Office of Strategic Initiatives outlines drone pilot, food pantry and student programs

At the June 25 meeting of the Southeast Delco School District Board, Dr. Foreman of the Office of Strategic Initiatives presented recent program updates including a drone pilot at Academy Park High School, partnerships to plan K–12 facilities work, a district food pantry, student coalition groups and a small grant distribution described in the presentation as $500 to each school.

Dr. Foreman said the district "wrapped up our pilot drone program at Academy Park High School" in partnership with the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, providing drones and curriculum so students could build and fly drones and learn about careers in aviation. The presenter described the pilot as including hands-on instruction and a free curriculum for participating students.

The presentation said the district's food pantry, started in November, has served "over 350 families" on the third Saturday of each month; Dr. Foreman asked the public for additional vendor partners and donations because the pantry often runs out of food. The superintendent and presenter also described expanded student coalition groups focused on AI, student well-being and future educators, and noted the district will seek opportunities for students to train teachers next school year.

Dr. Foreman described a small grant program that "provided $500 to each of our schools" in the last cycle; the presenter named the funding source verbally as "Form for Philly" in the meeting transcript. The presenter also said student artwork from Academy Park High School and Derby Township schools was displayed at the Penn Museum during a Juneteenth celebration and that the district hopes to share accompanying video coverage when available.

The presentation closed with announcements about upcoming partner appreciation and back-to-school events.