09/17/2024
From RTMSD Community Update Update 9/15/2024
Update from the Superintendent-
I hope this message finds you well. I want to provide an important update regarding the ongoing efforts to build a fifth elementary school in the Rose Tree Media School District.
On Thursday evening, September 12th during the School Board’s regularly scheduled Work Session Meeting, Dr. Napson-Williams, Board President, asked me the status of the new school. Sadly, I shared that the district isn’t any closer today to breaking ground on a new school than we were one year ago.
The need for a new school, based on our current and projected enrollments, remains abundantly clear. Currently, we are using four modular (trailer) classrooms at Glenwood Elementary School and four modular (trailer) classrooms at Rose Tree Elementary School.
We currently own a property in Edgmont Township that was identified as the planned site for the new school. The district has been engaged in a legal process with Edgmont Township for more than a year regarding a zoning change that is needed in order to build a school there. While the legal process has not yet led to an amicable settlement, I am grateful to the elected officials and the professional staff in Edgmont Township who have been gracious with their time and attention in our discussions and meetings regarding the need for a new school. We all agree, we need another school. After extensive review and careful consideration, we must explore additional options, beyond the Edgmont Township location, for the construction of a new school.
This also provides us the opportunity to introduce full-day kindergarten and to look at how we educate our youngest learners. The feasibility of constructing an Early Childhood Center that is focused on full-day kindergarten and first grade will be part of the options examined. This decision comes after careful consideration and discussion with parents, educators and the Board, and a shared vision for enhancing the educational experience of our youngest learners who are in a crucial developmental stage.
The district currently owns a property that sits between the Penncrest HS fields and Rose Tree Road. Our work will begin here. We will consult architects, engineers, and other professionals to assess this location. This is an exciting time for our district, and we are committed to making this process as transparent and inclusive as possible. As we evaluate next steps, we will be working closely with our staff, families, local officials, architects, and planners to ensure we make informed decisions that will benefit the most important members of our community, our children. Additionally, we will seek input from the community to gather thoughts, concerns, and perspective as we move forward.
I want to assure you that these discussions are part of our ongoing effort to maintain the district's focus on providing a high-quality, supportive educational experience for all students. We are committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process, and we will keep you updated as decisions are made and plans take shape.
Please know that no final decisions have been made yet. We are confident that we will identify a clear path for a new school that best serves our children and our overall community. We will open a school that fulfills our vision of providing a high-quality educational environment.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we take this important step toward building a bright future for our students. We understand that any change brings questions, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We will be hosting sessions to answer questions and engage in dialog regarding next steps.
We are excited about this new chapter and the positive impact it will have on our school community. Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to provide the best educational experience for our children.
Regards,
Joe Meloche
Superintendent
Update from the Superintendent
