School District Plans Major Overhaul Amid Enrollment Decline
October 01, 2024 | Bensalem Township SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant changes to the school district's structure and future construction plans, highlighting a strategic shift aimed at optimizing resources and enhancing educational facilities.
The district is planning to close Rush Elementary School and relocate 6th grade students, which will reduce overall capacity from 4,125 to 3,675 students. This move will also decrease K-5 enrollment from 3,255 to 2,777 students, while increasing available space across five elementary schools by 28 seats, bringing total capacity to 898.
Future construction plans for a new middle school were outlined, emphasizing a design that separates grade levels by floors and enhances specialized areas for STEM, robotics, and the arts. The proposed project includes a principal and three grade-level principals, along with robust student support services, including counselors and social workers.
Financial implications were a key focus, with estimates indicating that the median assessed value of $23,190 would result in an annual cost increase for residents ranging from $133 to $186 over four years, due to the issuance of $150 million in new debt. This figure is contingent upon the closure of an elementary school and does not account for additional renovations needed for existing schools.
Operational savings from consolidating to five elementary schools are projected at $1.385 million, stemming from reduced staffing and operational costs. However, the meeting acknowledged uncertainties regarding transportation costs and potential redistricting efforts to balance student enrollment across schools.
Officials emphasized the importance of community engagement in the redistricting process, planning to involve a third-party consultant to ensure equitable attendance areas. They also committed to maintaining clear communication with stakeholders throughout the construction and realignment process, ensuring that no staff would lose their jobs due to these changes.
As the district moves forward with these plans, the focus remains on enhancing educational opportunities while managing financial impacts on the community.
The district is planning to close Rush Elementary School and relocate 6th grade students, which will reduce overall capacity from 4,125 to 3,675 students. This move will also decrease K-5 enrollment from 3,255 to 2,777 students, while increasing available space across five elementary schools by 28 seats, bringing total capacity to 898.
Future construction plans for a new middle school were outlined, emphasizing a design that separates grade levels by floors and enhances specialized areas for STEM, robotics, and the arts. The proposed project includes a principal and three grade-level principals, along with robust student support services, including counselors and social workers.
Financial implications were a key focus, with estimates indicating that the median assessed value of $23,190 would result in an annual cost increase for residents ranging from $133 to $186 over four years, due to the issuance of $150 million in new debt. This figure is contingent upon the closure of an elementary school and does not account for additional renovations needed for existing schools.
Operational savings from consolidating to five elementary schools are projected at $1.385 million, stemming from reduced staffing and operational costs. However, the meeting acknowledged uncertainties regarding transportation costs and potential redistricting efforts to balance student enrollment across schools.
Officials emphasized the importance of community engagement in the redistricting process, planning to involve a third-party consultant to ensure equitable attendance areas. They also committed to maintaining clear communication with stakeholders throughout the construction and realignment process, ensuring that no staff would lose their jobs due to these changes.
As the district moves forward with these plans, the focus remains on enhancing educational opportunities while managing financial impacts on the community.
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