[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6281304,"mediaKeyId","2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35","parentId",2607015,"title","Superintendent McGarry highlights student achievements and outlines state budget items that could affect district funding","audioSeconds",494,"startMs",5164000,"endMs",5658000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35&start=5164&end=5658","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35/thumbnail_5164000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281304/Pennsylvania/Superintendent-McGarry-highlights-student-achievements-and-outlines-state-budget-items-that-could-affect-district-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281304-8ab06a602c2ee4aa1d2a4cb88791619e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185237&Signature=BTVWLYDiVUtSxtvYpBuWjdf-RvrV7N18T0IwJD1cPS7XAOn2Gc2dvkZ9xE10IlcWh9kdx9b2CqO2cpuImrzMEs9CQ-JhJ0ImFOyugpQVFhumIN1Me5zduQ68GHF9kKdEsONtp24-ScZbmTOZ~HnltYos0WVysROyqAP2~iGiT4IWL3WaAVYDmsUb1LnwDhjAGrb67~xsziXpu05dtjvsZ-w48e01IGbjn53CWh1k3420lgCdNKTWf2SrQu8pjUWb6Sev4jL8zry3v0u8bAm8Nr4XZLkRYyW5a9yFq7rv1xiVxJrcjDRxXYh8f7gdBPvejGPMx80oHOaXiwwEZp4foA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Upper Darby School District","date","2025-03-12T01:06:17Z","article","Superintendent Daniel McGarry delivered the district report and used the time to recognize student and staff accomplishments and to summarize key elements of the proposed state budget that could affect the district's funding.

Recognitions and student achievements
McGarry recognized the Upper Darby High School ethics bowl team and coaches for winning the Delaware Valley Regional Ethics Bowl, including a reported final score of 154–147. He named student participants (John Peter Quillen, Sabrina Galati, Chloe Thompson, Sylvia Langston and Delaney Jordan) and coaches (including teacher Sue Beckett and Chris Nielsen). He also announced three National Merit Scholarship finalists — Ajmain Aban, Abdullah Ilocli and Emily Fishback — and multiple Pennsylvania Music Educators Association regional ensemble selections, naming students and instruments where cited.

State budget summary and potential district impact
McGarry reviewed components of Governor Shapiro's proposed state budget as described at the meeting. He listed several line items discussed in the proposal: $526,000,000 for underfunded schools, $75,000,000 distributed through the basic education funding formula, $40,000,000 for special education, $25,000,000 for school facility improvements (described in the meeting as contributing toward a total of $125,000,000), $111,000,000 for safe schools, $5,500,000 for career and technical education, and $41,600,000 for pre‑K. He also noted discussion about setting cyber tuition rates at $8,000 per student. McGarry said that if the proposed budget were to pass as described, the district could ‘‘be looking at potentially $9,000,000 more in funding,’' while noting the district remains between $16 million and $21 million short each year in state funding under current allocations.

Advocacy activity
McGarry reported he attended a public advocacy event hosted by Children's First with members of the community and legislators, including Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and state representative Leanne Krueger (as read from the transcript). He said the district will continue to advocate for increased funding.

Other remarks
McGarry thanked principals and staff highlighted earlier in the meeting and applauded community volunteers. He reiterated that if there are credible federal funding changes affecting Title I–IV the district would report back with plans to balance the budget.

