Skip To Main Content

KASD Elementary Configuration Consideration/Feasibility Study

Background

KASD Future Elementary Configuration Form

In December 2022, KASD partnered with EI Associates and McClure Company to conduct a feasibility study of District buildings and educational spaces. At the time, the issues to be studied included:

  • Limited space in our elementary buildings for minor growth

  • Inefficient staffing models resulting from having two K-5 buildings

  • Abundant space in the middle school

  • Administration building that only housed offices

  • Continuous maintenance needs of district buildings

Since that time, we have addressed some of the challenges. 

  • Administration building is closing in August 2024

  • Offices are being relocated to extra space in the middle school

Also, in each year in the budget process, we decide the necessary number of sections at each elementary grade level and move students and staff to different buildings as necessary. 

KAHS has ample space to implement instructional programming. The unused space at KAMS has been converted to offices for District Administration and the Administration Building in Maxatawny is currently for sale. 

The remaining issues include the following:  limited flexibility for growth, the inefficiencies of our current elementary model, and systems throughout the District aging beyond their twenty-year lifespan. 

In addition to the financial benefits of sequential schools, a grade configuration that places students from each grade level in one building has many benefits, including: 

Educational Benefits:

  • Improved consistency of curriculum

  • Academic/Behavioral Interventions

  • Enrichment opportunities

  • Grade level collaboration

  • Increase opportunity for flexible grouping within grade level

  • Balanced class size across classrooms by grade level

  • Streamlines transition to middle school

Operational Advantages to Sequential Schools

  • Optimal staffing efficiency

  • Efficient distribution of materials and resources

  • Reduces the impact of enrollment “bubbles”

  • Consistent experience for District students in each grade level

  • Eliminates annual Kindergarten building assignment decisions

Cultural Challenges of Sequential Schools

  • No “neighborhood” schools

  • Depending on a selected model

    • Additional transition to a new school

    • Family logistics

    • Increased time on the bus for students

July 15th Presentation

On July 15th, EI Associates, McClure Company, and Raymond James Public Finance presented plans that could achieve a sequential schools model, create space flexible for projected moderate growth, and update facilities. 

July 15th Feasibility Study Presentation

 

Configuration Models Presented

Model 1

Total Project Cost : $23.3 M

Projected Operational Savings in 1st Year = $410,700


Model 2 

Total Project Cost : $24.4 M

Projected Operational Savings in 1st Year = $410,700

 

Model 3 

 

Total Project Cost : $31.7 M

Projected Operational Savings in 1st Year = $989,887

 

Each option includes a financing costs that would be included in future budgets with payments similar to our current debt service payments from previous projects. In addition, there are opportunities for the District to secure significant grant funding to offset the overall cost of the project. 

As a part of the process, we are seeking community input regarding potential options as they are presented at this time.. In addition, there will be future meetings to explore options and further details through the process. Please use this form to share your thoughts, considerations, and concerns regarding the three options being considered at this time. 

Please use the form below to share your thoughts regarding potential school configuration in KASD. 

We are grateful for your partnership in education. 

KASD Future Elementary Configuration Form