At the end of each day, parents seem satisfied with their children's education at Pennypack elementary school. But they're worried that declining enrollment in the Hatboro-Horsham school district, may eventually lead to this or one of two other elementary schools closing their doors. Home and school president Amy Riemenschneider has sons in the 1st & 4th grades.
"I am concerned that the school is going to close, where my children are going to be put. Are they going to be bussed, redistricted?"
Enrollment in the 5-thousand student district has dropped about 6% in recent years leaving some schools under populated. Student rolls are expected to decline another 10% in the next decade.
The superintendant tells action news declining enrollment and aging buildings are the problem. A committee of parents, educators and administrators has been studying both. Their findings and recommendations will be released at a school board meeting Monday night.
"My concern is going to close our school and consolidate to a larger school which I don't think is beneficial to students at either school."
Concerned parents like Stephanie Druding hope the district balances its financial bottom line with students' educational needs.
While perhaps a simple solution to some, some parents believe a school closure would be disruptive, negatively effect class size, create unsafe travel for students walking home... and force more young students onto school busses.
"Bussing is a concern to me. I have a 1st grader. What's he gonna learn on the school bus," said Amy.
"I'm just hoping that there's something they don't have to close any. I don't want to see any kids in the district uprooted from school," said Mary Fay.
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