WHY IS THE DISTRICT BUILDING A NEW SCHOOL?

As the district evaluated the status of Barrett and Park Elementary schools, it became evident that the age of the buildings posed a significant challenge. Both date back to World War I - and in Park's case, even earlier - and are not designed for the modern needs of educators and students. From accessibility challenges to security concerns to antiquated heating and cooling systems and beyond, the buildings have multiple issues that pose significant challenges for the district.

Neither Barrett nor Park is equipped to handle the entirety of the district’s elementary enrollment. The district studied the cost of renovating each school, but those options posed their own sets of challenges. Even with substantial, costly renovations, the buildings would still lack modern safety features – including security vestibules to limit entry and screen visitors – and continue to pose accessibility challenges for the physically disabled.

The buildings also had limited space in their residential areas for expansion, lacked the flexibility to adapt to 21st century learning environments, had significant capacity concerns, and struggled to meet the accessibility needs of students and staff.

Park Elementary's location at the intersection of Main Street and Cambria Street makes it difficult to do extensive renovations or expansion.

Renovating and expanding Franklin Primary was also studied, but the cost was essentially equivalent to brand new construction.

Along with addressing aging infrastructure, the district was determined to correct long-standing equity issues at the elementary level by bringing all elementary students together in one building. Every elementary student will now have the same resources available to them. Not only will this provide a more equitable and enriching educational environment, but the hope is that it will aid the transition from elementary to middle school. Fifth graders will be moved out of the middle school, enabling them to grow and mature for another year.

Steel Valley students currently make the leap to middle school in their fifth grade year. Once Steel Valley Elementary is built, that will happen prior to their sixth grade year.

Building a new, modern elementary school not only addresses educational and staffing inequities and aging infrastructure, but it will hopefully help bring families back to the Steel Valley School District and encourage new families to move in. As education has evolved, parents have more choices than ever before. Cyber, private, and charter schools all compete with public schools for enrollment.

Steel Valley has worked diligently over the past few years to address the number of students living in the district who attend cyber or charter schools. The district believes the new elementary school will aid in that mission.