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Upper Darby SD outlines timeline for three-year special education plan review
Summary
District staff described progress on the special education plan required by Pennsylvania code, announced a 28-day public review (draft to be posted early–mid March), and said the final draft will return to the committee in April before submission to the state by May 1, 2026.
District staff updated the Education and People Services Committee on the Upper Darby School District's three-year special education plan, explaining next steps for public review and final approval.
The presenter said the plan is prepared under Pennsylvania special education requirements (Chapter 14 and Chapter 4), and described stakeholder engagement to date: an initial planning meeting Jan. 15 with teachers, parents, administrators and staff, followed by subsequent work sessions and breakouts focused on what is working, areas for growth, and suggested revisions. The team will synthesize input and circulate a first draft for a 28-day public review, expected in early to mid-March.
After the 28-day comment period the district will consider feedback and make adjustments; the committee will review a final draft in April and the board will be asked to schedule a special voting meeting. The presenter said the plan is due to the Pennsylvania Department of Education by May 1, 2026, and the department will notify the district if submission and content meet state requirements.
Why this matters: the plan sets services, placements and supports for students with IEPs across the district for the three-year period. The update included direct references to how the team evaluated least restrictive environment (LRE) placement questions and service gaps, and emphasized continued opportunities for parent and staff input during the public comment period.
Board members asked whether students and families (including students served by the special education office) will receive the materials via ParentLink and whether students can directly participate; the presenter confirmed students and LEA representatives will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback during the 28-day window.
The committee received the update as informational; no vote was taken at the meeting.
