[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6297141,"mediaKeyId","2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e","parentId",2510949,"title","Residents urge board not to appeal zoning denial for proposed Fort Washington transportation facility","audioSeconds",1025,"startMs",2245000,"endMs",3270000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e&start=2245&end=3270","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e/thumbnail_2245000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6297141/Pennsylvania/Residents-urge-board-not-to-appeal-zoning-denial-for-proposed-Fort-Washington-transportation-facility","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297141-ed8566ec6eecf0ea71799bd1114c185d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=UJ-QCrz~qSieAMuXDRccsf6IiVd3-g8GaGloB40iOI5bW8a7XYFlXc08pTKO38V49mTzoIEjWFPBQdb40c8ji-B~3ad51gSNJp5t8NQHmcfW9yPM1CEDWKOC7O6ezJDWAqyAPYl~k0EoikmR9e9eN5V-DvM70sI8K8-sX8shpTy4FVdruOte9LN7TY1qbhrllD0G9jZ5FhErzlaO6JXzR3IOob7U74Qj7D3YI2t2OvaCaWDSx~69wWPmUlFZ2uRkLGFrfuBv~KfY9pFqbz~1yc5MgHdB4JG1Xl7SX~JGyGuS1SvgrUlvQzjlTA5z5FTo7aSnegQBKAwAAJO5In43OQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Upper Dublin School District","date","2025-03-05T03:15:14Z","article","Dozens of residents told the Upper Dublin School District board during public participation that the district should not appeal the Upper Dublin Township Zoning Hearing Board’s denial of a proposed transportation center near Fort Washington Elementary School.

Nut graf: Speakers cited child safety, increased traffic, neighborhood character changes and concerns about variances requested for building size and vehicle weight. Several residents asked why the district had not held a town hall and requested details about alternative sites referenced by district staff.

Multiple residents spoke against the proposal. Nita Brister said the request for variances—particularly a bus garage far larger than zoning allows and variances governing vehicle weight and count—would “change the character” of the residential neighborhood. She noted that three people had testified in favor of the location at the zoning hearing but said roughly 40 community members spoke against it.

Other speakers echoed safety concerns. A Fort Washington resident, Miss Buckman, told the board she had attended zoning hearings and said testimony showed the site was not centrally located and that the project would increase traffic near elementary school walk routes. Burke, who identified himself as a resident of Van Sant Lane and said he had standing in the zoning matter, told the board that a “monstrous” facility 70 feet from a playground would deter families from moving to the neighborhood. Jennifer Qualsy, a Highland Avenue resident and parent of a Fort Washington student, cited traffic, backup alarms and property values and asked the board to “seriously consider not appealing this decision.” Nick Sarlakos and Caitlin Johnson also urged the board to reconsider and look for other locations.

Board discussion and staff comments: Board President Mr. Wallach acknowledged the comments and said the board would address the agenda item later. Mr. Sirota, a board member, told the public that board members had been provided transcripts of all zoning hearing days and said there is no known freely available, appropriately zoned property. He said a property rumored to be available would be in a flood plain, have limited access and is not currently zoned to permit vehicle maintenance; he also said the Greater Fort Washington District zoning explicitly prohibits vehicle maintenance in that area.

