Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
The board approved a construction agreement with West Whiteland Township and bid awards for modular demolition and a classroom addition at Exton Elementary; the administration read competitive low bids with a combined construction price of approximately $1.9 million.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
The West Chester Area School District board voted Dec. 15 to commit to not exceed the Act 1 inflation index (3.5%) for the 2026–27 tax year, declining to file for exceptions despite rising special-education costs and a projected $4–5 million budget gap.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
At the Dec. 15 meeting a West Elm Township resident, Susan Pemberlyn, said she paid school taxes on Aug. 21 but the payment was not processed and she was assessed a $532 penalty; she said Berkheimer directed her to the district and asked the board for assistance.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
The board approved a $5,098,549 technology capital budget for 2026–27 to replace devices, expand digital signage and refresh network infrastructure, and also approved a three-year Granite Telecommunications agreement (monthly cost ~$2,500, not to exceed $25,180/year).
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
At its annual organization meeting the West Chester Area School District board swore in newly elected directors, elected officers, retained Turner & Burke as solicitor and adopted the 2026 meeting schedule after amending committee start times to 6:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
Superintendent Christopher highlighted American Education Week, internship launches and student advisory meetings; student reps reported school activities. The board approved personnel recommendations and the consent agenda, and recognized a departing director.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
The board approved six construction contract awards totaling $25,646,000 for Starkweather Elementary renovations, against a project budget of $33,680,000; the property and finance committee also recommended a Ruston High School field-house mechanical upgrade bid.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
District staff told the school board it will run a five-month LinkedIn recruitment pilot in 2026, switch to SchoolSpring as an applicant-tracking system, use competency-based screening for a Fugate principal search and prioritize displaced teachers before external hires.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
After a ranked-ballot process and candidate statements, the board selected Ashley (Lam/Lamb/Long variant) and administered the oath of office at the Nov. 17 special meeting.
Pennsylvania / School Districts / West Chester Area SD
Officials presented a November budget forecast showing a roughly $12.5 million 2026–27 gap, reported a $525,000 transfer-tax boost from a Church Farm property sale, and approved Starkweather Elementary renovation contracts plus a field-house design award.