Doylestown Borough Urges Central Bucks Not To Close Linden Elementary

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH, PA ? The Borough Council on Monday adopted a resolution urging the Central Bucks School District to abandon any plans to close Linden Elementary School and to ensure that both Linden and Doyle Elementary schools remain open and operational at their current locations.

Councilman Ben Bell introduced the resolution calling on the district to take advantage of a ?pause? in the decision-making process to ?thoroughly explore alternative strategies for addressing enrollment and facility needs that do not involve the closure of community schools, thereby preserving the integrity of neighborhood education."

?The goal of this resolution is to reinforce the council?s alignment with the community in keeping our community schools open and thriving,? said Bell.

In the resolution, the Council said it is committed to ?collaborating with the school district, parents, educators, and residents to identify and implement solutions that support the educational excellence and community values of Doylestown Borough, ensuring the continued strength and vitality of our neighborhood schools.?

Council said Linden Elementary School ?is a cherished institution within Doylestown Borough, serving as a walkable community school that significantly contributes to the quality of life and appeal of the borough ... the proposed closure of Linden would disrupt the educational continuity for students, erode the community's character, and negatively impact the value of residing in Doylestown Borough."

The resolution notes that in 2023 the community successfully advocated for keeping Linden open, "demonstrating the strong commitment to preserving this institution ... The residents of Doylestown Borough have voiced strong opposition to the renewed proposal to close Linden? and consolidating students into an expanded Doyle or other arrangements."

In the resolution, the council said that ?maintaining both Linden Elementary and Doyle Elementary schools on their current premises is essential for preserving the community's identity and ensuring the provision of high-quality education tailored to the needs of local students."

The resolution further adds that the Borough Council of Doylestown "stands in solidarity with the residents in advocating for the continued operation of these schools."

Citing volatile economic conditions, the Central Bucks School District last week announced a pause in the ?Update the Eight" project, which includes discussions about the future of Doyle and Linden.

"While this announcement provides temporary relief, it also underscores the potential for future consideration of school closures or consolidations," the resolution continues. "It is the desire of the Borough Council of Doylestown to express its continued and unequivocal support for maintaining Linden and Doyle Elementary Schools as vital community assets for the long term."