Bellefonte Area School District
318 North Allegheny Street
Bellefonte, PA 16823
(814) 355-4814
Dr. Roy A. Rakszawski, Superintendent
Mr. Kenneth G. Bean, Jr., CMA, Director of Fiscal Affairs
January 22, 2025
Dear Parents,
I want to share an important decision that the Bellefonte Area School District Board of Directors made at last night’s meeting regarding the future of our schools. After much deliberation and careful consideration of the physical conditions of our facilities, the Board has decided to close Bellefonte Elementary and Benner Elementary at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. This decision was not made lightly, and I want to acknowledge the strong emotional ties that so many of you have to these schools.
More than just a building, both of these schools have been a cornerstone of our community. Within their walls, countless students have learned, grown, and created memories that will last a lifetime. We understand that this news is difficult and may be met with feelings of sadness, frustration, and even loss. Please know that we share these feelings and deeply respect the special place Bellefonte and Benner Elementary holds in your hearts.
This decision was driven by our commitment to ensuring the well-being and success of all students in the District. The physical challenges of the buildings, combined with the need to allocate resources to facilities that can better meet the long-term needs of our students, made this an unavoidable conclusion. Our goal is to provide every child with a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment, and we are confident that this step, though painful, is necessary to achieve that goal.
As we move forward, I want to assure you of our unwavering commitment to making this transition as smooth as possible for students, families, and staff. We will work closely with you to address your concerns and provide the support needed during this time of change. This includes helping students adjust to their new school environments, ensuring continuity in their education, and creating opportunities for families to ask questions and share feedback throughout the process.
On behalf of the district, I want to thank you for your understanding, your resilience, and your dedication to your children’s education. While change is never easy, I am confident that by working together, we will honor the legacy of Bellefonte and Benner Elementary while we prepare to celebrate the opening of a brand new, state of the art school.
If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or your school’s principal. We are here to listen, support, and work alongside you every step of the way.
Thank you for your partnership and trust during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Roy A. Rakszawski