Development News for Tredyffrin, Pennsylvania

Facilities Committee Reviews Summer Projects, Bear Hill Elementary Progress, and Library Expansion Request

The Facilities Committee meeting on May 12th reviewed bid packages and construction reports for summer 2026 projects, including a change order for chair and platform lifts at Hillside and New Eagle Elementary Schools. An update on the athletic fields project indicated most construction is complete, with many fields in use. Three pending change orders totaling $50,549.22 were reviewed for connecting drains to stormwater management systems. Progress on the Bear Hill Elementary School project was also updated, including a change order for steel beams and a discussion on leasing fiber optic lines for internet service, with leasing being the recommended path due to a lack of bids for owning the lines. A review of summer 2027 infrastructure and maintenance activities totaled $4,416,646, including technology and construction projects. The committee also discussed a request from the Easttown Library for facility expansion and indicated interest in future discussions.

Education Committee Reviews Middle School Schedule, Strategic Plan Progress, and Future Initiatives

The Education Committee met on May 14th and reviewed the middle school schedule, which included modifications like adding STEM special area courses, expanding regular education supports in language arts and math during advisory periods, and offering family choice for extensions in art, music, and PE. Participation in these programs was noted as robust. Plans for the next year include continuing these options and potentially moving course selection earlier. The committee also received an update on the strategic plan, highlighting initiatives such as revisiting technology use at the elementary level (devices will remain at school), evaluating AI's effects, developing a foundational 'we believe' statement for kindergarten, and planning for the full-day kindergarten program in fall 2027 with a focus on play-based learning. Other strategic plan highlights included curiosity-driven pathways at Kanosoga, communication strategies like the full-day kindergarten website, and redesigns in professional learning and sustainability considerations for new school projects.

Kanosoga High School Students and Staff Recognized for Achievements; Student Representatives Deliver Reports

The school board meeting included student reports from Maggie Neri and Lucy Salada, highlighting senior elective experiences, upcoming graduation events, move-up day for incoming eighth graders, and junior and senior awards ceremonies. Maggie Neri delivered her final report as a student representative, reflecting on her two-year tenure and expressing gratitude to the board and Dr. Meinger. Lucy Salada will continue as a student representative for the next academic year. The meeting also featured a sports report detailing team achievements and upcoming events. Student artwork from Kanosoga High School's printmaking class was displayed. The board recognized various students and staff for outstanding achievements, including the Kanosoga High School literary magazine receiving a superior rank, students winning the PennDOT Innovations Challenge, students selected for PMEA groups, robotics teams excelling at state and world championships, and DECA conference achievements. Middle school students were also honored for their success at the Delaware Valley Science Fair and various math competitions.

Board Approves Class of 2026 Graduation; Policies Reviewed; Middle School Air Conditioning Discussed

The Board of School Directors approved the graduation of the Kanesoga High School Class of 2026. Principal Dr. Amy Misinger presented the class, noting that 573 diplomas and 13 certificates of attendance would be issued, totaling 586 students. She highlighted the class's academic success and their ability to have fun and show kindness and caring for each other, particularly evident at the senior prom. Board members expressed appreciation for the students' achievements and the dedication of the staff and administration. The board also discussed and approved policies on first reading regarding maintaining appropriate boundaries with students, Title One parent and family engagement, and the use of district facilities, including Teamer Field and Valley Forge Elementary School tennis courts. Separately, residents voiced concerns about the lack of air conditioning in TE and Valley Forge Middle Schools during a public comment period, contrasting it with the air-conditioned elementary schools and Kanosoga High School. The board acknowledged the issue, noting past studies and the current capital plan's focus, and mentioned that temperatures are monitored and students can be relocated if necessary.