Langhorne Borough Council Opposes Neshaminy School Closings

Many residents and parents voiced their opposition to closing some elementary schools to the Neshaminy School Board Tuesday night, but they aren't the only ones against the potential closures.

Langhorne Borough Councilwoman Kathy Horwatt urged the school board not to close Olive Heckman Elementary School, which is located Maple Avenue and Cherry Street in Langhorne Borough.

Horwatt stated that the Borough Council has drafted and will approve a resolution formally opposing the closure of the Langhorne Borough elementary school. 

According to Bucks Local News, this resolution states that the decision to close Heckman based on declining enrollment "does not adequately recognize the actual use of the total school facilities ... and the importance as a meeting and recreational place for local families and residents."

It also states that closing the school "would have significant financial impact on the borough ... and may cause deterioration or lack of improvement to the community."

Horwatt told Bucks Local News that the Heckman site, and the adjoining playground, once belonged to the borough. Langhorne officials have indicated that if the school is closed, the borough would like the playground and athletic fields returned to the municipality.

At Tuesday's school board meeting, Horwatt also told the board that Langhorne Borough is preparing a formal response to the proposed closings and consolidations to be presented to the board.

Neshaminy's Citizens Advisory Committee recommended to the school board to close Lower Southampton, Samuel Everitt and Heckman elementary schools due to declining enrollment. Their recommendation also included constructed a large addition to Pearl Buck Elementary School and building a new K-5 school at the Tawanka site on Brownsville Road in Feasterville Trevose.