More on Location!

The recent Location Committee meeting began with a presentation from Binswanger Corporation, a firm that plans and implements real estate transactions. John Binswanger, the Chairman, participated in the presentation which gave the Committee confidence that our small school's needs would be met by this large company should we employ their services to locate a new site for the school. The presentation included a short list of property possibilities, of which Binswanger was confident would be expanded, as there is a growing inventory of spaces for lease in the area.

Following the presentation, the Location Committee met on its own. A summary of zip code distribution of our student body over five years as well as zip code distribution of summer camp families was shared as background information to assist in conversations as we proceed. Our attention was primarily focused on the information that has begun to be gathered from public school districts and religious organizations regarding the availability of underutilized and vacant real estate. It was agreed that the balance of this week would be devoted to reaching as many of these institutions to determine, if by next Monday, we felt Oak Lane should pursue a property lease or acquisition alone or with the assistance of a professional.

While we have established some very basic criteria for this search, we are being careful not to presume anything, until having had more conversations with the other committees involved in planning for 2010-11. Our goal is to uncover three to five good opportunities that appear viable and to bring a recommendation forward to everyone.

Program

During the first meeting together, the following components of the program were listed as essential:

• Enrolling enough children, but not too many
• Knowing that all kinds of children benefit from a small setting
• The Arts
• Emphasis on learning to think
• Take any child and help him/her become the best he/she can be
• Reading/Writing Workshop
• Fostering and valuing childhood
• Progressive philosophy
• Outdoor and natural play areas
• Stronger communication from the administration and Board of Trustees
• More transparency
• What are the "stopping points"? 5th, 6th, 8th?
• Consider promoting success with students who present differently
• Broad exposure
• Thematic learning (Winterlude)
• Vertical classes a plus (?)
• The faculty
• Nuturing atmosphere
• School culture
• Neighborhood connections
• Community Service
• Become a "green" school
• Develop a culture of philanthropy
  

Location, Location, Location

Small groups identified the following questions as necessary to be explored, data collected and analyzed at the first meeting on Oak Lane's transition:

• How far do people drive to get to school?
• Where are we successfully recruiting from now?
• Where do current students live?What school's in the area pose competition?
• What are the conditions of the public school's in the area and implications does this have for enrollment possibilities?

Other ideas that were discussed:

• Find the best location given time constraints
• Will need to lease a site, not buy
• Find a location where there is already a private school mentality
• Close to the city - or not?
• Location should have a large space for performances and gym
• Location should have some outdoor play space
• Parking is important
• Safety
• Access to natural areas, though not necessary to be on school property
• Consider what "neighbors" might be able to offer (for example, community centers, parks, YMCA, etc.)
• Merge with an existing school
• Glenside/Springfield Township/Cheltenham may offer the possibility of attracting public school students looking for a better option and are more easily reached by suburbs further out via Rt. 309. These areas are also convenient for Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill families.
  
• Simmons Elementary School in Hatboro-Horsham School District will be vacant
• Property in Spring House with possibilities