Credit: Upper Dublin School District.
The Upper Dublin School District is inviting township residents to participate in a Future Planning Open House at Jarrettown Elementary School on Thursday, March 27, as part of its ongoing assessment of the school.
The Future Planning Open House will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with 30-minute guided tours led by district administrators and facilities consultants. These tours will highlight key areas of the building and provide residents with a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities the school faces.
The event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the elementary school's current condition, and share feedback on potential improvements. Residents are encouraged to sign up for a 30-minute tour slot.
Following the event, attendees will receive a feedback survey, which will also be available to the broader community via the district’s Jarrettown Planning website. Input from residents will help shape the district’s recommendation to the School Board.
“As an administration, our goal is to provide the School Board with a well-informed, fiscally responsible recommendation for Jarrettown—one that is future-focused and shaped by input from all of our stakeholders,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Smith.
In June 2024, the district partnered with a third-party consulting firm to conduct a building systems assessment, a demographic study, and a capacity analysis. This research is helping the School Board explore a range of options—from targeted renovations to a full rebuild — to address facility needs while remaining fiscally responsible.
Built in 1955, Jarrettown Elementary is the oldest school in the district and has undergone three renovations over the years. However, recent evaluations have raised concerns about the age and condition of its critical systems. As part of the district’s annual Facilities Condition Assessment, Jarrettown has been identified for further study to determine what upgrades or changes may be necessary to support future generations of students.
Next Steps
After gathering community feedback, the School Board will continue evaluating potential solutions and their financial implications throughout spring 2025. Updates on the decision-making process will be shared in future Board meetings and on the Jarrettown Planning website.
