About
Erected: 1956
Renovations/Additions: 1963
Sq. Footage: 72,619
Window Renovations: Summer 2018, 2019, 2020
Hiram W. Dodd Elementary School stands as a living witness to the ideals of Allentown’s fifth superintendent of schools. Dr. Hiram W. Dodd was superintendent of schools in Allentown from 1916-1936 and was considered an outstanding leader and champion in the cause of education for exceptional children.
Hiram W. Dodd School was dedicated on November 8, 1956 as the first Allentown elementary school containing complete facilities for students with disabilities, housing grades K-6.
In 1964, a west wing was added to accommodate the growing Mountainville population. Children from the Wilson School area (demolished in 2006) were welcomed as the school boundary moved eastward in 1983. An elevator was added to give students with disabilities better access to all rooms and facilities.
Dodd has received numerous awards for outstanding academic and artistic performance, the Lucent Technology Award and grants from Binney & Smith, Walmart and Research for Better Schools. Dodd has worked with organizations such as The American Heart Association, The Leukemia Society, Adult Literacy, America Reads and NEA.
Most recently, Dodd hosted Governor Wolf along with several local representatives in April of 2019 as part of the Restore PA Comprehensive Planning to address community infrastructure needs.