No formal board action was requested on the budget summary during the meeting; McGarry framed the budget discussion as an update and direction for advocacy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","UDSD School Board Meeting & Work Session: March 2025 (LIVE STREAM)","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Daniel McGarry recognized student and teacher accomplishments — including an ethics bowl regional win, PMEA selections and three National Merit finalists — and reviewed elements of the proposed state budget that, if enacted, could increase district funding by an estimated $9 million, according to his remarks.","taxTitle","Upper Darby SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",14584,"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},6281309,"UDAEA president asks board to back collaborative board candidates and urges continuity amid departures",126,3819000,3945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35&start=3819&end=3945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35/thumbnail_3819000.jpg","/articles/6281309/Pennsylvania/UDAEA-president-asks-board-to-back-collaborative-board-candidates-and-urges-continuity-amid-departures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281309-92432584b3e44d7e5635441c6233662c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185237&Signature=oyMzJysATqQgSH54OaDM3NDBinAJoJBtTfqs~PsRMbfwAf5GgheOizKzUNqn4M~DmTavzF53lEEEghp9CryfelcztWerbvDqvCZSotAh9~NaYBKHzs4Vk87l19L3PBHYrP40UUYjaOiK4soIJwORQnwPPzfyZv8aGriLVV37SeAYWJHaForYQEcyF2R8d0QQJJDJ9LQGuBJEnTaj4xQjs2oblCa2fzzepZdXPDRFrzzWk2kttFBO4Avl7semkN0ngeRWQgNOLYsg1LzCyOLxvD3rr4RGCnR4anzF4aEv0hVIvQr2~ORPWsS2Be8-mUR8NsuNzuNFYo7uEs6sZhkreg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Linda Fox, president of the Upper Darby Education Association, addressed the board during the work session portion of the meeting and urged that candidates being considered to fill open board seats be willing to build relationships with teachers and central administration.

Fox said it was \"bittersweet\" to learn several board members are stepping down and emphasized how much work goes into building relationships between the union, central administration and the board. She requested that, to the extent board members have influence over nominations for open seats, they encourage candidates \"willing to come to this board and that are going to be willing to work with us.\"

Fox noted the scale of district operations in her remarks, saying, \"We need board members that are willing to work with Dr. McGarry as he does this incredibly challenging job with over how many students at this point, Dr. McGarry? 12,000 students. And I know in my teachers union I have 894 members.\" Her remarks framed the union's interest in continuity and collaboration as the board prepares for turnover.

Board leadership thanked Fox and noted the role of a school director is to act in the best interest of all children and families. Fox's comments were delivered as part of public remarks and did not trigger formal action by the board at this meeting.","Linda Fox, president of the Upper Darby Education Association (UDAEA), urged the board to encourage incoming candidates to work collaboratively with teachers and administration and noted recent board member departures. She reminded the board the superintendent oversees about 12,000 students and that UDAEA represents roughly 894 members.",{"_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},6281314,"Bywood Elementary showcases student-centered goal setting and staff house system to boost engagement",159,2717000,2876000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35&start=2717&end=2876","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35/thumbnail_2717000.jpg","/articles/6281314/Pennsylvania/Bywood-Elementary-showcases-student-centered-goal-setting-and-staff-house-system-to-boost-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281314-6ab2c2ec2f0b6f35d6c18ffffe9966a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185237&Signature=BHDkFPYXiyu8S586vVzRvduzigddxN4wVg8okaTGIrVPxUfZaZrocj6NOwhhC3pyfAtuCEM9IWzMUTLZ4nCqBfYA8aeqCoM-Qdu~Cmp5AGVWE5Lmjyju8LY~CVj~dvCaAlD5fG4I~TdgaJvkn8zoK~HbwSjCzEcNfOmRMrne3ohz4howdGf5DKMva7PKAPCcuuFHLKG14-p~J0fhaGBfMGpgIay~DH49ikL53Th5DRSS9tJlxX22j-MTvZNUiZdbIdE4~AJj0CwvwumpCGyq3P1TiAIJ2pyI1jAOQ8M6kEKt-4Dxgv5mIrcF2Ww2jmpv5H2Z74MiXb~Y0syL02PSGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bywood Elementary Principal Kristen Meehan and Assistant Principal Janet Newby presented a video and remarks to the board demonstrating the school's approach to student-centered goal setting and efforts to \"make learning fun.\"

Meehan described classroom data binders used by every student to track growth in skills such as letter sounds and reading words per minute. \"Each student has a goal,\" Meehan said, and teachers use monthly graphs so students can see incremental growth. She and staff described deliberate fluency practice—ten minutes daily—where students read with expression and teachers award stickers for progress.

