New High School > Project History > Meet the Neighbors

Thirty-three homeowners from Halteman, Moyer, and Lower Roads came together for coffee and conversation with Souderton Area School District leaders and Franconia Township officials at the district’s “Meet the Neighbors” meeting on March 23, 2005. Guests also included representatives from the Franconia Township Police Department, Transportation Services Inc. (bus contractor for the SASD), the project architect, and the SASD School Board.

After a welcoming statement from Dr. Charles Amuso, Superintendent of the Souderton Area School District, the meeting began with comments from Jack Silva, Director of Secondary Education. Silva expressed the SASD’s goal to be “good neighbors” to the homeowners near the new high school, and progressed through the meeting agenda that included: introductions and remarks from “key players” in the project, explanations of the project’s design principles, and overviews of the preliminary designs of the new school. Mr. Steve Pollack, the district’s Supervisor of Planning and Operations, reviewed a footprint of the site, and discussed issues related to roads, runoff, sewer lines, and other areas of future cooperation among the SASD, Franconia Township, and school neighbors. To conclude the meeting, eleven different neighbors shared a variety concerns and ideas related to the new school. All parties expressed an interest in attending future neighbors’ meetings, and establishing a Neighborhood Advisory Council to facilitate timely communication between the school district and homeowners.

The work of building a new high school continues with the design development of the classrooms, laboratories, library, offices, and athletic facilities, as well as collaborative efforts between the SASD and Franconia Township on issues related to sewer service, road reconstruction, and the potential development of shared recreational facilities.

The Souderton Area School District was glad to be able to host the meeting, and thanks all those who attended.