Decision On Elementary School Closure Could Come As Early As Monday, Council Rock Officials Say

NEWTOWN, PA — A decision on the potential closure of a Council Rock elementary school could come as early as Monday, at the final meeting of the district's Master Capital Planning Committee. The meeting, to be held at the Chancellor Center, will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Council Rock school board members say the options to close Wrightstown Elementary, Rolling Hills Elementary or keep them both open will be deliberated by the committee. If a consensus is not reached, the discussion will resume at the regular school board meeting on Thursday, June 15.

Andy Block, chairman of the Master Capital Planning Committee, said he hopes that the board can reach a consensus next week, either at the Monday committee meeting or the regular board meeting on Thursday.

"If indeed it is the board's direction to close a school, there could be a hearing in July with a formal vote to follow three months later," Block explained.

Board member Bill Foster clarified that the vote is not legally binding; "it is to give direction to the administration as to which way this group of school directors wishes to head." He noted the vote has no legal commitments and official hearings would still need to be held in the event the board favors closing a school.

"It's an important vote in that it sets in motion the CRSD administration making plans to shut schools and add onto schools, but the reality is that new board members, which could number up to 4 by year end with potential resignations and election outcomes, could change whatever decision is made if it subsequently becomes clear that the data or decisions were flawed or rushed," Foster said via email.

The four options under consideration are: (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.