Board weighs dropping graduation project as personal finance becomes required for Class of 2030
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Summary
Policy revisions would add a state-required personal finance half‑credit for future freshmen and remove the district graduation project; board members, parents and staff debated equity, staffing costs and implementation before sending the policy through the 30‑day review process.
The Downingtown Area School District presented revisions to graduation policies that would make a personal finance course a local graduation requirement (aligned with the state requirement) for the class of 2030 and remove the district’s longstanding graduation project requirement.
Director Girthi described the revisions as updates to align East, West and STEM graduation pathways with the state’s new personal finance requirement. Administrators said the required course will be a half credit (three days in a six‑day cycle across the school year, with STEM students likely to complete an online variant). The policy change is presented as a phased shift so schools can add the course without disrupting students’ schedules.
The proposal to remove the district graduation project prompted an extended board discussion. Several board members and parents praised the project’s historical value — citing community service, career exploration and student engagement — while others said implementation and integrity varied across schools and that operating the program districtwide imposes supplemental staffing costs. One board member recalled projects that led students to discover or rule out career paths and urged caution before eliminating the requirement.
Dr. O'Donnell and administration said the graduation project is no longer required by the state and that some schools did not maintain consistent standards. Staff noted there is a supplemental operating cost to maintain a districtwide graduation‑project program and estimated oversight costs at roughly $35,000–$40,000 for odd schools; board members asked staff to return with a factual, line‑item cost and principals’ perspectives before any final change.
Speakers proposed alternatives if the project is removed: preserve service‑learning opportunities, add career-related experiential requirements or use the district’s "Downingtown Advantage" and other programs to provide targeted experiences. Administrators emphasized the district’s strategic plan and a separate effort to expand career-development supports at East and West.
The policy language will go out for the standard 30‑day review; staff also noted they will notify families of the personal finance requirement for rising ninth graders so students and counselors can plan. No final policy approval was taken at the Committee of the Whole meeting.