Community speakers urge more school publicity, after-school partnerships and special-education audit; district pledges review
January 25, 2025 | Chester-Upland SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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A series of public commenters at the Jan. 23 Chester-Upland receivers meeting raised local school concerns, proposed community partnerships and requested follow-up on special-education services.
What speakers asked for
- Communication and recognition: Multiple speakers asked that activities at Toby Farms be highlighted more consistently. A parent said Toby Farms hosts regular events (autistic support outings, college-and-career day, incentive clubs) but those activities are not always promoted districtwide.
- Community partnerships and programs: Kiara Morales (1924 Westport Street) proposed entrepreneurship and vision-board workshops linked to the cosmetology program and requested a district point of contact for follow-up. Austin Wright (address on record) described after-school programming and offered to present his STEM and enrichment activities to the district's STEM Academy.
- Classroom phones and facilities: Public comment urged stricter classroom phone policies. A parent also asked for a completion date for boys' locker-room repairs at the high school.
- Academic programming and recovery plan detail: A commenter asked for publication of a Mass Insight report on the website, for a plan and dates for adding cursive instruction and for the district to strengthen the academic detail in its recovery plan.
- Special-education concerns and audit request: A parent described what she called a "misservice" affecting a medically fragile student covered by an individualized education program (IEP). She asked the district to "take a fine look" at the special-education department to prevent future mishaps. The receiver, Dr. Mameen, and other officials acknowledged the concern. Dr. Mameen said the district has discussed supports with the Department of Education and confirmed the district will conduct a district-wide audit to support continuous improvement in special education.
District responses and next steps
- District staff directed community members to share program proposals with central-office staff; the transcript names Miss Alvarette/Albrerette as a point of contact for coordinating community program proposals and events.
- On special education, the receiver said the department will receive support, including a district-wide audit and continued improvements to ensure that students with IEPs receive required services.
Ending
Speakers were thanked; the meeting adjourned after public comment.
What speakers asked for
- Communication and recognition: Multiple speakers asked that activities at Toby Farms be highlighted more consistently. A parent said Toby Farms hosts regular events (autistic support outings, college-and-career day, incentive clubs) but those activities are not always promoted districtwide.
- Community partnerships and programs: Kiara Morales (1924 Westport Street) proposed entrepreneurship and vision-board workshops linked to the cosmetology program and requested a district point of contact for follow-up. Austin Wright (address on record) described after-school programming and offered to present his STEM and enrichment activities to the district's STEM Academy.
- Classroom phones and facilities: Public comment urged stricter classroom phone policies. A parent also asked for a completion date for boys' locker-room repairs at the high school.
- Academic programming and recovery plan detail: A commenter asked for publication of a Mass Insight report on the website, for a plan and dates for adding cursive instruction and for the district to strengthen the academic detail in its recovery plan.
- Special-education concerns and audit request: A parent described what she called a "misservice" affecting a medically fragile student covered by an individualized education program (IEP). She asked the district to "take a fine look" at the special-education department to prevent future mishaps. The receiver, Dr. Mameen, and other officials acknowledged the concern. Dr. Mameen said the district has discussed supports with the Department of Education and confirmed the district will conduct a district-wide audit to support continuous improvement in special education.
District responses and next steps
- District staff directed community members to share program proposals with central-office staff; the transcript names Miss Alvarette/Albrerette as a point of contact for coordinating community program proposals and events.
- On special education, the receiver said the department will receive support, including a district-wide audit and continued improvements to ensure that students with IEPs receive required services.
Ending
Speakers were thanked; the meeting adjourned after public comment.
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