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School board advances proposed 2026–27 budget, approves multiple contracts and grants, and hears public concerns about agenda access and iPad policy
Summary
At its April 27 meeting, the West Chester Area School District board approved a resolution to adopt the proposed final 2026–27 budget for public display and moved several contracts (including a settlement and a $78,000 Reading League agreement); public commenters raised concerns about a board‑docs outage and called for clearer iPad/screen‑time policy and support for color‑guard programs.
The West Chester Area School District board met on April 27 and approved a set of motions including advancing the proposed final 2026–27 budget, several capital bid awards, a settlement agreement with the PA Leadership Charter School, and a $78,000 Reading League agreement.
Budget and finance: Mr. Scully, the district’s finance presenter, said the proposed 2026–27 general fund budget increases expenses by about $10.9 million (approximately 3.26%), driven mainly by staffing and employee benefits (+$6.5M) and student services (+$2.7M). Proposed revenues increased by approximately $5 million (about 1.7%). Mr. Scully presented a market‑value and millage analysis and stated the proposed budget reflects a 2.5% millage increase in Chester County and a 7.7% increase in Delaware County; during the discussion a board member queried whether Chester County’s figure should be 3.5% instead of 2.5%.
Vice President Bevilacqua moved to adopt the proposed final budget resolution in accordance with the Act 1 timeline; the motion carried on a voice vote. Mr. Scully noted that the administration can still make adjustments to the proposed final budget before the district adopts a final budget next month.
Capital projects and facilities: Mr. Burster reviewed multiple approved bids for roofing, floor replacement, HVAC, boilers, LED lighting and stadium lighting upgrades, and playground and field work across district schools. One West Chester High School parking lot seal‑coating bid came in nearly double budgeted cost; administrators recommended not awarding that contract at this time and to re‑advertise after revising scope and budget.
Other business and contracts: The board approved a settlement agreement with the PA Leadership Charter School and approved a Reading League agreement worth $78,000 to support reading programming. The board also approved personnel recommendations and the consent agenda.
Public comment: Five residents addressed the board. Judy DeFonzo told the board she could not access the posted agenda and attachments because the board‑docs platform was down and suggested the meeting might have been postponed if materials were unavailable; Dr. Christopher later acknowledged a board‑docs outage on the morning of the meeting and said the agenda was reposted on the district website.
Parents and community members raised technology and program concerns. Carly Nagel recommended caution on classroom device use and promoted a recent book criticizing excessive screen time in schools. Chris Shores urged the district to "reset" and remove iPads from classrooms until a written policy, controls, and staff training are in place. Julia and Charlotte Lambert urged the district to support performance sports (color guard, cheer, dance) with paid coaches, access to practice space, and measures to reduce dues as barriers to participation.
The board closed the meeting and scheduled its next regular meeting for Thursday, May 28, 2026.
