Save McCullough Elementary: Slow Down, Show the Data, and Consider Every Alternative
Penn-Trafford families understand that our district is facing real financial challenges. We are not asking the Board to ignore those problems, and we recognize that simply raising taxes cannot be the only answer.

What we are asking is that the district slow down before making an irreversible decision to close McCullough Elementary—or any neighborhood school—and demonstrate that consolidation is truly the best long-term solution.

The idea that an entire district can be substantially reorganized and consolidated within a matter of months raises serious concerns. Decisions of this magnitude affect children, families, staff, transportation, property values, enrollment, and the future growth of our community. They deserve a thorough process supported by complete and transparent data.

McCullough is also an exceptionally strong school with outstanding academic performance. Closing a high-performing neighborhood school should not happen simply because it appears to be the fastest way to reduce expenses.

Before any final decision is made, we are asking Penn-Trafford to publicly provide and consider:

The complete financial analysis behind each consolidation option
The true net savings after transportation, staffing changes, building costs, and other implementation expenses
Current and projected enrollment and building-capacity data
The long-term financial impact of each option—not simply short-term savings
The costs associated with proposed initiatives such as full-day kindergarten
Revenue opportunities, including grants, state funding, facility-use opportunities, and other alternatives
Previous demographic and feasibility studies and how current recommendations compare with those findings
The potential effect of school closures on property values, community growth, and the district’s ability to attract young families
The educational and emotional impact on students, particularly young children and students requiring additional supports
A clear five- and ten-year plan showing how consolidation actually places Penn-Trafford on stronger financial footing
Parents and community members are already organizing, researching these issues, submitting Right-to-Know requests, reaching out to state representatives, and examining possible financial and operational alternatives. We want to work constructively with the district and Board to identify solutions.

But with the next major meeting scheduled for October 19, families deserve meaningful time to review the information, provide feedback, and understand exactly what is being proposed.

Every Penn-Trafford family has a stake in making sure the district gets this decision right.

We are asking the Board to pause any rushed consolidation decision, release the complete supporting data, seriously evaluate alternative solutions, and meaningfully involve the community before permanently closing a neighborhood school.

Please sign and share if you believe Penn-Trafford families deserve transparency, thoughtful planning, and a meaningful voice before decisions of this magnitude are made.