What's Next

HOW DO WE GET THERE?

• The School District is petitioning the borough and township for a change to their zoning ordinance to accommodate students K-12.

• A hearing for the Elementary School is scheduled with the Zoning Hearing Board for Wednesday, February 21st, at 7pm, in the cafeteria at Mt. Penn Elementary.  A hearing for the Primary School is scheduled for March 13th, at 7pm, in the auditorium at Mt. Penn Primary Center.

• Once the necessary Special Exceptions are granted, the state MUST provide additional funding to bring this path to completion.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY DON'T RECEIVE THE SPECIAL EXCEPTION?

• Most importantly, students in grades 9-12 will need be virtual for the 2024-2025 school year, or at least for the beginning of the school year.  It is unclear if students in grades 7 & 8 will need to be virtual.

• The District has 2 Options to move forward:

• Option 1:  Seek a text amendment from the Mt. Penn Borough Council.  Text amendments can add or remove permitted uses within a zoning district or change the dimensional requirements applicable to buildings and other structures.

  • The Mt. Penn Borough Council already expressed their wishes for this to be decided by the Zoning Hearing Board, not the Council.

• Option 2: Appeal the Zoning Hearing Board's decision and the case would be decided in court.  A judge would make the final ruling.

  • This is the more costly option.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Let your voice be heard at the Zoning Hearing on February 21st and March 13th; you must sign in upon arrival in order to speak

• Email the Mt. Penn Borough Council members to share your opinion

• Contact our State Representatives, Representative Mark Rozzi and Senator Judy Schwank, as well as US Representative Chrissy Houlahan, to raise your concerns