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Parkland High School Expansion Led by Alum

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 20:03 GMT by WFMZ-TV
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Jake Brensinger's connection to Parkland High School runs far deeper than simply being an alumnus. For the 2008 graduate, the school represents the very bedrock of his personal and professional trajectory. Now, he's actively reshaping its physical landscape, leading the ambitious expansion project as a project manager with Alvin H. Buskirk & Sons.

The $78 million expansion, approved by the Parkland School Board in late 2024, is a comprehensive overhaul designed to address growing student enrollment and modernize facilities to meet the demands of 21st-century education. The project encompasses a significant addition of space, including a cutting-edge STEM wing, a modern auditorium, a spacious gymnasium, and a dedicated fieldhouse. While the initial announcement focused on simply addressing capacity issues, planners quickly realized the potential to elevate Parkland High School into a regional hub for science, technology, engineering, arts, and athletics.

"It's surreal, honestly," Brensinger admitted during a site visit this week. "Walking these halls again, but this time as someone responsible for building the future for a new generation of Parkland students... it's incredibly rewarding." He recalls fondly the dedicated teachers and hands-on learning experiences that fueled his early interest in construction. "I always enjoyed building things, taking things apart to see how they worked. But Parkland's instructors, especially in the shop classes, truly nurtured that passion. They didn't just teach me skills, they instilled a belief in my ability to pursue this as a career."

Brensinger's journey since graduating has been marked by steady progression in the construction industry. After earning a degree in Construction Management from Penn State University, he joined Alvin H. Buskirk & Sons, working on a variety of projects - from commercial builds to infrastructure improvements - gaining invaluable experience along the way. He quickly established himself as a capable and meticulous project manager, qualities that led to his appointment as lead on the Parkland expansion.

The new STEM wing is particularly noteworthy. Designed with flexibility and collaboration in mind, it will feature adaptable lab spaces equipped with the latest technology, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and robotics equipment. The curriculum planned for the wing aims to integrate real-world applications of STEM principles, preparing students for careers in rapidly evolving fields. Dr. Emily Carter, Parkland's Director of Curriculum, stated, "This isn't just about building a new lab; it's about fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking. We want our students to be creators, not just consumers, of technology."

The auditorium, replacing the aging 1960s structure, promises to be a state-of-the-art performance venue. With seating for over 1,200, enhanced acoustics, and professional-grade lighting and sound systems, it will provide a platform for showcasing the talents of Parkland's performing arts students and hosting community events. The new gymnasium and fieldhouse will significantly expand athletic opportunities, providing much-needed practice and competition space for a diverse range of sports.

"We're not just adding buildings; we're investing in the whole student," Brensinger emphasized. "The goal is to create a learning environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a sense of pride in the school."

The project, while largely on schedule, hasn't been without its challenges. Supply chain disruptions, particularly with specialized materials for the STEM labs, initially caused some delays. However, Brensinger and his team proactively addressed these issues by securing alternative suppliers and adjusting the construction timeline. The project is now expected to be completed in late 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

For Brensinger, the experience has been deeply personal. "It's a privilege to give back to the school that gave me so much," he said. "I hope these new facilities will inspire future generations of Parkland students to dream big and achieve their full potential, just like I was encouraged to do."

Local residents and school officials alike are optimistic about the impact of the expansion. Principal Richard Thompson notes, "This project isn't just about bricks and mortar. It's about investing in the future of our community. It signals a commitment to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed in a competitive world."