Relocation Options Explored
The District explored a wide range of possible solutions to temporarily house students during construction, including:

• Sending students to Crossroads Middle School

• Relocating all students to New Cumberland Middle School

• Ending the Capital Area Intermediate Unit lease at Lower Allen to repurpose existing space

• Hosting students at the Administration Center facility

• Using available space at Red Land High School or Cedar Cliff High School

Each option was reviewed in detail to understand its benefits, limitations, and overall impact on students, staff, and families.

Evaluation Criteria
All options were evaluated using the same set of criteria to ensure a consistent and transparent decision-making process:

• Safety -  Providing a secure and appropriate learning environment for all students

• Instructional Continuity - Maintaining academic programs, schedules, and services with minimal disruption

• Logistics -  Transportation, staffing, scheduling, and operational feasibility

• Cost - Overall financial impact, including temporary modifications and long-term efficiency

• Project Timeline - Ability to support a faster construction schedule and minimize the length of disruption

Recommended Approach
After reviewing all scenarios against these criteria, the District recommends temporarily relocating students to New Cumberland Middle School and Cedar Cliff High School.

This approach:

• Provides safe, suitable learning environments

• Preserves instructional continuity for students

• Reduces logistical complexity compared to other options

• Is more cost-effective than alternatives requiring extensive modifications or leases

• Enables faster, more economical construction, shortening the overall project timeline

Moving Forward
This recommendation reflects a balanced solution that prioritizes student learning and safety while responsibly managing time and resources. The District remains committed to clear communication and continued collaboration with families and staff as we move through the construction process.

Feasibility & Facilities Plan
This alignment, as well as additional facility improvements, were incorporated into the West Shore School District's Feasibility Plan, whose origins go back a decade. Click here to find historical information on Feasibility and Facilities. The Feasibility Plan progresses in carefully sequenced phases, ensuring a thoughtful approach to construction, school alignment, and student experience. Below is a summary of recent accomplishments and next steps.

Phase 1: Completed (2021)
Phase 1 laid the groundwork for our District-wide improvements. This phase included:

• Opening the new Rossmoyne Elementary School (K-5)

• Closing Lower Allen Elementary School

• Demolishing the existing Rossmoyne building

Phase 2: Completed (2024)
Phase 2 focused on intermediate school development and grade realignment, marking a significant milestone in the Feasibility Plan. Highlights include:

• Opening the new Fairview and Old Trail Intermediate Schools

• Demolishing Fairview Elementary School

• Restructuring grade levels district-wide:

  • Elementary schools now serve grades K-4

  • Intermediate schools serve grades 5-6

  • Middle schools serve grades 7-8

  • High schools remain grades 9-12

• Implementing attendance boundary adjustments to align with existing high school boundaries

The completion of Phase 2 ensures that students remain with their classmates as they progress through the district, strengthening continuity and community.

Phase 3: 2026–2028
Looking ahead, Phase 3 will focus on renovations and strategic planning to support long-term district growth:

• Renovations and additions at Allen Middle School

• Closure of New Cumberland Middle School

• Planning for the future of Fishing Creek and Newberry Elementary Schools

These improvements continue our commitment to feeder school alignment, helping students stay connected to their peers throughout their West Shore educational journey.