Sandy Run DOWN

I recently took a tour of Sandy Run Middle School in anticipation of my daughter moving there next year for sixth grade. I drove past the makeshift, faded toddler playground on Limekiln Pike and made the turn onto Twining Road. I then passed the chipping, worn Sandy Run sign and the tennis court overgrown with weeds to head for the entrance to the building. Was I on my way to an Upper Dublin School or one in the inner city?...for a minute I wasn’t sure. Having never been in the building I was now concerned about what I would find. I walked up the barren concrete pathway scattered with weeds and entered the building with a bit of apprehension. Exactly where was I going to be sending my child anyway?

I have to say my initial impression of the inside of the school was better than expected as the lobby seemed clean, so I headed on to the auditorium with some hope that all was not lost in the aesthetics department. But my optimism was quickly dashed when a parent during a breakout session asked the Assistant Principal about the rumor of a serious bug and rodent problem in the school. The administrator agreed without hesitation that they DID have a serious problem. His answer was matter of fact and unapologetic. He remarked that they had tried to clear up the problem but “hey it’s an old building, so what do you expect?” What do I expect?…..not a serious bug and rodent problem, that’s what.

I left the meeting feeling deflated and wondering how bad the problem really was. So, I talked to some kids who attend and found out that it is a BIG problem. I’ve heard stories of mice dropping from the ceiling and bugs running through the classroom on a regular basis. Hey, that’s just not acceptable. And I’ve also found out that many parents aren’t aware of what their kids are dealing with. I want to change that by spreading the word. This problem needs to be solved.

Now I know I’m going to be criticized by some people who will spout statistics about test scores and ramble on about the wonderful clubs and opportunities that exist at Sandy Run. And yes that is most important – we all agree. Then I’m going to hear about budget cuts and priorities, etc. My answer? Our kids have to spend hours a day in this place and I expect it be clean and basically bug and rodent free – PERIOD. Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of money to paint a sign and pull some weeds.  I expect better from Upper Dublin and from the school district. I pay enough in taxes to assure my kids are in a pleasant environment and that has nothing to do with the age of the building. So, get your act together UDSD and clean this place up.