Hello, Lower Merion! 👋
This week, we’ve got details on the Lower Merion School District’s widening racial achievement gap, Montco officials who say they’re facing radio silence from HUD on a $5 million grant, plus, some food scoops out of nearby King of Prussia.
As always, let us know if you have feedback. Are we missing something? Should we add a section? What community events or groups should we keep an eye on? You can tell us by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.
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Lower Merion School District has considered itself a leader in tackling racial inequity in its schools, with efforts to address the issue dating back to the 1990s. Fast forward to present day, and data shows that the achievement gap has only widened.
Alarmed and frustrated Black parents say that though LMSD spends more on its programs than almost any other school system in the state, it is not delivering the same caliber of education for all children. Some fault racism, while others see an unwillingness to make wholesale changes that could upset white parents, who they feel are prioritized by the district.
Lower Merion officials, who say they are aware of the problem, did not address why they think the achievement gap has widened. They did note, however, that the gap “exists in nearly every school district in the nation.”
“At what point do they stop and look at how effective their approach is?” one parent told reporter Maddie Hanna. “Clearly, it’s not.”
Read more about the district’s widening racial achievement gap here.
💡 Community News
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Ardmore’s township-owned swimming pool is expected to close this summer due to construction from the Ardmore Avenue Community Center. (Main Line Times & Suburban)
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Attention crafters: Joann fabrics is closing all its stores, including its location in nearby Wayne. Going-out-of business sales of up to 40% are underway, though it’s unclear when stores will shutter for good.
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Montgomery County officials say they are facing radio silence from HUD on an expected $5 million that would cover leases for hundreds of residents in rehousing programs.
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What’s the tooth fairy’s going rate, these days? For one Ardmore mom, she carries on a family tradition of gifting golden $1 Sacagawea coins she stocked up on by crowdsourcing their neighbors’ stashes via a local Facebook group. For other parents, the goods range “from $5 to $20 to a $50 Sephora gift card.”
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Take a look at how local senators are voting on President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks — including billionaire Howard Lutnick, Haverford College’s largest donor.
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What’s up with all the bananas around town? The quirky costumes are taking over Villanova games lately. Meet the students who started it all.
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If you’re looking to upgrade your workout, this one’s for you. California-based Club Studio Fitness is expected to open a sprawling 50,000-square-foot location, complete with five boutique studio rooms, in Wynnewood next year. (Philadelphia Magazine)
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Narberth has a new veterinary clinic, Bond Vet, staffed by 10 full- and part-time employees who provide both primary and urgent care to pets. (Philadelphia Business Journal)
🏫 Schools Briefing
🍽️ On our Plate
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King of Prussia’s restaurant week is still on through Friday. Lunches range from $20 to $30, while dinners cost between $30 and $50. Participating restaurants can be found here.
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And some more KoP news from food and dining reporter Mike Klein: Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is opening soon inside the mall, Tommy’s Tavern & Tap is expected to open along Mall Boulevard this summer, Dave & Buster’s just posted a liquor-license application at the Overlook on Goddard Boulevard, plus more nuggets here.
🎳 Things to Do
🎤 Joe Russo’s Selcouth Quartet: An explosion of sound and compelling musical construction come together for this WXPN Welcomes event. // ⏰ Thursday, March 13, 8 p.m. 💵 $30📍Ardmore Music Hall
🎤 Steal Your Peach: Grateful Dead & Allman Brothers mashup: Calling all fans of these two iconic bands. The event will also feature Rift, a Phish tribute. // ⏰ Friday, March 14, 8 p.m. 💵 $18📍Ardmore Music Hall
🎥 Newsies: Catch a screening of this 1992 Disney musical starring Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, Robert Duvall, and Ann-Margret. // ⏰ Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. 💵 $7.75 for adults, $6.75 for kids📍Bryn Mawr Film Institute
☘️ The Great Narberth Leprechaun Hunt: A St. Patrick’s Day-themed scavenger hunt for the kids. // ⏰ Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.📍Haverford and Forrest avenues
☘️ Conshohocken St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Celebrate all things Ireland at this year’s parade, where the theme is “My Nation. My Heritage.” // ⏰ Saturday, March 15, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.📍11th Avenue and Fayette Street
🎤 The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays: Music of Queen for Kids: Because it’s never too early for Queen. ⏰ Sunday, March 16, 11:45 a.m. 💵 $15📍Ardmore Music Hall
🎤 The Travelin’ McCourys: Enjoy a bluegrass-filled Sunday night out. ⏰ Sunday, March 16, 7 p.m. 💵 $20📍Ardmore Music Hall
🏡 On the Market
Peek inside this five-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom Bala Cynwyd property boasting more than 3,000 square feet. Tucked away amongst greenery with a picturesque wraparound porch and original details, the home is being sold as part of an estate sale.
Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com.
📈 Lower Merion market report
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Median listing price: $975,000 (up $188,000 from January) 📈
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Median sold price: $914,000 (up $6,500 from January) 📈
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Median days on the market: 29 (down 17 days from January) 📉
This Lower Merion market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for February from realtor.com.
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