Construction

No. No formal plans for redistricting have been decided at this point. There are a multitude of feeder pattern options (some of which are discussed in our Construction Details), 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 two of many possible options and were created as examples only.

The good news is that due to responsible fiscal planning, all construction costs can be paid for using DASD’s existing capital fund balance. That means there will be no tax implications related to the construction.
Option 1 has an estimated construction cost of $64 million, option 2 has an estimated construction cost of $71.5 million and option 3 has an estimated construction cost of $64 million plus $35 million for the additional elementary upgrades. All estimated construction costs are based on current costs which may be impacted by inflation and the construction approval process. 
 
Each of these options will have tax implications to cover operational costs as well as additional teachers and staff. However, many of these potential tax implications would happen even without construction, as the district must hire enough staff and have enough space to cover the steadily increasing enrollment. 

The below estimates are 2025-26 projections based upon projected construction timelines.
 
For Options 1 and 3, the currently estimated cost to cover staffing is approximately $8.1 million annually. Operations is approximately $180,000 - $200,000 per year. An average home in DASD has a taxable value of $186,500. For the average home, the potential tax implication would be approximately $56 per year over 5 years.
 
Option 2’s currently estimated cost to cover staffing is approximately $7 million annually. Operations is approximately $200,000. An average home in DASD has a taxable value of $186,500. For the average home, the potential tax implication would be approximately $48 per year over 5 years.
 
DASD’s Board of Directors and Administrative team remain committed to their history of fiscal responsibility in support of the academic and enrollment needs of the district.
 

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.

• In options 1 or 3, the new ⅚ building would be likely built on the Bradford Heights Elementary School property, pending Township approval.
• In option 2, the new elementary school would be built along currently-owned district property in East Pikeland near the intersection of 322 and Corner Ketch Road.
   

The proposed ⅚  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.

Under options 1 and 3, the proposed ⅚ centers would operate as elementary schools with schedules and recess in line with our current elementary schools.

You are welcome to contact your board member directly. Visit www.dasd.org/board to find your board member and their contact information.