Wallingford‑Swarthmore board approves personnel slate, curriculum purchases and new electronic‑device policy; names SRS courts

The Wallingford‑Swarthmore School Board on April 28 approved a large package of personnel, policy, curriculum and finance items, adopted a second‑reading electronic‑device policy for trial implementation at the high school, and unanimously approved naming the Swarthmore Rutledge Elementary School basketball courts after a community volunteer.

The votes consolidated routine business and several district priorities into a single meeting: the board approved minutes from the March 24 meeting, accepted 33 personnel actions (appointments, resignations and summer curricular work lists), approved curriculum resource purchases and three student‑services contracts, authorized a set of vendor contracts and donations, and adopted policy 237 (electronic devices) on second reading with a formal assessment schedule.

Board action was unanimous on every recorded motion. The minutes were approved by roll call 9–0. A 33‑item personnel package was approved 9–0. Policies taken on first reading were approved 9–0; the electronic‑device policy (policy 237) was approved on second reading 9–0 with the motion specifying an assessment after the first semester and again at the end of the following school year so the administration can report back and the board can consider revisions.

On curriculum and instructional materials, the board approved licenses and resources for district use, including Newsela, NWEA MAP support and world‑language Spanish resources (motion passed 9–0). The student‑services contracts approved included agreements listed in the agenda as “For the Love of Black Girls,” Criticare, and Effective School Solutions (2025–2028) with a 9–0 roll‑call vote.

In finance and facilities, the board approved vendor payments, the treasurer’s report and budget transfers for March 2025; authorized contracts listed in the agenda (Tom Josiah Consulting LLC, SysCloud, Linket, Daniel Walsh, Honeywell and others); accepted donations from the West PTO and the Strathaven High School Booster Club; and authorized the purchase/contract for Navigate360 safety/notification services as presented (all motions passed 9–0). The board also approved the community request to name the Swarthmore Rutledge Elementary basketball courts in honor of the late Kevin Newsom; that motion passed 9–0.

Board president Mr. Henry used the meeting’s closing remarks to thank interim superintendent Dr. Scanlon for his work during the transition. “You advanced a lot of these initiatives,” Henry said, noting Scanlon will move to the district curriculum office as acting director.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes of March 24, 2025: Passed 9–0 (roll call). Motion: approve minutes as presented. - Personnel package (33 items: resignations, appointments, leaves, salary/position changes, summer curricular teams, contract amendments, trustee appointment): Passed 9–0. Motion: approve items A through II as listed on the agenda. - Policies — first reading (policies and administrative guidelines to be repealed): Passed 9–0. - Policy 237 (Electronic devices) — second reading and adoption: Passed 9–0. Motion included language to assess implementation after the first semester and again at the end of the next school year; administrative regulations may be adjusted without returning to the board. - Curriculum approvals (Newsela, NWEA MAP support, world‑language Spanish resources): Passed 9–0. - Student services contracts (For the Love of Black Girls; Criticare 2025; Effective School Solutions 2025–2028): Passed 9–0. - Finance & Facilities package (bills/payments, treasurer’s report, budget transfers, contracts for Tom Josiah Consulting LLC, SysCloud, Linket, Daniel Walsh, Honeywell, Navigate360 purchase/contract, donations): Passed 9–0. - Naming of Swarthmore Rutledge Elementary basketball courts for Kevin Newsom: Passed 9–0.

What the board recorded as next steps: administration will report back on the electronic‑device policy implementation at the specified intervals, and standard follow‑up reporting on contracts and curriculum implementation will be provided in committee and regular meetings.