001Welcome to the May 13, 2025 combined work session regular in-person virtual meeting. The first item on the work session agenda is the pledge of allegiance by Westbrook Park Elementary School students Zoe Perez and the Harper Perez and Drexel Hill Middle School students Lorie Addis and Christian Fabian. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The second item on the work session agenda is a presentation by Westbrook Park Elementary School principal Mr. Mark Comfort and assistant principal Miss Cameron Bush titled building renovations and updates. >> Good evening board president Desawyers, school board members Dr. McGary and everyone joining us both in person and at home. My name is Mark Comfort and I
002have the honor and privilege of being the principal at Wester Park Elementary School. Westward Park is located in the West Park section of Upper Derby Township, serving families from both Clifton Heights and Westwork Park. We are a kindergarten through fifth grade school and proudly support students in the district's K to5 multiple disability support program as well as fourth and fifth grade students in autistic support. Tonight, we're excited to share some special things. The transf transformation of our building. Over the summer, Wester Park underwent a number of muchneeded renovations that have greatly improved the learning environment for our students and staff. >> Good evening, everyone. I'm Cameron Bush, assistant principal at Westbrook Park. The renovations completed last summer included new ceiling tiles, freshly painted classrooms, upgraded lighting throughout the entire building to improve visibility and energy
003efficiency, new HVAC in the K, fourth, and fifth grade hallway along with the library, new ceiling fans in the non-air conditioned parts of the building, upgraded light switches, new matching desks and chairs. These changes have not only improved the physical appearance of our school, but have had a positive impact on the overall morale of our students and staff. The learning environment feels refreshed, safer, and more modern, reflecting the pride we all have in being part of the Westbrook Park community. Thank you to the board of school directors, the district facilities team, and the entire administration for investing in our students and their future. Finally, thank you to our amazing staff, students, and families for your flexibility and support during the transition. We're proud to call this renovated space our home. West Park was built in
004the 50s, so it's old older. The classrooms, the actual classrooms probably haven't been repainted in a number of years, decades even. >> I've been here over 30 years, and I think my room is painted one time in my time here. >> I think the paint was kind of chipping. The coloring of the walls was like the old red and tan colors. >> Desks that had been here since I think some people that are now parents have been here. >> Desks that were short, desks that were tall, desks that were all different shapes and sizes. They had a lot of pencil marks on them >> and it matched the decor and the lights may have been changed out one time. >> The ceiling fans were old. A lot of them didn't work. A lot of the
005classrooms were missing ceiling tiles. I think some of the ceiling was broken. >> We were in a meeting and I got told that Westwood Park was going to be shut down cuz we were doing renovations. Ceilings, lights, fans, and HVAC for the the back half of the school, fourth, fifth grade, kindergarten, and for the library. When I told the staff about it, people were obviously happy but also surprised cuz there have been people there that have worked here for a while and there hasn't been uh as many projects done um as you would kind of like. >> We had to pack up our rooms um fully which honestly it wasn't that bad. We were able to get a lot of help which was nice and and some time. >> District gave everyone boxes which they
006were able to put their stuff in. When we had talked about what the process was going to be it was that pretty quickly there was going to be turnaround and stuff was going to get moved and pieces were going to happen. And you know, you hear that sometimes and you think, "Okay, but we have time. We have time." Teachers left and 2 days later, uh, companies were in, ceiling was down like immediately and not just the hallway, but also the classrooms, tracks. You would just see open ceiling with just the track and then the track work started coming down and they were taking dumpsters of of material out and it was very impressive. >> I didn't really know what to expect. I I was hopeful that it would look refreshed and when I came back,
007it did. When we came back, I was definitely surprised by how I didn't know how much of a difference those changes would make and you don't really think that paint will make that much of a difference, but or the lights or the ceiling tiles, but all of that made such a big difference and it really made the school brighter and and look a lot more welcoming. When we when we got here this summer, the kids were very excited. They definitely noticed right away. >> I was shocked when I thought that everything looked different. >> Everything just looks cleaner. >> There was new deck, new stairs, new ceiling, and new walls. When people walked through the front door, when they saw the cafeteria repainted with new ceilings and new lights, when you saw the library, the
