Facility changes to be debated at Avon Grove

WEST GROVE » The Avon Grove School District Board of School Directors is considering some facility changes. As a community member and taxpayer, you may have a few questions. Why is the district doing this? What are the options? How much will this cost? AGSD has your answers. Throughout April, the district will be hosting a series of four Facilities Q&A Sessions. All residents are invited to attend and bring their questions:

• Monday, April 9, 6 – 7 p.m. at Penn London Elementary School;

• Monday, April 16, 6 – 7 p.m. at Avon Grove Intermediate School;

• Thursday, April 19, 6 – 7 p.m. at Fred S. Engle Middle School;

• Monday, April 23, 6 – 7 p.m. at Fred S. Engle Middle School.

Facilitated by Superintendent Dr. Marchese, Board President Tracy Lisi and Board Vice President Bonnie Wolff, each meeting will begin with a 10-minute introduction followed by the opening of the floor for questions.

Since 2007, the board has been working closely with industry experts, financial planners, district staff and community members with the ultimate goal of developing a facilities’ plan to best serve the students of Avon Grove. In 2014, the Facilities Input Group (FIG) was formed. The FIG was made up of 15 community members, board members and administrators who were tasked with studying the needs of the district and presenting a final recommended plan for board consideration. After 16 months of research, the FIG presented its recommendation to the board. The district then hosted a series of 23 Listening Posts to gather stakeholder feedback. Eighty-one percent of Listening Post attendees agreed with the FIG recommendation. Since then, Facilities Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings have been held twice monthly to evaluate the details of the plan. The Board is expected to vote on the final facilities plan during the April 26 school board meeting.

The Avon Grove School District and Board of School Directors are committed to keeping the community informed and involved in future facilities planning. All are invited to attend and participate in the FAQ Meetings as well as the Facilities COW meetings. For more information and schedules, visit www.avongrove.org/facilities.