Collegium Charter School announces expansion

Exton, PA – The Collegium Charter School Board of Trustees announced today that the school is expanding to better position itself for future growth. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, Collegium Charter School will lease additional space in the Oaklands Corporate Center in Exton. In addition to Collegium’s current buildings that serve 2400 students, the Board of Trustees has decided to lease 468/486 Thomas Jones Way. The additional 80,000 square feet will ensure more consistency for K-5th grade students who will be able to remain in the same building throughout their elementary school years.

“It’s an exciting time for Collegium Charter School. We have excellent teachers who provide quality education, making us one of the top school choices in the area,” said Bill Winters, CEO of Collegium. “Because of the value that Collegium provides to our community, we continue to grow and will require additional space in the near future.”

Winters spoke to staff and teachers at a meeting held March 16, 2015, where he outlined the expansion plans. Starting in the 2015-2016 school year, elementary school students will gradually move into 468/486. The goal for this expansion is to have elementary school students occupy 468/486 and the 150 building. By 2017-2018, the middle and high school students will occupy buildings 500,515, and 535.

At the same meeting, Winters announced his plans to retire at the end of the school year. He is planning to finish out the school year and help with the transition to a new CEO. The 16-year veteran and founder of the school was praised for his hard work and tireless devotion to quality education.

“We are grateful to Mr. Winters for all that he has accomplished in his 16 years,” said Viktor Ohnjec, President of the Board of Trustees at Collegium. “He planted the first seeds and now we have grown into a terrific school. We are looking forward to the next chapter in this school’s history.”

The Board of Trustees has launched a search for a new CEO. The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) has been selected to perform the CEO search. The CCIU has a successful track record of placing school leaders in charters and school districts.

As part of the search, focus groups will be conducted and parents, employees, and high school students will be asked to provide input. All updates on the process will be made public and available at http://collegiumcharter.com/about/CEO-search.php. Questions can be addressed to CEOSearch@ccs.us.

About Collegium Charter School

Collegium Charter School was founded in January of 1999 by a dedicated group of West Chester residents. Its first charter was granted September 29, 1999. The founders’ goal was to provide an educational choice for families offering strong academics as well as programs not readily available in local school districts. Current enrollment tops 2400 students in grades K-12. For more information, go to www.collegiumcharter.com.