Chester Upland School District

Key discussions included providing updates on pausing the 10-year Master Study plan for facilities identification and upgrading, and releasing an RFP for an assisting company. A significant portion addressed the recent court ruling mandating an equitable funding formula for public education due to underfunding, which impacts districts like Chester Upland. Updates were provided on schools identified as Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI), noting state funding allocations for improvement initiatives. Partnerships were highlighted, including a collaboration with the Mann Music Center to provide arts opportunities and an HBCU explosion event, and a partnership with Westchester University to create a teacher pipeline. Further updates covered Teen Mental Health First Aid training through the Chester Violence Prevention Coalition, the completion of the school safety plan for review by police chiefs, and results from the district Spelling Bee. Academic data presentation included 2022 PSSA, iReady, and MAP data, indicating areas of struggle, particularly in mathematics across multiple grades, which will inform future strategy.

The meeting commenced with a public address regarding the start time and an apology for recent communication deficiencies within the district, emphasizing the commitment to supporting students, especially in light of the concurrent seniors' pinning ceremony. Key discussion points included updates on hiring school safety officers, celebrating Black History Month achievements, and planning for the next Receivers Advisory Committee meeting on March 12th, 2025, to review the recovery plan scorecarding. Financial updates involved collaborating on the 2025-2026 draft budget and a monitoring review of federal programs, which necessitates corrective action steps. Departmental updates covered collaborations across various services (Transportation, Food Services, Special Education) and a partnership with Premier Wireless to support students experiencing homelessness. The Special Education Department provided an overview of their structure, framework implementation, professional development activities (IDEA training, P Summit attendance), and partnerships with external agencies like ELAN SEEDS, OVR, and ARC of PA, including updates on the 'Include Me' initiative and Unified Sports. The 12+ program is focusing on employability skills and mock interviews. A significant discussion involved revising the gifted program plan, which includes screening students starting in the second and third grades. Public comment focused heavily on contractual items (A1, C5, C8), specifically questioning the documentation, financial impact, solicitor approval status, and scope of tutoring services and consulting agreements, leading to requests for tabling several items.

The special receivers meeting was convened primarily to approve remaining ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds before the September 30, 2024 deadline. The agenda items D1 through D12, totaling over $200,000 in ESSER funds, were approved with a correction to item D12 reflecting a fiscal impact of $40,000. Public comment raised concerns regarding the use of technology funds to close learning gaps allegedly created by COVID-related online learning, and a request was made for clarification on the scope of the learning gap and the efficacy of technology solutions. Another discussion point involved item D12, a program adjusting to student responses, prompting a request for a demonstration. Public input also addressed the status of solar energy initiatives for schools, requesting Chester Upland be prioritized for grants. Furthermore, inquiries were made regarding the qualifications of physics and Spanish teachers at STEM, the enforcement of uniform policies, and the expected release of a judge's opinion following a court appearance.

The committee meeting covered updates from various chairs. The IT department provided no updates but reminded the district family of the technology policy accessible online and advised on cleaning district technology due to the ongoing pandemic. The Facilities report indicated that Chester High School Phase One and Phase Two projects remain on hold, as do three ESSEER projects related to HVAC and windows. Progress was noted in securing an engineering firm for repairs and an exterminator, and directives were being written for the transportation department. The Finance report addressed the audit due date, noting it would be March, and highlighted ongoing financial concerns in transportation, new charter schools, and salaries. Measures were being taken to address delinquent taxes, and external assistance (BBD) was engaged for budget, audit, and staffing issues within the business office. Accountability for principals was reviewed, noting improvements in budget adherence, although issues with unrecorded cash handling for items like class rings and proms were being corrected with new procedural controls. The Curriculum committee reported on an Aviation Career Day for STEM students, an after-school reading intervention program called Reading Buddies for elementary students, and the participation of district and school leaders in a Leadership Academy facilitated by the Delaware County IU, focusing on strategic leadership and systems leadership. Furthermore, Student Services reported a new partnership with ESS (Effective School Solutions) to implement mental health and behavioral support programs for students.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the media recovery plan, noting the availability of a new recovery plan dashboard on the district website. Support from the Sereni Law Group for the special education department was detailed, especially concerning leadership transition. Information was provided regarding a new parent engagement group focused on attendance challenges and the launch of a new district website design. Updates included recognizing staff members of the month for December and acknowledging School Board Appreciation Month, as well as celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance. Enrollment figures remain steady at approximately 3,200 students, with an upcoming enrollment initiative for the 2627 school year. Upcoming dates like the end of the marking period, professional development day, and parent-teacher conferences were announced, along with the annual district-wide spelling bee. Recognition was given to a student athlete, Ammani Dorsy, for setting a scoring record. A significant announcement concerned the closing of the sale of Croer Chester Medical Center, which required the district to write off $6.3 million in delinquent taxes, impacting future real estate tax collection but ensuring continued local access to healthcare facilities. The curriculum and instruction presentation covered the department's vision, focus areas (curriculum, teaching and learning, professional development, assessment), and new initiatives like a curriculum warehouse system and the rollout of common assessments. Professional development efforts highlighted Workshop Wednesdays and the PLS newsletter. Public comment included a request for partnership on the 250-year anniversary celebration, inquiries about enrollment progress, concern over the Toby boat project, acknowledgment of new floodlights, and strong advocacy for completing promised upgrades to the boys' locker room.