No. No formal plans for redistricting have been discussed at this point.

There are a multitude of feeder pattern options, dependent upon construction decisions, that will be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by the administration and the school board prior to any redistricting taking place. As we understand the concern that redistricting may cause, we are working to minimize redistricting to the greatest extent possible. Further, there will be ample opportunity for resident input and involvement in this process, should any redistricting need to eventually take place.

The sample feeder patterns found on the district website are just three of many possible options and were created as examples only.

The construction costs for all three options currently under board consideration will be paid for using an existing district fund balance. However, in the future there may be tax implications related to costs to operate the facilities, including staffing, maintenance, utilities, etc.

The two driving goals of these construction projects are to respond to growing (and future) enrollment in DASD and to provide full-day kindergarten to all DASD students.

In 2019, DASD hired FutureThink, a national planning firm that specializes in educational demographic analysis, to complete an enrollment projection and redistricting study.
 

This report was presented in July 2020 and projected an increase of 770 students in the next 10 years. Further, it showed 5 elementary schools exceeding functional capacity and one more just under the 100% capacity limit, and that’s before adding in full-day kindergarten.

Time and time again, studies have shown the value of early childhood education and its ability to bolster future student success. Providing a full-day program to all students allows time to not only introduce important concepts, but also time to learn and practice crucial social and emotional skills. Our full-day kindergarten program will be robust, engaging and allow time for play. 

Further, in Pennsylvania, 86.8% of school districts currently offer full-day kindergarten to all students. Adding full day kindergarten in DASD will not only help our students to succeed, but will further strengthen our entire community which can positively impact property values.

At this point, we are hoping to open full-day kindergarten to all students in August 2026, but that date is dependent upon which option is selected, supply availability, township approvals, etc.

Under options 1 and 3, the proposed 5/6 centers would operate as elementary schools with schedules and recess in line with our current elementary schools.

• In options 1 or 3, the new 5/6 building would be built on the Bradford Heights Elementary School property.
• In option 2, the new elementary school would be built along currently-owned district property in East Brandywine near the intersection of 322 and Corner Ketch Road.

The proposed 5/6 construction project and new elementary school construction project both require a Traffic Impact Study. The district will work with the township to make any necessary traffic improvements based upon that study and the township’s requests.

Further, both proposed projects include improvements to our internal circulation to make easy ingress and egress. It is almost a hard rule now with school construction to modify existing single access driveways to dual access so we can separate buses from auto traffic, plus this facilitates easier access for emergency vehicles.

No. All district facilities are on a regular maintenance schedule, which includes necessary upgrades and upkeep of all of the district’s buildings. Additionally, the board is considering (option 3) additional updates and expansions at Beaver Creek and West Bradford, and the addition of gymnasiums at Bradford Heights and Lionville Elementary Schools. Currently, Bradford Heights and Lionville Elementary Schools are the only two school buildings that do not have a gymnasium.

You can visit www.dasd.org/construction to review all details, including a summary flier, a detailed video presentation and related documents. All DASD residents are also invited to attend a Town Hall on Tuesday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. at STEM Academy (335 Manor Ave, Downingtown, PA) where plans will be discussed and attendees will be able to participate in a question-and-answer session with the board.

Please visit our online feedback form to share your thoughts, questions or concerns. All DASD residents are also invited to attend a Town Hall on Tuesday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. at STEM Academy (335 Manor Ave, Downingtown, PA) where  plans will be discussed and attendees will be able to participate in a question-and-answer session with the board.