The presentation outlined multiple motivators and programs: an Amira reading challenge, IXL skill competitions for some grades, student-of-the-month celebrations, and a Phanatic About Reading partnership that produced an assembly. Staff also described a staff \"house\" system with four houses (Obsidian, Citrine, Aventurine, Amethyst) to foster cross-grade collaboration among adults; houses compete on points for participation in school events, and staff said attendance at a recent home-and-school meeting increased.

Students and staff said the initiatives have increased excitement for learning and strengthened faculty relationships. The presenters invited board members in the audience to experience the Bywood culture firsthand and noted that some house activities (competitions, class dojo) offer incentives that include small treats or prizes.

The presentation was informational; no board action was requested.","Bywood Elementary Principal Kristen Meehan and Assistant Principal Janet Newby presented a video and remarks showing student data binders, daily fluency practice, reading programs and a staff \"house\" system intended to increase engagement and collaboration.",{"_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},6281319,"Garrettford Elementary says walking school bus increased attendance and reduced lateness",102,2354000,2456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35&start=2354&end=2456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35/thumbnail_2354000.jpg","/articles/6281319/Pennsylvania/Garrettford-Elementary-says-walking-school-bus-increased-attendance-and-reduced-lateness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281319-13169f359d259ad516fc3f610336aa93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185237&Signature=JRPAziElrLuet-UZqpf7neMnrs7x0ZHM7h2RY-ShtmOimNFK57LTcNq9hZNvyA3a1yYe6PXcvict22OwjyoHaNASHD-kErctndG~agleCDOLTWg2wQf4S6epCq9EYD-7UlYrtcYPuaEECxtPhveRIA0cFA2cGMOA3nQnvkxAxlC9zVc9hV5EBQ-X0H48wM65S1krK-oBxKLZvbLIk0Jx7hVUNYSMAYIgkQj35AMQf6Shd~lvqmeWBQCPaFi1-US95sTTnRATRW0cg7THLbBVngnN7TjYncArSN0FGtqx7pRQVyeILb725b~wMUp-i9kxXxmG3wtPn-0XHlGFyqC1CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Garrettford Elementary Principal Alan Bridges and Assistant Principal Kelly Manzaridis presented the walking school bus program to the Upper Darby School District Board, saying the grant-funded initiative has strengthened community ties and produced measurable attendance gains.

Bridges said the program, funded through a grant from Upper Darby Arts and Education, was designed to foster belonging, improve attendance and reduce lateness. \"Garrettford's average daily attendance is 95%, but on walking school bus days, that number rises to between 96–98%,\" Bridges said. He reported that average lateness fell from about 5.7% districtwide to roughly 2.8% during the warmer months when the walking school bus runs more frequently.

Students and staff described the program logistics: adult volunteers meet in the school lobby, don high-visibility vests and stop signs, then staff members disperse to neighborhood meeting points to escort children to school in supervised single-file groups with one adult at the front and one at the back. A student who spoke during the presentation said the program made walking to school feel safer and more fun, and another student said participants receive a small reward, called a \"bucket buck,\" for taking part.

Bridges credited the school social worker with writing the grant and said the program helps teach safety and walking etiquette—\"Let's look before we cross the street,\"—and builds relationships among students who meet neighbors and classmates while walking. He also thanked Jason Taylor for producing a video accompanying the presentation and noted parent and home-and-school involvement had increased.

The walking school bus remains staffed by volunteers (teachers and staff who give about 30 minutes of morning time) and relies on the awarded grant to buy vests and stop signs. Bridges said families responded positively to a survey before program launch and that the program contributed to higher participation at home-and-school events.

