About the Study |
The Solanco School District is encouraging local residents to help identify and prioritize the district’s needs, both current and for the future.
Solanco is currently conducting its first-ever feasibility study, which is being led by architect Jim Lewis. A feasibility study is an assessment of present and future needs that the district will have to address. Before any important decisions are made, and before any work begins, the district is seeking public input on a broad range of topics that pertain to our schools and education in Solanco. They include anticipated enrollment changes (Solanco had slightly more than 3,800 students in its seven schools during the 2007-2008 school year), and any type of potential construction or renovation that may be needed in Solanco schools in the next 20 years. Other topics include, but are not limited to, security issues and energy efficiency in our schools. Solanco Superintendent Dr. Martin J. Hudacs said all topics are “on the table” and open for discussion and consideration. Public ideas, questions and concerns are very important in the feasibility study process.
A critical component of the feasibility study will be predicting the district’s future population growth, which has the potential to be significant in the southern end of the district, primarily because of the expansion at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
One concern the district has identified is diminishing classroom space in its elementary schools. Tax increases are not expected to be necessary if renovation of an existing school(s) or the construction of a new school(s) is required in the future. That is because the district has retired much of the debt incurred for past projects. Architect Jim Lewis has already met with Solanco administrators, teachers and staff to receive their input. A public meeting was also held June 12 at Smith Middle School.
To submit ideas for or have questions about the feasibility study along with ideas for the next meeting on October 21st, send an email to communications@solanco.k12.pa.us. Or, call the Solanco School District at 786-8401. Public and staff input will be used to develop a preliminary plan by October, while the final plan is expected to be developed by the end of the year.
Below are a couple links with information about the the study:
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Solanco Feasibility Study 2008 |
