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Public commenter alleges falling PSSA scores, budget deficits and missing funds; board hears concerns

Woodland Hills School District Board · November 20, 2025
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Summary

A public commenter told the board that PSSA English and math scores have fallen to historic lows for the district and alleged three years of deficit spending, record-high debt service and a $643,000 discrepancy; the board heard the accusations and the speaker asked trustees to verify claims with external documentation.

A member of the public used the board's public comment period to present a range of allegations about academic performance and district finances, including academic declines on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and a claimed $643,000 discrepancy in district accounts.

Tim Murphy Reed told trustees that 2025 PSSA data showed a three-year decline in ELA results that put the district's results at their lowest in the available record and that math scores had declined for two years and were among the lowest compared with neighboring districts. Reed said that staffing data presented in 2023 had been incorrect when used to justify a furlough-related cut and alleged the district was on track for three consecutive years of deficit spending, that debt and debt service were at record highs, and that recent bond measures had "wasted millions of taxpayer dollars." Reed also asserted there was a $643,000 discrepancy in district accounts and said there was no public record of where that money went.

"There is real data pointing to real problems in the district and some clear instances where information conveyed isn't accurate," Reed said, and asked the board to "return to reality, question plans and claims, verifying what can be checked externally or with other documentation." The board did not record an immediate response that resolved the claims; trustees acknowledged the comments and later discussed other agenda business.

Another public commenter, Robert Flanagan, asked why a district administrator (identified in his remarks as 'Mr. Wilson') remained employed by the district after accepting a position elsewhere and urged the board to consider leadership changes at the upcoming organization meeting. Flanagan also referenced a prior superintendent payout and questioned leadership decisions that, in his view, had harmed district governance.

The board did not take immediate formal action on these allegations during the meeting; members and staff may follow up through normal oversight and reporting channels.