Delaware Valley Friends School awarded $2.5 million
State funding will be used for improvement/expansion project
Rep. Melissa Shusterman November 21, 2022 | 1:35 PM
PAOLI, Nov. 21-- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman is pleased to announce Delaware Valley Friends School, located in the 157th Legislative District, has been awarded $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds.
Phase One of the expansion and renovation project will include sitework, extensive stormwater management systems, a new building addition with more classrooms and offices, a new accessible school entrance, an outdoor café courtyard, renovations to the current cafeteria, and a full-size kitchen.
“These improvements will help the Delaware Valley Friends School meet the needs of a growing student body,” said Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “As co-chair of the House Autism and Intellectual Disability Caucus, and as a person who could have benefited from a unique approach to learning, I know how important it is to have a school that addresses the needs of kids who learn differently. I am proud to have this school right here in our district and I’m happy I was able to assist in securing this funding.”
Head of School Kirk Smothers commented, “DVFriends is tremendously grateful to Representative Melissa Shusterman and Senator Carolyn Comitta for recognizing the school's important mission and helping to secure a $2.5M RACP grant. The funds will enable the school to continue its trajectory of growth and serve even more students through expanded and improved facilities, while underscoring our commitment to good environmental stewardship in our neighborhood.”
For 35 years, DVFriends has been a national leader educating bright students (grades 1-12) with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia and other associated conditions, including ADHD and executive functioning challenges. Our community recognizes and honors the tremendous potential in our students and inherent worth of all people. DV students embrace the courage to try, establish the confidence to reach farther, and build resilience to succeed in college and beyond.
The RACP is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
Anyone with questions should contact Shusterman’s office at (484) 200-8260.