Dr. Mameen, the receiver for Chester-Upland School District, told the Jan. 23 receivers meeting with the public that district leaders are moving forward on several staffing, facilities and program items aimed at stabilizing operations and expanding student supports.

The update covered business-office staffing, an ongoing effort to complete the district's 2021 audit, restroom renovations and the removal of underground storage tanks at the Toby Farms campus, and human-resources work tied to contract bargaining. "The business office has been fully staffed with support from the HR department," Dr. Mameen said, and bargaining sessions with teachers are scheduled to begin in February.

Why it matters: the district is balancing near-term facilities repairs and long-pending financial audits with recruitment and bargaining activity that officials say affect classroom operations and student services.

Key operational items

- Facilities and finance: The receiver said restroom renovations at Toby Farms and removal of underground storage tanks near the transportation office are underway. The 2021 audit is "closer to being completed," Dr. Mameen said, noting the district had supplied legal representation documents to the auditing firm.

- Staffing and HR: The district reported new hires in the business office (an accounting specialist, a federal accounting specialist and a business office administrative assistant) and ongoing recruitment for certified teachers and other vacancies for the 2025-26 school year. Contract bargaining sessions are slated to begin in February.

- Special education and student supports: Dr. Mameen highlighted special-education professional development, including an autism initiative boot camp and an emotional-support consultant assigned to Chester High School. The district said early-intervention work for students transitioning to kindergarten is continuing in partnership with Ellen Seeds. The receiver reported district enrollment at about 3,081 students.

- Transportation and federal programs: The district is partnering with Chester Elite Transportation on a Clean School Bus Rebate Program application. If awarded and implemented as planned, the rebate would fund replacement of six diesel buses with six zero-emission buses in 2025, pending final approval of the application.

- Technology and security: Information Technology staff are evaluating upgrades to internal connections that may qualify for an 85% discount, assessing cybersecurity software and reviewing electronic hall-pass vendors. The district is also exploring expansion of its esports program.

- Community partnerships: Dr. Mameen noted district collaboration with the city of Chester, Swarthmore College and the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility on lead-testing and screening initiatives for students, and thanked external donors who supported recent toy and supply drives.

What officials did not specify

- Exact timelines and funding sources for Toby Farms renovations were not provided. The status of the 2021 audit was described as "closer" to completion but no firm final date was given. The Clean School Bus application is "pending;" no contract or delivery timeline for bus replacement was stated.

Ending

District leaders asked parents and community members to contact building principals or central office staff with questions and noted upcoming events and family engagement opportunities, including a districtwide scholarship symposium on Jan. 29 and a FAFSA workshop on Feb. 5.