Dr. Smith, the district superintendent, used the Nov. 24 board meeting to highlight instructional and planning work across Upper Dublin School District. She described a renewed emphasis on inquiry in science instruction, referencing the district's use of the FOSS curriculum and teacher "learning walks" intended to spread best practices and engage students in hands-on, minds-on science learning.

Dr. Smith said the district is continuing development of a "portrait of a graduate," guided by consultant Julia Skolnick and input from staff and parents; the consultant will deliver focus-group feedback at a future meeting. She also said the district is reviewing schematic designs for a new Jarrett Town school, held a neighborhood meeting in the last month, and will host a larger community information session in January to update residents on design progress.

On district operations, Dr. Smith previewed proposed adjustments to the 2026–27 school calendar. She said the district will keep November conference half days, add a high-school midterm half day in January, shift K–8 conferences to the same spring week, add a professional-development day after Easter, and include a PD day at the end of the year. With those shifts the tentative last day is June 10 (or possibly June 15) depending on usage of inclement-weather days; the calendar will return to the board in December for final approval.

Dr. Smith also announced that Director of Student Services Jennifer Summers has resigned. The administration sought board approval that evening for an interim director and identified Dr. Mary Kay Feeley as the returning interim appointee. The personnel committee's recommendation to appoint an interim director was moved and approved during the meeting.

Beyond instruction and personnel, Dr. Smith said the district will launch an artificial-intelligence "think tank" on Dec. 11, and noted other student opportunities, including a high-school team that will represent Upper Dublin at the IU's "Voices for Education" event and a soon-to-launch Cardinal Cast podcast. Dr. Smith framed these as elements of the district's broader comprehensive plan to deepen student inquiry and leadership opportunities.

The board did not discuss new policy or adopt new governance rules as part of the superintendent's report; those items are being developed and will return to committees and the full board for future consideration.