Spring-Ford Approves Redistricting Plan, Will Eliminate 8th Grade Center

ROYERSFORD, PA — Spring-Ford Area School District will reorganize its school district in the coming years and plans to close the 8th Grade Center before the 2030-31 school year, the board voted this week.

It's part of a new Capital Plan that will seek to rebalance the district with new construction.

The district also plans to launch a full day kindergarten by fall 2029, reorganize to three more standard grade levels: K through 5 in elementary, 6 through 8 in middle school, and 9 through 12 in high school.

The exact costs of the moves are not yet known. But advocates of the plan said that because capital expenditures are not funded through the general budget, major tax increases are not expected.

"You automatically go to 'oh my gosh the taxes'...but it does not necessarily equal tax impact," Spring-Ford school board member Erica Hermans said during the meeting Tuesday. "That's not how it works...that's a very simplistic and frankly erroneous way of looking at how you fund projects of this magnitude."

Hermans pointed to improvements that were made in 2022 with "little to no impact" to the budget and taxes due to financial maneuverings by the administration, including long-term plans and funds that had been laid aside.

The school board voted in favor of the plan, labeled "Option 4A," after it was recommended by school administration.

New facility additions will be made to Oaks, Brooke, and Limerick elementary schools, while renovations are also planned at Royersford, Upper Providence, and Evans Elementary schools.

"We are at the beginning of an exciting chapter in Spring-Ford’s history," Spring-Ford Superintendent Jim Scanlon wrote in a letter to the school community. "While change can feel daunting, it also brings meaningful opportunities. This thoughtful, phased approach will position our district for continued growth and success for both students and staff."

Further details on the transition are still being ironed out and will be shared as they're developed, officials said.