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Upper Darby board hears superintendent budget preview, approves routine items and hears union and public comments
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Daniel McGarry highlighted academic recognitions and cited proposed state funding amounts that could add roughly $9 million to the district; the board approved routine agenda items and minutes, adopted a resolution reapproving prior approvals, heard UDEA president Linda Fox urging collaborative board nominees, and heard a parent plea for continued music funding reduction of dues.
The Upper Darby School District board moved through routine business, heard a superintendent budget update and received remarks from union leadership and a parent group during the public comment period.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel McGarry recognized student and teacher achievements, including an Upper Darby ethics bowl victory, regional music honors and three National Merit Scholarship finalists. He then summarized components of a proposed state budget, citing several line items and saying the district could see roughly $9 million more if the governor's package passes; he reiterated the district currently faces an annual state funding shortfall he estimated between $16 million and $21 million.
McGarry listed proposed funding figures he had seen: "526,000,000 for underfunded schools," $75 million through the basic education funding formula, $40 million for special education, $25 million for school facility improvements, $40 million for student teacher stipends (up from $20 million), as well as line items for safe schools, career and technical education and pre-K. He also noted a proposed cyber tuition rate of $8,000 per student, which he said could materially affect district revenues.
On procedural business the board moved and adopted the previously posted agenda, amended and adopted minutes from the Feb. 11 meeting, and carried votes to adopt multiple reports (personnel, treasurer, supplies, transportation, facilities and finance). The board also adopted a resolution reapproving all reports and agenda items approved on Feb. 11, 2025.
Linda Fox, identified in the meeting as UDEA president, addressed the board during the final item of the work session and urged the board to favor candidates who will continue building collaborative relationships with central administration and the teachers union, stressing the importance of continuity for students and staff. During the public hearing Erin Gard, speaking for the Upper Darby Band and Orchestra parents (UDBOP), thanked the board for recent increased support and said the group will continue to require some dues but has been able to reduce costs for families for the 2024'25 competitive seasons; she asked the district to revisit payments for marching and percussion staff during upcoming contract negotiations.
No votes on new budget items or staffing changes were taken at the work session; the board scheduled no additional actions on the matters discussed during the meeting.
