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Millcreek School District to Assess Chestnut Hill Elementary

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. district-to-assess-chestnut-hill-elementary.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 3:22 GMT by Erie Times-News
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

MILLCREEK, PA - February 11, 2026 - Millcreek Township School District is embarking on a critical assessment of its elementary school infrastructure, beginning with a comprehensive feasibility study for Chestnut Hill Elementary School. Superintendent Anthony J. Beneccio announced the study Monday, signaling a proactive approach to addressing growing enrollment and aging facilities within the district.

The study, expected to conclude within approximately three months, will delve into the viability of both expanding the current Chestnut Hill structure and undertaking a complete renovation. The analysis will encompass a thorough cost assessment, a detailed examination of the project's scope, and a determination of which path - addition or full rebuild - offers the most effective long-term solution. Superintendent Beneccio acknowledged the school's deteriorating condition, stating that Chestnut Hill "is a facility that, frankly, is showing its age."

However, the concerns extend far beyond Chestnut Hill. The impetus for this initial study stems from a district-wide trend of increasing student numbers. Millcreek's elementary schools are collectively nearing capacity, creating a pressing need to evaluate options for accommodating future growth. "We've seen an increase in our enrollment, and we anticipate that trend continuing," Beneccio explained, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Demographic data analyzed by the district suggests this upward trajectory is likely sustained by new families relocating to the Millcreek area, driven by factors such as affordable housing compared to neighboring communities and the township's reputation for strong public schools.

The district is also carefully considering broader implications for its financial resources. If the Chestnut Hill project - or expansion to other schools - proceeds, the district anticipates needing to leverage a multi-faceted funding strategy. This includes actively pursuing grant opportunities at the state and federal levels. Grant applications will focus on demonstrating the project's alignment with educational priorities, such as modernizing learning environments and supporting student success. However, acknowledging the potential limitations of grant funding, the district isn't ruling out a public referendum.

A potential referendum would ask voters to approve a bond issue to finance a portion, or potentially the entirety, of the renovation or expansion costs. District officials understand the sensitivity surrounding taxpayer dollars and are committed to transparency throughout the process. "We want to make sure that we're listening to the community and that we're being responsible with taxpayer dollars," Beneccio emphasized. This commitment to community engagement will involve public forums, online surveys, and presentations to local organizations, allowing residents to voice their opinions and concerns. The district is keen to demonstrate the value proposition of investing in its schools - highlighting the link between high-quality facilities and student achievement, as well as the economic benefits of a strong public education system.

The feasibility study will also explore innovative design options for the revamped Chestnut Hill, potentially incorporating flexible learning spaces, enhanced technology integration, and energy-efficient building practices. This aligns with the district's broader goals of creating 21st-century learning environments that prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world. Potential upgrades could include collaborative classrooms, makerspaces, and updated science labs. Furthermore, the study will address accessibility concerns, ensuring the school meets the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.

The board is expected to discuss the preliminary findings of the feasibility study at its April meeting, with a more comprehensive presentation anticipated in May. The timeline allows for a potential referendum to be placed on the ballot in the November 2026 election, should the board deem it necessary. The long-term vision extends beyond Chestnut Hill. District officials are already collecting data on the condition and capacity of other elementary schools, anticipating that similar assessments may be required in the coming years. This proactive planning aims to ensure that Millcreek Township School District continues to provide a high-quality education to all its students, now and in the future. The board will also be looking at potential land acquisition for future school expansion, proactively addressing growth concerns rather than reacting to them.