008library looks fantastic. >> All the walls are painted and bright. The stripes across the top and here look fabulous. I think the hallways look so nice now with the paint um with the lights. The ceiling tiles are brand new. They look nice. The lights are new. We have new ceiling fans that work. The classrooms have new desks and chairs, which is nice because they all match now. So, we have a classroom that has all the same desk and all the same chair. During the summer, the electricians came through and they redid light switches. So, an old light switch to now a panel switch that goes up and down. >> I know that doesn't sound big, but in my room, being able to turn the fans on and the lights off was a big deal. So,
009you can put the lights on without the fans or the fans on without the light. >> And it seems like the smallest thing in the world, but for teachers, that was a a big win for for a number of the staff. >> Now, the whole wing has AC. Summer and spring be hot inside. It would be like so hot. But now we have air conditioner. we it'll be like more colder in the room so it won't be more hot. >> When you walk through Wester Park Halls, there is a red strip against the walls and then there is the the kind of tan cream color in the middle and right it looked great when our colors were red and white. Uh we haven't been red and white for a long time. when we come back
010next year, just the new flooring, having purple floors that match the walls that match, you know, the the our purple and gold throughout the district. It's going to be such a facelift with that and the work that was done last summer. >> I've been working here for a couple years, and this was definitely the most work we've gotten done at Westbrook. So, I was really excited to kind of get all these updates and and be have be able to have a school that the kids could be proud of. The kids have a better environment in their classrooms, so they feel comfortable being at school. And I really like it here like it's my own home. >> You feel like you're going to learn a lot from this school. >> Keep the renovations coming because it
011really makes a big difference. I think the kids feel it. We feel it, the parents see it, and we really appreciate it. So, whoever's behind all of it, we say thank you. Let's report clues. >> Thank you to Jason Taylor for his help putting the video together. Um, also thank you to the board, Dr. McGary, Mr. Mr. Tim Leaf, Mr. Chris Rosider for the renovations, improvements that we've had and the work that we'll have this summer with getting new floors throughout the entire school. Um, we would also like to wish Mr. Leaf the best in retirement. He will be greatly missed. Um, just to finish it off, just it's such a renovation. Uh, such so nice to have renovations that have happened. Um, this is my 20some year in the district, 9inth at Westport Park.
012most amount of work we've had done and it has been amazing to see that first day of school when kids come in and see what happens and how much they've loved it. So, thank you very much for supporting Westport Park and our students. >> The final item on the work session agenda is a presentation by Drax Hill Middle School principal Jill Paladino titled DHMS musical program. Good evening, Superintendent McGarry, board president Desawyers, Vice President Murphy Moresy, board members, central administration, staff, students, and community members. My name is Jill Paladino, and I want to thank you for inviting me this evening to highlight the Drexel Hill Middle School theater program, specifically our most recent production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. As I enter my third year at Drexel Hill Middle School, I continue to be
013thoroughly impressed by the exceptional work of the theater department. In preparation for tonight's presentation, I felt it was only fitting to share this talented and dedicated team with you. This year, 72 students in grades 6 through 8, ranging in all abilities, brought this to the stage a tale as old as time, bringing the audience to tears with their beautiful voices, proving that beauty is found within. Please enjoy our video. >> Tech week. Tech week. Tech week. Tech week. Tech week actually started today. Tech week is the week where we stay later to work with lights and sound. >> It's all the bells and whistles. It's mics, sound effects, visual effects, lighting, costumes, hair and makeup, everything. >> Usually like the rehearsals are really, really long. Basically, every day we're running the shows top from bottom
014to make sure it's perfect. >> And then we do it all together the next day. Keep running, running, running, locking in, getting ready just to do everything right. >> It's the first time of the kids seeing how the show really progresses, how the stage is going to be set, how it looks with the lights and the costumes. You get to see the final picture without people being here. The shows are literally like next Friday, >> next Thursday, Friday, Saturday. It's a different feeling that it's actually on the stage for an audience. The kids could tell right away coming from the music room rehearsing to coming out on stage that this is a big space. The kids were so used to how they sounded in choir room, right? They're used to that kind of sound. And
