April 3, 2024

Dear TESD Families, Staff and Community,

I am pleased to inform the entire community that as of yesterday, April 2, TESD became the owner of a 15-acre property located at 1200 West Swedesford Road in Berwyn. As many of you may have learned through our recent communications, the District has purchased this property for the purpose of building a sixth elementary school. The projected opening date for the new elementary school is fall 2027.

The discussion about adding a sixth elementary school has been ongoing for the past several years and has included multiple public presentations about student enrollment, space utilization, programming needs, and transitioning to full-day kindergarten. After considering the advantages, limitations, and cost considerations of District-owned properties as well as other properties within TESD, the District decided that the property at 1200 West Swedesford Road would be the best option for a future K-4 elementary school. The agreement of sale on the property was initially approved by the School Board at its January 17, 2024 meeting and included a 60-day due diligence period, which allowed TESD to inspect the existing building and site. All public presentations and background information related to the proposed sixth elementary school can be found at www.tesd.net/enrollment.

The office building presently located on the 1200 West Swedesford Road property is currently being leased. As part of the agreement of sale, some tenants will continue to use the building to conduct business into the summer months. After the building is vacated, we plan to invite the community to an event on the property to share further design concept drawings for the new school.

For the next three years, TESD staff will be working diligently with the School Board and community to prepare for the successful launch of the new school. Throughout the public presentation process many questions have arisen about the impact of a sixth elementary school, including but not limited to the following:

• Continuing the design and construction of the school while maximizing the existing site
• Financing the project
• Redistricting school attendance areas for all elementary and middle schools
• Implementing full-day kindergarten
• Developing safety plans for the new school
• Modifying bus routes
• Adjusting the elementary class schedule to address new state standards
• Staffing the building

Now that the property has been acquired, more detailed information and timelines to address these topics will be shared with the community during public meetings in the coming months. Throughout this process, TESD remains committed to open communication and ongoing collaboration with families, staff and community members.

The decision to move forward with a sixth elementary school results from TESD’s commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for all District students and families. Once the school building is open, we will have the space to provide full-day kindergarten, accommodate our high elementary student enrollment, and address expanding programming needs for all students. By adapting an existing building to an elementary school, the District is also promoting sustainability within our community. None of this would be possible without the ongoing generosity of the community and its enduring commitment to TESD families. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we embark on this generational journey together as a school community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard Gusick
Superintendent of Schools