Comitta visits Delaware Valley Friends School

PAOLI >> State Sen. Carolyn Comitta recently visited the Delaware Valley Friends School (DVFriends) to tour the campus and learn more about the school’s expansion and renovation project.

The school was recently awarded $2.5 million in state funding for the project, which includes expanding space for more classrooms and offices, renovating the cafeteria, adding a full-sized kitchen, constructing an outdoor care courtyard, and relocating the school’s entrance to make it more welcoming, secure, and accessible.

“As a former teacher and curriculum advisor for students who learn differently, I understand the importance of fostering educational environments where young people of all abilities can thrive,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee, said. “I will continue to support investments in schools like Delaware Valley Friends and others that promote inclusivity, equity, and opportunity for students with different gifts, talents, and needs.”

The funding, which comes through the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will support construction costs, including site work and necessary stormwater management systems.

Head of School Kirk Smothers commented, “DVFriends is tremendously grateful to Representative Melissa Shusterman and Senator Carolyn Comitta for recognizing the school’s important mission and helping to secure a $2.5 million RACP grant. The funds will enable the school to continue its trajectory of growth and serve even more students through expanded and improved facilities, while underscoring our commitment to good environmental stewardship in our neighborhood.”

The project, which is being planned in two phases, is expected to allow DVFriends to increase enrollment, expanding opportunities for students who learn differently. The school serves students in grades 1 through 12 with languagebased learning differences, such as dyslexia and other conditions, including ADHD and executive functioning challenges.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a state grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.

For 35 years, DVFriends has been filling a vital educational need for bright students who learn differently in an inclusive Quaker learning community, attracting students from nine counties and nearly 50 school districts.

SUBMITTED PHOTO State Sen. Carolyn Comitta with Kirk Smothers, head of school at Delaware Valley Friends School. The school was recently awarded $2.5million in state funding to support an expansion project that will allow it to increase enrollment, expanding opportunities for students who learn differently.