Ending: The board did not take action on the appeal during the meeting segment. The public commenters requested more transparency about other sites the district considered; several asked for a town hall. The board signaled further discussion would occur later on the agenda when the matter is docketed for action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","UDSD Legislative Meeting (2/24/2025)","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of residents told the Upper Dublin School District board during public participation that the district should not appeal the Upper Dublin Township Zoning Hearing Board’s denial of a proposed transportation center near Fort Washington Elementary School.","taxTitle","Upper Dublin SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",60292,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297146,"Upper Dublin SD reports $1.4 million federal reimbursement after Fort Washington geothermal upgrade",90,421000,511000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e&start=421&end=511","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e/thumbnail_421000.jpg","/articles/6297146/Pennsylvania/Upper-Dublin-SD-reports-14-million-federal-reimbursement-after-Fort-Washington-geothermal-upgrade","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297146-c76d7f386dd894d38d1f0cd903cc4d59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=RxVwh6UBnr~e-FqdSM24~vhU507NOtv0qn5Rrwhz7gEjIbg-EPOi2dWiVk9psXisp7Ewzy1~tQHsAOpxGIfg7pwNO7s01HlSdOrjuDKYxAdzVigX99EvLNXkpYsJELvtKqaNN85Ou4~DzFM0FzjPCHAwSSq2CzrWQXVgUkPcC5DuoguLeiwPR1due0Hz6eQPKaP12hyGkfQW86GGAWv75e72afmPEPHh-s9C5GmVgE92SwijhshNU6c-oS3FLo50o2WZO2HLKnelrN-2N2b1XuZBFz-5z0rjovrLp1g7cqsIrWkR2z1RDs9oasVOSF0O5zJF~Gba6Bgrfr0puipusg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Upper Dublin School District said it has received a $1,400,000 reimbursement under the federal Inflation Reduction Act for the geothermal heating-and-cooling system installed as part of the Fort Washington Elementary renovation.

Nut graf: District finance staff said the geothermal system made the renovation eligible for the federal program; the district completed the required application paperwork with a consultant for $14,100 and received funds after a final submission on Jan. 27.

During the board meeting, Mr. Lekman, the district finance official, described the reimbursement as tied specifically to the geothermal installation and said the district’s final application was submitted January 27 and the funds “are deposited in our bank account.” He said earlier estimates to prepare documentation for the new federal program had been about $65,000, but the district paid $14,100 to a professional energy consultant to complete the evaluation and submission.

Ending: District leaders characterized the reimbursement as “nice to hear” and thanked finance and other staff for pursuing the available federal funding.

","District officials say a geothermal system installed during Fort Washington Elementary renovation qualified for an Inflation Reduction Act reimbursement; final submission was made Jan. 27 and $1.4 million was deposited after a $14,100 application cost.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297151,"Upper Dublin School District unveils draft 2025–28 comprehensive plan and opens 28-day public comment period",903,989000,1892000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e&start=989&end=1892","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e/thumbnail_989000.jpg","/articles/6297151/Pennsylvania/Upper-Dublin-School-District-unveils-draft-202528-comprehensive-plan-and-opens-28-day-public-comment-period","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297151-02dc63a937bcb9b9bca0dd5984ab7da3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=FaEYPhPBcbRaZMzRYiyNSfLsGh3CQwClHwJZF3rIrWCoqdWZlXO-J7A7JAUBlnoP~tuKQRy6beOppLDsmS~cO4FI4R-d33BYY9MiBXW3DjSs2r~nOKLoZ-Hxv0295jSuxG68AKXVM4t1RXMPTxa9h0s9xAMDK728mgLKjgIfvxxLOypnFj1SNt9eFO8446-c1HFWfK5v1dRpthTqiMKh-Po~IXRR42wIpqyiYMh8mMcdL-mRmL3GVEh3tcQ2wDvOsJhmMONw1C11wEx7x9umtj4Uv1DgwCBTp6TX8bTCMndyCKwuhZgRCKaYtk7X-esB-M4rotsRpN3Bch5KZMJEBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Upper Dublin School District presented a draft comprehensive plan for 2025–28 during its February legislative meeting, with Superintendent Dr. Smith and Mrs. Drennan asking the community to review the document during a 28-day public display period and submit feedback ahead of anticipated board action in late March.

The plan, required by the Commonwealth every three years, proposes the tagline “inspiring learners and empowering futures,” a mission statement emphasizing a “safe, inclusive, and inquisitive community of learners,” and five core values: inclusivity, academic rigor, educational equity, being inquisitive, and innovative experiences. Dr. Smith said the steering committee—composed of district stakeholders—helped draft the mission, vision and values and that the plan is intended to be a “living, breathing” guide for district decisions.

