The most notable portion of the meeting centered on a plan to reopen LRP school for grades three, four, and five to alleviate overcrowding at other schools in the district. The proposal, presented by the district’s architect, outlines a strategic approach to redistribute student populations and improve learning environments. The reopening of LRP is anticipated to enhance classroom capacities at North End and South End schools, allowing them to focus on younger grades. The school board aims to utilize state funding to cover up to 40% of eligible costs, avoiding extensive new construction while minimizing traffic and construction disruptions.

Architect Dan Dressle elaborated on the facility upgrades, which include converting LRP’s second floor into eight classrooms and relocating board offices to the first floor. The plan also proposes the creation of 21 dedicated classrooms, six small group instruction areas, and specialized rooms for art, music, and STEAM activities. The existing gymnasium is slated for transformation into a multi-purpose room, with a new, larger gymnasium serving both school and community needs.

The board’s proposal also addresses infrastructure needs, such as replacing outdated HVAC systems across all schools. Current equipment, particularly at the high school where some units date back to 1961, is becoming increasingly difficult to repair. The upgrades aim to improve air quality and create a more comfortable learning environment by installing modern unit ventilators, rooftop units, or mini-splits tailored to each school’s needs.

Roof replacements are another essential component of the plan, as many roofs in the district are nearing the end of their lifespan. The high school roof, in particular, requires immediate attention to prevent further damage and structural issues. The proposal includes replacing roofs at North End, South End, and the middle school.

Science labs and life skills classrooms at the high school are also targeted for modernization. The three oldest science labs, dating back over 60 years, require updates to enhance instructional flexibility and incorporate modern technology. The life skills classroom updates include additional facilities for practical teaching, such as sinks and stoves, to facilitate instruction.

During the meeting, board members raised concerns about the scope and budget of the proposed upgrades. The allocation of funds for renovations was debated, with suggestions to focus on the most impactful improvements.

A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the logistics of student drop-off and pick-up procedures, especially concerning the busy traffic on Pompton Avenue. The proposed solution involves creating a new access drive from West Bradford through the Panther Park parking lot, facilitating safer drop-off areas and addressing traffic flow concerns. Detailed diagrams of the proposed access route depicted a two-way drive with a circular turnaround to manage peak traffic efficiently.

The timeline for the referendum process was also laid out, with a presentation scheduled for January 2025 and a potential vote by March 2026. The board emphasized the need for community engagement and transparency, acknowledging that the referendum is fundamentally a community-driven initiative. Members underscored the importance of reaching consensus on the plan before presenting details to the public.

In addition to facility upgrades, the board discussed curriculum and instruction updates, including exploring new testing strategies for early grades and the introduction of a new reading program. These initiatives aim to enhance educational strategies and improve data collection to support student learning.