The presentation concluded with video footage and student testimonials; no board action was required on the program during this meeting.","Garrettford Elementary Principal Alan Bridges and Assistant Principal Kelly Manzaridis told the board their grant-funded walking school bus increased average daily attendance from 95% to about 96–98% on program days and reduced lateness from roughly 5.7% to about 2.8%.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6281324,"Board approves agenda, routine reports and amends February minutes; multiple items adopted by voice vote",2777,4307000,7084000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35&start=4307&end=7084","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2607015-bd340c5fd7c99d53f6e6494ede7f4c35/thumbnail_4307000.jpg","/articles/6281324/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-agenda-routine-reports-and-amends-February-minutes-multiple-items-adopted-by-voice-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281324-ddaba7e4b7a5c4043bc8498b5108c467/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185237&Signature=Kua8mUD5dF0~3KuQQrZ5ezuM66xez17HASqQy6iHMboUfjvIzWeWdBCVkIa2QgAANC8p1nIYbY03rmpFloCRiYK8CNrPuyoDXdcSQKpv14Bnp971~TBOj-z8aubKzfp5lkVG1j9z~Jw7~fkueN9EMgS7d5eClqJ-sFhDtIIcd0OLQwyYmF2IJDYc4J8UqjqcuAS96n6FOX0h2TzYyd63RryC3-Fa9ACaDUJ3ADNhXRttF1wlQ~C2gwl~taK2SvBqDGJYWkNdsmPMCMC-zOTF3T5~lkXGPUYgRV14R5TefnUlpzk188knujAnTtkhuLenZahAhxwt5xWvuVE3wnx1xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors approved the agenda posted to BoardDocs and carried a series of routine reports and committee recommendations by voice vote during its regular in-person and virtual meeting.

The board voted to amend and adopt the minutes of the combined work session and regular meeting of Feb. 11, 2025, after a correction noting that three named board members were not present at that meeting. The amendment and the minutes adoption were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Board members then moved through standard reports and committee items listed in the meeting packet. The board adopted the reports of the secretary and treasurer, the student representative report, the instruction and curriculum report, the personnel report, first- and second-reading policy items where indicated, supplies and transportation reports, facilities and donation reports, and the finance and budget report. Most motions were presented as \"I move for its adoption,\" were seconded, and were decided by voice vote with the chair declaring \"motion carried.\"

In old business the board unanimously approved a resolution reapproving all reports and related agenda items that had been approved and voted on during the Feb. 11, 2025 combined work session and regular meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve the posted agenda: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried). (No named mover/second recorded.)
- Motion to amend and adopt the minutes of 02/11/2025 (to correct attendance): moved and seconded; outcome: amendment approved and minutes adopted by voice vote (motion carried). (No named mover/second recorded in the audio.)
- Motion to adopt the report of the secretary: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motion to adopt the report of the treasurer: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motion to receive the student representatives' report: moved and seconded; outcome: accepted by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motion to adopt the instruction and curriculum report: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motion to adopt the personnel report: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motions related to policy: first reading of Policy 114 (gifted education) was presented; summaries noted on BoardDocs; the board completed the required first- and second-reading steps where specified and took the related adoption votes as listed on the agenda; outcome: policy items advanced/acted on as reflected in BoardDocs and announced at the meeting.
- Motion to adopt the supplies report: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motion to adopt the transportation report: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motion to adopt the facilities, use-of-facilities, and donation reports: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Motion to adopt the finance and budget report: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).
- Resolution reapproving all reports and related agenda items from 02/11/2025: moved and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote (motion carried).

What the record shows
Most motions were moved and seconded on the public record and decided by voice vote; specific individual movers and seconders were not named aloud for every motion in the transcript. Where the audio or transcript recorded voice tallies, the chair declared motions carried. No roll-call tallies with named yes/no votes were read into the public record for the routine approvals during this meeting.","At its regular in-person/virtual meeting, the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors approved the posted agenda, amended and adopted minutes from Feb. 11, 2025, and adopted multiple routine reports and committee recommendations by voice vote. A resolution reauthorizing prior meeting approvals was also adopted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent McGarry highlights student achievements and outlines state budget items that could affect district funding

UDAEA president asks board to back collaborative board candidates and urges continuity amid departures

Bywood Elementary showcases student-centered goal setting and staff house system to boost engagement

Garrettford Elementary says walking school bus increased attendance and reduced lateness

Board approves agenda, routine reports and amends February minutes; multiple items adopted by voice vote