Nut graf: The draft lays out measurable, SMART goals and academic-focused action areas the district plans to pursue from 2025–28. District leaders said the document is formatted to meet state template requirements but that they will produce executive summaries and separate action plans to make progress and reporting clearer to the public.

Administrators described the plan’s primary focus as continuous improvement in instruction and student outcomes, with measurable aims across multiple years. Mrs. Drennan told the board the goals begin on page 32 of the plan and are presented with baselines and year 1–3 incremental targets. Focus areas identified by the steering committee include a K–12 STEM continuum in response to revised Pennsylvania science standards, strengthening instructional practices and observational measures for teachers, adoption of evidence-based multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) addressing academics and social-emotional needs, and work to improve secondary mathematics proficiency.

Dr. Smith said the district will publish the plan on the website and place physical copies in each school and the public library. She said the district will accept narrative feedback via a QR-coded link and expects feedback to be collected by March 17; the board is scheduled to consider approval of a final draft at its March 24 meeting before submission to the state. Mrs. Drennan and Dr. Smith said the publicly posted plan includes the state-required template documents (about six linked reports) and supporting materials such as the induction plan, Act 48 professional development plan, special education and gifted education reports.

Board members thanked the steering committee and administration for the months of work and emphasized ongoing reporting and transparent metrics. Board member Ms. Sharpier asked how the district will measure progress; Dr. Smith said the plan includes observation rubrics and other measures and that separate action plans with steps, timelines and reporting are expected. Mrs. Drennan reiterated that each goal has a baseline and incremental, year-by-year steps in the comprehensive plan.

Ending: The draft plan is now on public display per state rules; the district will accept feedback and return to the board in March for final action and state submission. If approved and accepted by the state, district leaders said most implementation and public reporting would occur with the 2025–26 school year.","Superintendent Dr. Smith and Chief Planner Mrs. Drennan presented a draft comprehensive plan covering 2025–28, outlining a proposed mission, vision, five district values, academic focus areas and SMART goals; the plan will be on public display for 28 days with feedback due in mid-March and board action planned for March 24.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6297136,"Board approves Jan. 27 legislative meeting minutes",37,3287000,3324000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e&start=3287&end=3324","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510949-2cdb89b04bb4a8fb4cdab7b0c5f4af5e/thumbnail_3287000.jpg","/articles/6297136/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-Jan-27-legislative-meeting-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6297136-4ca55448b16dad33095993003ced7112/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149069&Signature=Z6Mv8OE5nfHfWQ8lEYlsCyIkYDhgFeX-CBq1ABoVkdgQtBaVEdqtXUggxCgVJVTvKDeY8SPi1IqXnMnH8CZzqGkRb8KLHiyHNXE0ji3ZAv83kFOkeNjEVi5TSdjE399wHMPQoUpqxe65gSlACnXlHLyjoPBzZdf44fW5rhdkhnq0ZoceBZnP9-KJfAktcqcrPAdwRWDETcmDWt~KV9QnlRJ9dlD2vzxk-xrUBPWei39bNjIVVnolWP6SSRKS2zuKzlKZMvx7aRgFjtev70nw51xtQL6vEZ2nKeHOmO6RI~c9SYNIaD-kRPcKxS84sB3FPx6jm6jCfrPwXp-J793Obg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Upper Dublin School District Board of School Directors approved the minutes from its Jan. 27 legislative meeting during the February meeting. Board member Mr. Sirota moved to approve the minutes; Mr. Held seconded the motion. The board voted in favor; the presiding officer called for ‘aye’ and no members objected.

Ending: The board moved on to the education committee recommendations after approving the minutes.","The Upper Dublin School District board unanimously approved the minutes of its January 27 legislative meeting after a motion by Mr. Sirota and a second from Mr. Held.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge board not to appeal zoning denial for proposed Fort Washington transportation facility

Upper Dublin SD reports $1.4 million federal reimbursement after Fort Washington geothermal upgrade

Upper Dublin School District unveils draft 2025–28 comprehensive plan and opens 28-day public comment period

Board approves Jan. 27 legislative meeting minutes