The board's Building Projects Committee had discussed the designs, which are now only schematics, said committee Chairman William Wilkinson. It also discussed a possible addition to Concord Elementary School, he said.
A $20 million high school addition, including classrooms, new gym, auditorium, cafeteria, library and art wing, was completed in January 2003. A $20 million addition to the middle school was completed in 2002. The $20 million Bethel Springs Elementary School opened in September 2002.
Growth is driving the district to study various building options. Enrollment currently totals more than 4,000 students and is expected to reach 4,600 by the 2008-2009 academic year. Enrollment totaled only 1,698 in 1991-1992.
In other business, Superintendent Anthony Costello announced that more
than 300 children participated in the CHIP (Child Identification Program) at
Garnet Elementary School Feb. 21. The program was a centerpiece of the school's
annual Winterfest celebration.
CHIP is designed to help identify missing and abducted children. The Freemasons of Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Crime Prevention Association of Pennsylvania, recently started offering CHIP at schools around the state. Garnet Valley is the first Delaware County district to offer CHIP.
The CHIP kit has three parts: a CD with a digital photo and brief audio
recording; fingerprint card; and a DNA kit with envelopes for hair and nail
clippings, and an oral swab for saliva. The parent can give the kit to law
enforcement officials if a child is lost or abducted.
The Masons plan to offer CHIP again at Garnet Valley Elementary School,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 13. They also plan to offer it in the Ridley School
District March 27 and the Upper Darby School District April 20.
For more information about CHIP, visit www.pagrandlodge.org.