By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
On March 13, 2018, Pennsauken residents overwhelmingly voted for a bond referendum proposed by the Pennsauken School District. And in the two years since, significant progress has been made in the projects designed to upgrade school facilities.
“The Pennsauken School District continues to move forward on the referendum projects only made possible by our school families and the Pennsauken community,” said Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi, superintendent of schools, Pennsauken School District. “These improvements are making a positive impact to our school campuses, enhancing the educational experiences of our students.”
Completed Referendum Projects
Security vestibules have been added to each Pennsauken public school, a safety measure that effectively limits access to school buildings. Capital improvements have been made in the elementary schools, with new windows and doors being installed. Classroom renovations and additions made to the Baldwin Early Childhood Learning Center are also finished. And at Pennsauken High School, improvements to the auditorium and its sound and lighting systems; the conversion of the library into a media center; renovation of the locker rooms and gymnasium; the installation of the HVAC lab; as well as the work on Vince McAneney Stadium, including the new turf field, eight-lane track, lights, scoreboard, and concession stand, are complete.
Ongoing Work
Work at the Rick Taylor Field House, adjacent to Pennsauken High School, is almost complete. The main turf practice area, track lanes, and drop down batting cages, are all installed. All that remains is laying down the eight Olympic weight lifting platforms and racks. At Phifer Middle School, the additions of new classrooms and science labs should be finished by late fall.
Upcoming Projects
Preparations are underway for asbestos abatement and removal at Longfellow Elementary, in preparation for the building’s demolition, which is slated to be completed by late February 2021. Mementos from Longfellow will be salvaged and used in other District facilities. The construction of the park within Longfellow’s footprint is estimated to be completed sometime in June 2021. In addition, the District is examining the possibility of adding tennis courts at the site in order to revive the high school tennis team, as well as provide an additional recreational option for park goers.
The development of the Pennsauken School District’s magnet school, including location prep and construction, is slated for the final stage of the referendum. The project is estimated with a June 2021 start date.
Since 2016 and the Board Education’s hiring of Tarchichi as superintendent, significant changes have been made to Pennsauken Public Schools, with close to $50 million being invested into the District. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs were added to the high school: automotive technology, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, diesel technology, electrical trades, EMT and fire safety, health occupations, HVAC, welding, and the Air Force Junior ROTC. Academy programs were also implemented: art, business, communications, criminal justice, engineering, exercise science, graphic design, health science, information technology, and music.
The District moved to a pre-k to grade three elementary model; moved fourth and fifth graders to the Intermediate School; and went back to a traditional middle school model, advancing programs in both mathematics and science to help students prepare for their secondary and post-secondary academic careers. Pennsauken Public Schools have also enhanced programs for students with autism, disabilities, and special needs.
“At Pennsauken Public Schools, we’ve implemented changes and added programs to help our students prepare for their future, whether that is a college education, a lucrative job in the trades, or service to our country in the military,” said Tarchichi. “We’re working to give each and every child the tools they need to succeed, both today and tomorrow.”
