Upper Darby board adopts facilities report; potential sunsetting of Charles Kelley pushed to end of 2025–26 school year

The Upper Darby School District Board of Directors voted to adopt the Facilities Report, which includes a proposal that — if approved in later proceedings — would sunset Charles Kelley Elementary School at the end of the 2025–26 academic year.

Board members moved and seconded adoption of the report during the board voting meeting; the motion carried after voice vote.

The Facilities Report was presented to board members in advance and discussed during the meeting. Director Worsavage sought clarification that the sunsetting would occur at the end of the 2025–26 academic year; the administration confirmed that timing. Director Murphy Morrissey told staff and families the proposal came after “careful consideration” and that the board would keep stakeholders’ comments “under advisement.”

An emailed public comment from Joe Clark and Sadie Thomas, submitted April 29 regarding agenda item 2, opposed sunsetting the school without a replacement facility. The comment said students east of Lansdowne Avenue have been promised better facilities for years and criticized district priorities and busing and safety concerns. Miss Buford read the comment into the record during the meeting’s public comment period.

The vote to adopt the Facilities Report was recorded by voice; the meeting record shows the motion carried. The Facilities Report itself, and any formal steps to close or repurpose Charles Kelley Elementary, would require follow-up actions by the board before a final change in school status is implemented.