Redistricting In The Works: Phoenixville Area School District

PHOENIXVILLE, PA—Phoenixville Area School Board is beginning the process of redistricting the elementary schools to relieve overcrowding in the three district’s elementary schools and one middle school in the year 2025-2026.

Dr. Alan Fegley presented a preliminary proposal for redistricting at the Jan. 9 school board meeting.

“Redistricting is the balancing of all the schools so there is a similar capacity, usage, equitable opportunities for students and district diversity,” the superintendent said.

The district covers 22 square miles and consists of the borough of Phoenixville, and East Pikeland and Schuylkill townships. It has 32,000 residents.

The district has three elementary schools, Barkley, Manavon, and Schuylkill, and is in the process of constructing a fourth off Hares Hill Road.
As a temporary measure, the school board approved the installation of four mobile classrooms at the Manavon Elementary School complex, 2 Phantom Way.

The costs for the project will not exceed $537,090, which includes delivery, installation, and setup of classrooms and weather-protected walkways, according to Scott Overland, board vice president.

The preliminary redistricting plan calls for moving sixth grade to the elementary schools and changing the boundary lines of the elementary schools with a new one under construction.

The superintendent said the board will be updated every month on the redistricting project

“This is the right time for the discussion because it will allow families to plan,” Fegley said.

Fegley said these are the guiding principles for redistricting:

• Schools reflective of the district diversity
• Maintain walking areas
• Efficient transportation
• Fill buildings 75 to 85 percent
• Anticipate future growth
• Keep neighborhoods together

School administrators will update the school board on the project during the first school board meeting of every month.

The administrators plan to meet with elementary Home & School Associations in March.

A town hall meeting will be scheduled on April 12.

In May, the administration will present recommendations for boundaries.

The board is expected to vote on a plan in June.

Here is the preliminary outline for redistricting that was presented at the Jan. 9 meeting.