SUPERINTENDENT’ S
M E S S A G E
BY DR. AMY M. BURCH
DELAYED BUT UNDETERRED rentwood Borough SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
After careful consideration, the Brentwood Borough School District determined in mid-July that the new Brentwood Elementary School would not be ready for occupancy in time for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
While we are disappointed, we are undeterred! We believe this decision was in the best interest of our students and staff and will allow the district to ensure the building meets the high standards our community expects and deserves.
As a result, our Kindergarten through fifth grade students and staff will begin the school year on Tuesday, September 8 at Elroy and Moore Elementary Schools while construction on the new building is completed. Although the project made significant progress throughout the spring and early summer, factors such as weather and insufficient workforce during critical phases of construction prevented the project from maintaining the pace necessary to meet the contracted completion date.
At this time, we anticipate the facility will be substantially completed by the end of October. Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations, though, do not permit a mid-semester move into a new school. This timeline will allow the district to thoroughly test all building systems, complete final inspections, and ensure every aspect of the facility meets our expectations before welcoming students and staff.
Brentwood Elementary students will participate in remote learning on Monday, January 4 and Tuesday, January 5, 2027 to allow teachers and staff time to set-up their classrooms. Middle and high school students will have a regular school day on Jan. 4-5. Additional information will be provided soon to families about any other changes to the 2026-27 school calendar as well as class rosters and other items related to the start of school on September 8.
We recognize this delay is disappointing for everyone. The new elementary school is a
26 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL significant investment in the future of the district and the broader Brentwood community. When its doors open, this school will deliver a modern, future-ready learning environment that will benefit students, families and the community for years to come! We firmly believe that today’ s students learn best when they can interact, explore and engage and this building is designed around those principles.
Since the beginning of this project, the district has been committed to delivering a school that reflects the investment our community has made. We will not cut corners or accept work that does not meet the standards established for this transformational facility. Taking the necessary time now will ensure that when students and staff enter the building in January, they will do so with confidence that every system has been thoroughly tested and every space is ready to support teaching and learning.
During November and December, we look forward to introducing our school community to the new building through open houses and other events. Additional information regarding school operations, traffic patterns, arrival and dismissal procedures, and other important details will be shared later this fall. We will continue to share regular updates on the progress of Brentwood Elementary on our social media platforms and district website.
Thank you for your understanding. While we are disappointed, we are approaching this fall as the start of the new Brentwood Elementary School. The teachers, staff and administration are committed to having an outstanding first semester in Elroy and Moore, while sharing some of the many exciting and modern features of the new school that students will be able to enjoy in just a few months.
On behalf of the district, we are very appreciative your continued support, trust and dedication to our students.