The Perkiomen Valley School District has an overcrowding issue and is considering three options to fix it, writes Evan Brandt for the Pottstown Mercury.
The administration strongly supports converting Middle School East and Middle School West into grade centers—West for grades 5-6 and East for grades 7-8. Supporters, including Superintendent Barbara Russell and school principals, argue this would unify students earlier and provide better enrichment opportunities. However, concerns about longer bus rides—up to 49 minutes for some students—have sparked opposition.
The second option would create an early learning center at Evergreen Elementary for either grades K-2 or K-1, easing capacity issues in elementary schools. Some board members, like Tammy Campli, favor this plan, citing concerns that grade centers would disrupt families.
The third option would shift fifth graders into the two middle schools, maintaining the current structure but adjusting grade levels.
Community engagement has been low—only 14 people attended a January 30 meeting—but an online video has been viewed over 225 times. A second public meeting is set for February 27, with a final recommendation expected in March.
While some board members question whether any change is necessary, Vice President Todd McKinney emphasized that discussions are ongoing: “I hope folks don’t feel like this is a done deal.”
Read more about Perkiomen Valley School District’s solutions for overcrowding in The Pottstown Mercury.
