Meetings Next Week To Discuss Possible Closure Of Rolling Hills Elementary

NORTHAMPTON, PA — Are you worried about the possible closure of Rolling Hills Elementary? Then mark your calendar for Tuesday or Wednesday, June 6 and 7.

The Council Rock School District is holding two meetings in Northampton Township to gather feedback on four capital planning options, one of which includes the closure of Rolling Hills.

The June 6 meeting is at Richboro Elementary. The June 7 meeting is at Rolling Hill Elementary. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m.

A community forum will also be held Monday in Wrightstown, where parents are also fighting the closure of that township's only school.

Superintendent Robert Fraser outlined the four scenarios for the future of the district's elementary school makeup during a May meeting of the district's Capital Planning Committee.

A final meeting of the Master Capital Planning Committee is scheduled for June 12 at the Chancellor Center. Following that, the issue will be going to the school board for consideration.

The four options under consideration are: (The full presentation can be viewed here.)

Scenario 1: All 10 elementary schools would remain open

• Under this scenario, the North/South balance is "less than ideal" but busing would remain stable. Existing communities would remain in tact. Between $30 and $32 million in renovation costs needed.

Scenario 2: Close Wrightstown Elementary

• Under this scenario, a 10-classroom addition would be built on Hillcrest Elementary at a cost of $6.8 million. Bus ride times would increase. There would be a $625K annual operating cost savings.

Scenario 3: Close Rolling Hills Elementary

• Under this scenario, a 10-room addition would be required at Richboro Elementary School and a five-room addition at Wrightstown. There would be a $710K annual operating cost savings. Nearly 200 more students would need to be bused, resulting in four more buses.

Scenario 4: Close both Rolling Hills Elementary and Wrightstown and build new school on Howe's Tract

• Under this scenario a $35 million, 22-room school would be built on the Howe's Tract. Implementation would not occur until the 2012-22 school year, resulting in redistricting twice.