet of asbestos-mastic tile and the installation of new epoxy flooring throughout the high school.

While the asbestos under the current flooring remains safely sealed beneath the tiles, the planned updates are a proactive approach to ensuring safety, Link said. Non-asbestos flooring areas, including ceramic tiles on the first floor, will remain untouched, he said.

Link said Mann is exploring the potential for a complete flooring replacement, ensuring a cohesive and modern look across the facility.