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Superintendent urges residents to press state lawmakers on school funding; outlines redistricting and testing schedule
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Deon McGarry highlighted student achievements, pressed for state funding to address budget pressures (including special education), outlined elementary and middle-school redistricting plans, and introduced the district testing schedule and opt-out procedures for spring PSSA exams.
Superintendent Dr. Deon McGarry told the Upper Darby School District board and community that the district continues to face budget pressures and urged residents to contact state lawmakers to secure additional funding.
"We are one of the 100 most underfunded schools in the state of Pennsylvania," McGarry said, framing the district's appeal for increased state support to cover rising costs, particularly in special education.
McGarry described the district's budget timeline and noted that districts must adopt local budgets by June 30. He urged parents and community members to advocate with state representatives and senators, naming Representatives Gina Curry and Heather Boyd and Senator Tim Kearney as supportive of public education.
On redistricting, McGarry reminded the board that Charles Kelley Elementary will close at the end of the school year and students will be reassigned to Stonehurst Hills or Highland Park; middle-school reconfiguration depends on the on-time opening of Clifton Heights Middle School (Plan A) or a contingency Plan B to be implemented by Jan. 25, 2027. He said there will be no "grandfathering" of students to remain at their current middle schools because of staffing and transportation constraints.
Dr. Christine Kelly provided the district's PSSA testing schedule and opt-out instructions: students in grades 3–8 will test in English language arts and mathematics April 21–30, with science for grades 5–8; testing will be administered on district-issued Chromebooks; parents may request religious opt-outs under Chapter 4 by contacting their child's principal.
McGarry also recognized student athletic achievements from the Pennsylvania state indoor track and field championships and several school staff and student awards. He encouraged continuing community involvement and reiterated a focus on maintaining programs despite budget uncertainty.
A single public commenter asked about the township Earned Income Tax (EIT) implementation and whether the board had plans for the district's share; the transcript records the question but does not include a substantive response.
