Superintendent announces April 29 vote on possible Charles Kelley Elementary closure; district warns of budget uncertainty

Superintendent Daniel McGarry told the Upper Darby School District board the district will hold a vote on April 29 to decide whether to close Charles Kelley Elementary at the conclusion of the 2025–26 school year.

If the board approves closure, McGarry said the district’s administration will extend Charles Kelley’s lease for one additional year and carry out a redistricting plan that would move Charles Kelley students to Stonehurst Hills and Highland Park elementary schools; Highland Park students would be redistricted to Hillcrest Elementary; and Hillcrest students would be redistricted to Aronimic Elementary (as presented).

Nut graf: McGarry framed the potential closure and subsequent redistricting as part of a longer process that includes community meetings, Home & School input and public communications. He emphasized the district will continue “to overcommunicate” about the process and said the closure vote would, if approved, take effect at the end of the 2025–26 school year.

McGarry also provided an update on the district budget process. He said federal and state funding remain uncertain, citing possible additional funding of up to $9,000,000 from prior adequacy litigation but no final outcome yet. The district receives federal Title I, II, III and IV funds; McGarry said Title I, III and IV appear likely to be level‑funded, while Title II (professional development funding) is reported to be at risk of elimination in proposed federal plans. He said capital projects may be paused while the district waits for funding clarity to avoid affecting classroom resources.

Ending: McGarry closed by reiterating the April 29 vote date and promising continued public conversations and updates on the budget as the district works toward its required June 30 final budget adoption.