Parents Demand Action on Equity Issues at Upper Dublin School District Meeting
September 06, 2025 | Upper Dublin SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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Concerns over budget allocations and educational equity took center stage at the Upper Dublin School District's Legislative Meeting on August 26, 2025. Parents and educators voiced their frustrations regarding the district's financial decisions and the impact on student services, particularly at Thomas Fitzwater Elementary, the district's only Title 1 school.
One parent raised alarms about the district's $128 million budget, questioning the lack of tax relief and the growing number of administrative positions. "It seems like we're adding a lot," they noted, expressing concern over a new $140,000 position in student supervision, which they believed was merely a title change rather than a necessary addition. The parent also highlighted community discontent regarding the potential demolition of the historic Jarretown building, arguing for renovations instead of new constructions that could disrupt neighborhoods.
Felicia Evans, a parent and experienced educator, emphasized the disparities faced by Thomas Fitzwater, which serves a high population of socioeconomically disadvantaged students. She questioned how Title 1 funds were being utilized, urging the board to adopt a curriculum aligned with the science of reading to improve literacy outcomes. "Equity requires more than acknowledgment. It requires action," she stated, calling for immediate changes to support the school’s students.
In response, district officials clarified that the number of administrators had not changed and that the new position was a restructuring of an existing role. They assured attendees that Title 1 funds were being used effectively, including the hiring of a math specialist for targeted interventions. The district is also in the process of reviewing its English Language Arts curriculum to better align with current educational standards.
As discussions concluded, the board acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue about budget priorities and educational equity, with a commitment to addressing the community's concerns in future meetings. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the educational landscape for Upper Dublin's students, particularly those at Thomas Fitzwater.
One parent raised alarms about the district's $128 million budget, questioning the lack of tax relief and the growing number of administrative positions. "It seems like we're adding a lot," they noted, expressing concern over a new $140,000 position in student supervision, which they believed was merely a title change rather than a necessary addition. The parent also highlighted community discontent regarding the potential demolition of the historic Jarretown building, arguing for renovations instead of new constructions that could disrupt neighborhoods.
Felicia Evans, a parent and experienced educator, emphasized the disparities faced by Thomas Fitzwater, which serves a high population of socioeconomically disadvantaged students. She questioned how Title 1 funds were being utilized, urging the board to adopt a curriculum aligned with the science of reading to improve literacy outcomes. "Equity requires more than acknowledgment. It requires action," she stated, calling for immediate changes to support the school’s students.
In response, district officials clarified that the number of administrators had not changed and that the new position was a restructuring of an existing role. They assured attendees that Title 1 funds were being used effectively, including the hiring of a math specialist for targeted interventions. The district is also in the process of reviewing its English Language Arts curriculum to better align with current educational standards.
As discussions concluded, the board acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue about budget priorities and educational equity, with a commitment to addressing the community's concerns in future meetings. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the educational landscape for Upper Dublin's students, particularly those at Thomas Fitzwater.
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