The School District of Lancaster administration formally recommended that the Board of School Directors close Price Elementary School at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year, with students reassigned to other elementary schools beginning in the 2027-2028 school year.
District leaders met with Price Elementary staff and communicated directly with Price families prior to presenting the recommendation publicly at the board’s committee of the whole meeting on Aug. 11.
According to Superintendent Dr. Keith Miles, the recommendation is part of a broader effort to address declining enrollment, align district facilities with current and projected student enrollment, and ensure the long-term financial stability of the School District of Lancaster.
“This recommendation was not made lightly,” Miles told the board. “As we evaluate difficult decisions, we continue to ask ourselves three questions: Is it right for students? Is it right for each other? And is it right for the future?”
During the presentation, district leaders shared enrollment, facility utilization, and financial data supporting the recommendation. The district’s elementary enrollment has declined significantly over the past decade and is projected to continue declining in the years ahead. At the same time, the district faces substantial projected budget deficits and maintains more elementary school capacity than current and future enrollment levels require.
The administration estimates that closing Price Elementary School would generate significant long-term savings while allowing students to be accommodated within existing space at other elementary schools.
District leaders emphasized that the recommendation is not a reflection of the work taking place at Price Elementary School.
“Price has a proud history of serving students and families, and this recommendation is not a reflection of the dedication, professionalism, or care demonstrated by its staff,” Miles said. “One of the most difficult aspects of this recommendation is knowing how much heart and commitment exists within the Price school community.”
The recommendation does not affect the upcoming school year. Price Elementary School will remain open, albeit in the former Buchanan Elementary School building, throughout the 2026-2027 school year. Price students and staff have been housed at the West End Avenue school for the past two school years, after an arrangement to swap properties and construct a new school on the site of the Lancaster Recreation Commission building fell through.
The administration also shared its commitment to minimizing the impact on employees by reviewing vacancies and staffing plans across the district with the goal of creating opportunities for affected staff members should the closure ultimately be approved.
Under Pennsylvania law, school closures require a formal public process that includes a public hearing and a period for public review before the board can take formal action. Additional information regarding that process, including opportunities for community engagement, will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Price Elementary recommendation is expected to be part of a broader district plan focused on modernizing, rightsizing, and optimizing district facilities and operations while addressing long-term financial challenges.
“We understand that not everyone will agree with every decision we make,” Miles said. “But we hope our community understands that these recommendations are made thoughtfully, carefully, and with the best interests of our students, employees, and district at heart.”