Scranton Schools Move to Seize Penn Foster Building

The district seeks to acquire the former Penn Foster campus in North Scranton through eminent domain to address a space shortage.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Special Education

Isometric editorial illustration of a plain two-story brick institutional building on an empty paved lot, suggesting a school facility in need of space. — The Scranton School District voted 7-2 to pursue eminent domain for the former Penn Foster building, citing a space shortage and $2.2 million appraised value. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Scranton School District voted 7-2 on Monday to pursue eminent domain for the 85,000-square-foot former Penn Foster building on about 16 acres in North Scranton. The board authorized its solicitor to file a Declaration of Taking in Lackawanna County Court after the district and owner 925 Oak LLC could not agree on terms, with the purchase price set at the $2.2 million appraised value.

Why it matters

Enrollment remains steady at about 9,200 students, and the district has 57 autistic support classrooms amid a surge in special education students. Facility usage across the district was about 55.3%, leaving the district short on room for students.

The board voted 7-2 and set a $2.2 million price matching the building's appraised value, which the district says reflects its estimate of value. Whether the owner will challenge the taking in court remains unknown.

The players

Scranton School District

The public school district serving Scranton, Pennsylvania, which is pursuing the acquisition to expand capacity.

925 Oak LLC

The company that bought the former Penn Foster building in 2024 and is the owner the district is seeking to acquire.

McKissick Associates

The Harrisburg-based consulting firm the district hired in 2023 to study enrollment and facility usage.

The details

The Pennsylvania School Code allows a district to use eminent domain when a school board and property owner cannot agree on purchase terms. 925 Oak LLC bought the building from Penn Foster in 2024 for $2.2 million, and the district has been unable to reach a sale agreement with the company since.

2021: The board voted to close Bancroft Elementary.
2023: The board hired McKissick Associates to study enrollment and buildings.
2024: 925 Oak LLC purchased the Penn Foster building for $2.2 million.
November 9, 2026: The board voted 7-2 to pursue eminent domain.

Season Trajectory

Under Pennsylvania School Code provisions, districts may use eminent domain when a purchase cannot be negotiated, and Scranton is applying that authority to the Penn Foster campus. The move reflects a district trying to expand capacity for a growing special education population while its existing buildings run at about 55.3% usage.

Families of students in the district's 57 autistic support classrooms could see changes in where those services are housed if the Penn Foster building is acquired. The district estimates the building could be ready for students about six months after purchase, but the timeline depends on the taking proceeding.

The takeaway

Districts facing enrollment and space pressure may turn to eminent domain when purchase talks stall, a step that depends on the owner's response and court proceedings. Parents tracking special education services should watch the district's board actions for where new classrooms will be located.