Downingtown Area SD reports progress on strategic plan; exits significant disproportionality list

Downingtown Area School District Superintendent Dr. David O'Donnell told the board at its June 11 meeting that the district has seen gains in kindergarten enrollment and made notable progress on the district's six-year strategic plan while continuing work on equity and student supports.

"This year, we paid $88,000,000 to charter schools," Dr. O'Donnell said, noting the district's outreach work and recruitment that he said helped raise full-day kindergarten enrollment to 778 students, up from 704 last September. He said the increase of about 74 kindergarten students may create opportunities to restore some staff positions reduced during recent budget adjustments.

The strategic-plan update focused on four broadly stated goals: students feeling safe, connected and engaged; curriculum and instruction; equitable supports and interventions; and college- and career-readiness. Board members heard detailed actions and near-term next steps tied to each goal.

On Goal 1 (safety, connectedness and engagement), a district staff member who identified herself as Justin said the district used multiple surveys (including a Pennsylvania Department of Education climate survey and a shorter district engagement survey) to track student engagement and…