Act Now
Recommended Changes through 2029-2030
The district’s near-term recommendations address unused building capacity and the cost of operating and replacing school facilities. The proposal includes the following changes.
Price Elementary
Close Price Elementary for the 2027–28 school year and reassign students to other district schools. The presentation identifies January 19 as the tentative date for a Board vote.
A new consolidated elementary school
Begin construction in spring 2027 and open the school in 2029–30. The presentation states that financing for this project was secured in 2025.
Martin and Wheatland
Convert Martin to a middle school and close Wheatland Middle School in 2029–30. The proposal would use an existing modern facility and retain a middle school in the western part of the district.
Supporting property actions
Initiate the sale process for the Phoenix, Buchanan and Price buildings in winter 2027, contingent on Board action. Starting the process does not establish a sale date or guarantee proceeds.
Plan Together
Help guide the next long-term facilities plan
The district proposes establishing a Right for the Future Task Force to identify the priorities and values that should guide long-term facilities planning. The process includes stakeholder focus groups and a parent and guardian survey, followed by a summary of community perspectives for district administration. A long-term facilities plan is scheduled for public presentation in fall 2027.
Why changes are being considered
Preliminary enrollment for October 1, 2026 is 9,445 students, a decline of 1,765 since 2017. At the same time, the district’s financial model projects a continuing gap between revenue and expenses. The facilities plan considers how to use school space more effectively while planning for students’ learning needs.
-15%
Decline in SDoL enrollment since 2017
$89m
SDoL's projected 5-year budget deficit
Recent Updates
Closer Look: How full are our schools?
Building utilization, or how much of a school’s available classroom space is being used, is a key factor influencing the district’s recommendation to eventually close Wheatland Middle School. What building utilization means, and where SDoL’s schools stand today, is the topic of this week’s Closer Look.
Closer Look: Our October enrollment snapshot
October 1 is the date each year on which school districts establish their official enrollment count for reporting to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Enrollment affects everything from accountability measures to grant eligibility and, in some cases, school funding.
Closer Look: Transforming McCaskey’s historic stadium
As the project nears completion, some community members have asked why the district invested in such extensive renovations to McCaskey’s stadium. This week, we’re taking a Closer Look at the conditions that led to the project, the improvements that were made, and how the final cost compares to similar projects across Pennsylvania.
Join the Conversation
We’re planning to ensure we have schools designed for the future—safe, inspiring, and full of opportunities for every student. Join the conversation as we bring these plans to life, step by step, creating spaces our students, staff, and community can be proud of.