015when we bring them out to the stage, they're like, "Oh, this is actually a show. We're not just sitting down and, you know, singing songs just to sing songs from a show." >> They get so excited. The first time we showed them their costumes. They could not wait to put them on. >> As soon as I stepped into this costume, I'm like, "Wow, it's like really happening." I grew up on Beauty and the Beast. It's my favorite movie. So, seeing like from the cartoon, I'm like, "Wow, it's crazy being in this and seeing everybody in their costumes." the advantages of playing pretend. Sometimes you put on a costume and you and you carry a pitchfork, some something just happens. Once we got things like lighting and mics and our sets almost like finished, they're starting
016to see kind of uh the big picture here and a lot of kids are really really excited. the addition of set pieces. The more pieces we get handed to us, the more comfortable the tech crew is able to run in on and off stage and then the cast gets what needs to be where so that they really understand the spacing as well as the timing of everything. >> The kids, they just want to go in and do the numbers, which I love. I love that. But it's also like, no, we need the time to get things set and for you to actually get on stage and then do the numbers. >> We're good to go. transition into Gaston. Here we go. >> There's a move from Belle's bedroom into uh the tavern and it's a
017giant move like everything comes off and all new stuff comes on. >> It's about knowing the cues of like when they should be prepared to get on and off stage and doing the dance itself is just the really fun part. It was really interesting to see how everything gets put together on stage with the blocking and the music and it's really satisfying to see it all come together. >> Part of the tech week is just getting all those cues down. I play four different roles. I'm a silly girl, a napkin, a plate, and a wolf. I'm going from this classroom to this costume. And sometimes I have to keep costumes under costumes cuz I have to take it off right after and go on stage seconds later. There's a ton of excitement and rushing all
018the time. I have like five people with like the petticoat. Um, take this zipper that, put this over top of me, put this bow in and all that. The costume crew is very good with punctuality and like getting everybody on stage at the time that they need to be. >> We also had some awesome castmates that also stepped up that they saw, oh, we have costume girls that are struggling or we need another hand here. I'm just going to go do it. They learn and see how much goes into it and I love seeing when they step up. One of our student lighting directors, Gwen, she's incredible. >> I wanted to help out with the musical, but I didn't have singing or dancing ability, so uh I decided to do crew and I thought lights
019sounded neat. >> Last year was the first year we got the new board and we're all trying to figure things out. >> She completely learned how to operate the lighting board herself. I just kind of figured things out. Select like the thing you want over here and it's it's not that hard. We had the most vague descriptions. We said light coming in, stained glass, and we got this amazing feature of lights just fading in and out, changing colors, fading back in and out. It was incredible. >> I'm even looking here. I'm like, how how do you do this? Like, give me give me give me some pointers cuz I want to be able to do the thing you're doing. >> This is like the first time I've ever felt cool, you know? Like, I actually
020have something that I'm good at. Willow, will you please gather the remaining cast and tell them I'm running a short vocal warm-up. Thank you. Two, a one, two, ready. Zumba, zooma, zoom, >> zooma, zooma, zoom. >> If you have not been checked for mics, please come stand on the front. Everyone else, spots for opening of prologue and bell. Let's go. >> Most nervous about all of the microphone switches and everyone making sure their microphone is actually on at the right time. >> All right, can you count 1 to 20 for me? Nice and slow. >> 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. >> We just started with mics I think about 2 weeks ago, but it's almost like who's supposed to be miked when and checking volumes. I kind of just work on the
021keeping everyone like having their voices shown. I just work on the microphones basically. It's my first time learning all this and honestly it's real fun once you get to know how to do this stuff. It's really fun. >> A musical is not a musical without great sound on a stage. And they knew it when they sounded good. And so seeing those smiles and realizing we finished and it sounded like that is always my favorite. >> In out in out in >> this week has just kind of been like runthroughs perfecting everything and we're just going to try and keep doing it until we get it pretty right. This probably I think this is our last time doing this whole thing. This time we have to let them fall and figure it out. Whether it's actually
