Cheltenham school board to cast final vote on Elkins Park School’s proposed closure in 90 days, CHS head wrestling coach named SOL Coach of the Year

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February 28th, 2025 | By Ryan Genova

The Cheltenham School District Board of School Directors shared the outcome of their Public Hearing on Wednesday, February 26 regarding the proposed closure of Elkins Park School.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Scriven provided an overview of the project, assistant superintendent ShaVon Savage presented administrative adjustments, curriculum planning, and staffing needs, and director of business services Josh Sweigard spoke about potential relocation options for the Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC), which is currently housed in modular units.

Possible new locations for EPIC include St. Joseph’s, Gratz College, or a commercial space, with an additional option to integrate the program into the high school, the district said in a post.

The presentation included updates regarding the construction of Glenside Elementary and Cedarbrook Middle schools.

The board will reconvene in 90 days for a final vote on the closure of Elkins Park School, the district said.

Slides from the meeting are below:

2_26_2025 PresentationDownload

The meeting’s recording is below:

In related news, Cheltenham High School boys wrestling coach Rob Weneck has been named the Suburban One League Freedom Division Coach of the Year. Now in his fourth season, Weneck has guided the Panthers to a 14-1 dual meet record in the division.

Arthur “AJ” Gordon, a senior member of the Cheltenham High School wrestling team who recently eclipsed the 100-win mark, and Nate Homa have advanced to this weekend’s PIAA regional tournament at Souderton High School.


According to local historian Chuck Langerman, the last Panther wrestler to win an individual regional tournament was 1995 graduate Kevin Brandon.

Brandon won at 140 pounds in 1995 and at 130 pounds in 1994. In 1995, he was named to the first team of The Philadelphia Inquirer’s All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Wrestling Team at 140 pounds.

Brandon advanced to the state tournament in 1995 for the second straight year, but suffered a dislocated shoulder in his opening match. He finished the season with a 33-2 mark and a career record of 85-17. His senior leadership in 1995 helped the Panthers earn a share of the Suburban One League Liberty Division title.

Brandon finished his career as a two-time sectional, district, and regional champion. In his junior season, he finished fourth in the state. He went on to wrestle collegiately at George Mason University, graduating in 1999.

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Photos: CSD