Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the District Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chester-Upland receiver reports early-childhood pilot selection, draft budget that reflects rising personnel and transportation costs
Summary
Receiver staff reported Chester-Upland School District was selected for a statewide early-childhood pilot, previewed a draft budget tied to rising personnel/charter/transportation costs, and outlined operational updates including a special-education registration change and a June summer program.
Receiver Nichols opened the March 27 meeting of the Chester-Upland School District with a report on district operations and planning.
Dr. Momin, speaking for district leadership, said Chester-Upland was the only school district in the commonwealth selected for a statewide early-childhood pilot and that more information will be shared to help families “transition smoothly into kindergarten.” She also announced a district summer program for K–8 students running June 23 through July 24 and urged community members to share registration information posted on district social media.
The report included an update on the draft budget. “This budget captures the increasing costs related to personnel, charter schools, student support, and transportation,” Dr. Momin said. She named the draft budget team as central-office administrators, the business office, human resources, PFM consultants and Devon Park consultants working through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. No final vote on the budget was taken at the meeting; staff said they will share the draft when ready.
Human-resources and staffing metrics were highlighted. District presenters reported 243 school staff employees out of 396 had been out of work for 10 days or more to date, a figure the presenter said represents about 61% of school staff. The district said it will continue to publish staff-attendance data monthly and compare it with student attendance data.
Several program and logistics changes were announced: special-education registration will be available at every school beginning April 1; the district will participate in the DCIU educational career fair on April 8; and high-impact tutoring for grades 3–8 will begin across the district on April 1 (announced later in presentations). The district also noted trademark and outreach activities: a marketing campaign targeting 2025–26 enrollment and a digital academy option.
Officials acknowledged community and partner support for student trips and events, naming donors who supported a National Museum of African American History trip and congratulated students headed to music festivals. The district also said it received the Bronze Apple well-being award for participation in the health-care trust well-being initiative for 2023–24.
On student counts, presenters stated current enrollment is approximately 3,087 students. District staff reported an increase in students experiencing displacement: one presenter said the number reported had risen to at least 81 students; another presenter later said the total had increased by more than 100 students over the prior week. The district said it will continue collecting and reporting this data and provide supports through pupil services.
No formal action was taken on the draft budget during the meeting. Presenters said additional details and timelines will be shared at upcoming events, including a Title I spring family summit scheduled for April 5 at 9 a.m., where staff expect to present implementation updates.
