Chester County Board approves new science textbooks, affirms participation in state teacher bonus program and keeps nonresident tuition rates

The Chester County Board of Education approved a districtwide science textbook adoption, passed a resolution to participate in a one-time state teacher bonus under the Education Freedom Act of 2025, and maintained the district—s nonresident tuition rates at a regular meeting.

Board members voted to approve a recommended set of science textbooks selected by the district textbook adoption committee, a resolution affirming the board—s intention to participate in the state—s one-time educator bonus program, and a recommendation to keep nonresident tuition at $600 for one student and $1,000 for two or more students. Each motion was approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The textbook adoption was presented by Mister Kilsner on behalf of the adoption committee led by Melanie Peel. Kilsner said the committee—s recommendation favored a single publisher across grade spans, which "will bode well for our success in the future," citing consistency of vocabulary and instructional theme across elementary and middle grades. The board approved the recommendation without further discussion.

The board also considered and passed a resolution to participate in section 4 of the Education Freedom Act of 2025, which the superintendent said includes a provision for a one-time bonus of no less than $2,000 to public-school "existing educators" as that term was cited in the meeting. The resolution, read aloud at the meeting, references that the board previously passed a December 17, 2024 resolution opposing use of public funds to support private institutions but states the board will affirm its intention to participate in the state bonus provision and submit required documentation to the state via ePlan before June 1. The superintendent said the bonuses will not be paid until after the current fiscal year ends and that the district had received a list identifying 196 educators who meet the definition used for the payment.

A board member commented during discussion that "free money always costs you," a remark recorded in the transcript. The resolution passed by voice vote and the board directed staff to upload the resolution to ePlan as requested by the state.

On nonresident tuition, the board accepted staff—s recommendation to leave the rates unchanged: $600 for one student and $1,000 for two or more students in a household. Staff explained the district reviews requests annually, considers capacity at specific elementary schools (noting Eastchester is closed to new transfers), and evaluates returning nonresident students on behavior, academics, and attendance before renewing approval. Staff said new out-of-district applications are not approved until after local student assignments are completed.

Other items discussed in the meeting included a brief celebration of Westchester Elementary—s high participation in a district reading program and results from the statewide educator perception survey administered in partnership with Vanderbilt. Kilsner noted two schools achieved the district—s participation threshold and that the district ranked highly in statewide participation; he said district leaders use the survey data for principal summative reviews and professional-development planning.

The board listed upcoming events, including high-school awards and commencement dates, and adjourned after the posted agenda items were completed.