The Process
How Our Community Helped Shape the Future of Our Schools
Since 2016, Rose Tree Media School District has been preparing for the future success of our schools by developing a long-range plan to continue delivering high-quality education and fostering a culture of excellence for every student. As part of this process, we studied enrollment trends, evaluated a feasibility and capacity study, and asked for community input through various surveys. Here is what we heard from our residents:
Our community helped shape our long-term plan. We are committed to sharing information and seeking input from district residents as we implement the plan, beginning with our most critical facility need – building a new elementary school. We encourage and appreciate your feedback.
Envisioning a Successful Future for Our Schools
Through in-depth analysis and input from our community, the district identified the most critical areas for its long-range plan:
Addressing elementary school space as enrollment grows.
Ensuring all school buildings provide a dynamic learning environment so all students have the same opportunities for development and growth.
Preparing for all-day kindergarten.
Long-range planning for renovations and expansions to accommodate projected enrollment growth in our middle school and high school.
The Rose Tree Media School Board decided a staged investment plan over the next decade is the most responsible and beneficial approach for our district and communities. The first phase of this long-term plan begins with addressing the most critical need in our district - overcrowding in our elementary schools.
Addressing Our Most Critical Need First
The most critical challenge facing the Rose Tree Media School District is overcrowding in our elementary schools due to increased enrollment. Enrollment in our elementary schools has grown by 22% over the last decade and is projected to continue to grow over the next five years.
To alleviate the strain on school buildings, ensure educational excellence, and provide students with a stable and familiar learning environment, the district is committed to building a new neighborhood school that will address overcrowding in our elementary schools and foster a nurturing learning environment for all students.
In September 2020, the school board unanimously decided to build a new elementary school on new land. Over two years, 23 potential sites were evaluated to meet our district’s commitment to neighborhood schools, educational excellence, safety, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
Based on this evaluation, the school board and district administration worked with Edgmont Township officials to identify potential sites for a new elementary school in the fastest-growing residential area in the district. Edgmont Township is also the only area in the district that does not have an elementary school.
Click on one of the tiles below to learn more about the district’s process in evaluating, selecting, and building a new elementary school.
Implementing Our Long-Range Plan
Building a new elementary school will address our district’s most critical school building need but will not resolve all our challenges to manage growth and overcrowding. As enrollment continues to increase, our long-term plan will address the following items:
In 2024-2025, review middle school enrollment and determine needed renovations.
By 2026, decide on all-day kindergarten.
By 2026, make decisions to ensure all students in our elementary schools have equal access and opportunities for development and growth
By 2026 - 2028, be prepared to address high school renovation needs.