Council Rock Now Weighing 4 Options For Elementary School Consolidation

NEWTOWN, PA — During a meeting of Council Rock's Capital Planning Committee Monday, Superintendent Robert Fraser offered four scenarios for the future of the district's elementary school makeup. The Capital Planning Committee, which has been meeting throughout the year to discuss and consider potential school closures, will have one final meeting in June to discuss the options.

There are also community forums scheduled at three local elementary schools. The issue will then go to the school board for consideration.

During Monday's meeting, Fraser presented the following four options for consideration:

(The full presentation can be viewed here.)

Scenario 1: All 10 elementary schools would remain open

• Under this scenario, the North/South balance is "less than ideal" but busing would remain stable. Existing communities would remain in tact. Between $30 and $32 million in renovation costs needed.

Scenario 2: Close Wrightstown Elementary

• Under this scenario, a 10-classroom addition would be built on Hillcrest Elementary at a cost of $6.8 million. Bus ride times would increase. There would be a $625K annual operating cost savings.

Scenario 3: Close Rolling Hills Elementary

• Under this scenario, a 10-room addition would be required at Richboro Elementary School and a five-room addition at Wrightstown. There would be a $710K annual operating cost savings. Nearly 200 more students would need to be bused, resulting in four more buses.

Scenario 4: Close both Rolling Hills Elementary and Wrightstown and build new school on Howe's Tract

• Under this scenario a $35 million, 22-room school would be built on the Howe's Tract. Implementation would not occur until the 2012-22 school year, resulting in redistricting twice.

These scenarios will be discussed at the following upcoming meetings. All of the meetings start at 7 p.m.

School-Specific Forums:

• June 5 - Wrightstown Elementary
• June 6 - Richboro Elementary
• June 7 - Rolling Hills Elementary

Master Capital Planning Meeting:

• June 12 - Chancellor Center