Pennridge staff outline elementary rezoning scenarios after decade‑plus without comprehensive redraw

Pennridge School District presented two elementary‑rezoning scenarios aimed at addressing uneven enrollments and building capacities after the district’s enrollment fell by roughly 1,185 students (16%) since 2016 to about 6,112 students. Dr. Palmer reviewed findings from the Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) enrollment study and a Breslin utilization study and said projected enrollment declines of roughly 450 students over five years would leave total enrollment near 5,600 through 2034–35 under current trends.

The district asked Transfinder to produce multiple rezoning options and brought forward two refined scenarios. Scenario 5 shifts boundaries primarily among Seiler, Sellersville, Grass and Bedminster and prioritizes capacity; Scenario 6 prioritizes socioeconomic balance across schools and narrows low‑income concentrations while accepting a slightly higher peak capacity at some schools. Dr. Palmer said Seiler could require four to five additional grade‑level classrooms in upcoming years if no changes are made; trailers are not considered a viable long‑term solution.

Dr. Palmer said the district will open materials to the public in February (street‑level maps and a Google survey), accept exemption requests, analyze feedback in March and aim for a final board decision on March 26 to allow for spring bus‑rerouting and summer transition activities. He said route analyses to measure effects on bus counts and ride times will follow; preliminary checks suggest neither scenario will increase the number of buses needed, but detailed route modeling could take several weeks.

Next steps: district to publish scenario maps and FAQs, collect community feedback via a Google form, and return to the board in March with a recommended option for approval.