Cheltenham School District Looks at Consolidation, Reconfiguration

Budget realities are among the reasons Cheltenham School District will be taking a close look at alternative grade configurations, and future disposition of the Wyncote Elementary and administration buildings.

“The financial situation means we cannot always continue with the way things used to be,” explained school board president Tina Viletto.

A presentation to the school board’s facilities committee on April 5 by Superintendent Darlene Davis raised a possibility of shutting down specific buildings and changing the grades housed together in elementary and middle school buildings.

To see Davis’ memo regarding reconfiguration, click HERE

Viletto said that there are two major cost factors driving the district, personnel and physical plant. Putting the facilities committee session in the context of these budgetary concerns, she said building “efficiencies” and consolidations call for “exploration” in the coming months.

In one potential scenario proposed by Davis, the district could consider reconfiguring the current K-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12 structure into K-5, 6, 7-8 and 9-12. The administration proposed the possibility that Wyncote Elementary students would instead attend Elkins Park, where the administration would also be relocated, freeing up both the Wyncote school and the administration buildings for possible sale or lease or some "big question mark." 

The sixth grade from Elkins Park Middle School could be relocated in a center of its own, separated from the seventh and eighth grades—possibly at a renovated Cedarbrook Middle School.

The presentation indicated the belief that Wyncote Elementary is not large enough to accommodate its fifth-graders, but its K-5 student body could be accommodated at the Elkins Park building.

“It was a first look at a possible option,” Viletto said.  “We won’t do anything without total transparency, input and feedback.”

Viletto has already been hearing from parents. She said she recognizes that there would be concerns about how a reconfiguration would affect fifth- and sixth-grade programs.  And issues of equity might be raised in light of the new construction of Glenside and Cheltenham Elementary schools.

Enrollment numbers are fairly stable, according to Viletto.  At this time, the district isn't considering redistricting.

Viletto said she wants to remind the public that these are just some of the options being examined, including the alternative possibility of closing the Elkins Park building.

“We have to examine all our services,” said Viletto.