022falling on the ground and realizing, "Oh, I did not do that step right or forgetting their line and having to figure out how to move forward." It's live theater. A lot can go wrong. >> Even if you mess up, the show must go on. >> I'm just excited for the kids to really feel the energy from the first audience because that is what truly makes them believe finally this is the show. I am very excited for when the show finally premieres. >> I want it to start now. >> Start start. >> Tonight we are here for the premiere show of Beauty and the Beast Jr. presented by Drexel Hill Middle School. >> It's currently opening nights of Beauty and the Beast Jr. We are very, very excited. >> This is going to be like every
023single family and person that has seen The Flies. He said like 75% of every show was filled. Like almost sold out. So it's like scary. I'm a little nervous, but I'm also really excited for my friends to see it. >> Our students have worked so hard since November to make this a wonderful show. >> They're doing way better. They're really good in character. They know their steps. They went over their steps. We're good. >> They're ready. We're ready. It's going to be a fantastic set of shows. >> Showtime's like my favorite time ever. Getting together with my friends. It's really exciting. I love doing this. and proud that I chose to do this and that I stuck it through cuz I'm really bad at not sticking things through. But these kids have such a passion,
024it made me want to have a passion, too. >> We could not have picked a better cast of folks to be in the show this year and they've really given it everything they have. It's going to be something that these kids are going to look back like that was really cool what we did. >> The show is about to start in like a few seconds. So, can I just say something for all the for all the young people out there who want to be in shows is that no matter what you think you're going to get or matter what part you get, like always go to auditions, always stick with the part you have. Because at first, I thought, "Oh, I'm not going to have any fun in the show. I'm not going to have
025any fun with my part." But look where I am now. I'm having so much fun. As a special thank you to our school board members for our new and vastly improved theater that our performers deserve, we have small tokens of appreciation for you. So, each of the board members tonight will receive this signature beauty and the beast rose and our student design production shirt which our um Miss Pots and Belle and Silly Girl will hand out for you at this time. We hope that you can join us for next year's production, which is still a secret I wasn't allowed to share because the kids are going to be here, but I do know what it is. And pending approval tonight, please follow us on social media at dhms.the. theater. Thank you. >> The regular in-person
026and virtual meeting of the Upper Derby School District Board of School Directors will please come to order. There was a closed session on April 25th, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:57 p.m. and on April 29th, 2025 from 8:03 p.m. to 8:38 p.m. for real estate matters. and this evening from 5:30 p.m. until 7:20 p.m. for matters to be discussed within the limitation for closed deliberations as prescribed by Pennsylvania Act 93 of 1998. For this evening's meeting, there were personnel and litigation matters. Before I ask the board secretary to take role, uh I should note that I have communicated with uh board member Hussein who has uh informed me that he is unwell. As a result, board member Hussein is excused from tonight's meeting. In addition, I've communicated with board member Glenn, who is prevented from
027attending tonight's meeting due to necess due to a necessary absence from the district. As a result, board member Glenn is excused from tonight's meeting. Roll call. Board secretary, Mr. Rogers, please. >> Miss Britney Williams, >> present. >> Miss Ko, >> present. >> Miss Deborah Williams, >> present. >> Mr. Hussein, >> present. >> Mr. Fields, >> present. >> Mr. Wars Savage, >> present. and I can hear the proceedings. >> Miss Murphy Morrisy >> present. >> Mr. Desires >> present. The district posted this evening's agenda board docs at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of this meeting. Is there a motion to approve that previously posted agenda? >> So move. >> Second. >> Are there any amendments to offer? There are no amendments. >> The agenda has been moved and seconded. All those in favor, please
028say I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please signify by saying, "I oppose." Those abstaining, please signify by saying, "I abstain." Motion carried. The minutes of the combined work session regular meeting of April 8th and the voting meeting of April 29th, 2025 are in the hands of each board member and have been made available to the public. I move for their adoption. >> Second. Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. >> Motion carried. The report of the secretary, director Murphy Moresy. The >> report of the secretary is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption.
029>> Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. The report of the treasurer, director Brittney Williams. >> The report of the treasure is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for adoption. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. We will now have the report of the student representatives, Tasnim Yasmine, and Timothy Beiju. >> Good evening, board
030president Desers, Vice President Murphy Moresy, members of the board, Dr. McGary, and members of our Upper Derby School District community. This month, Tim and I had the pleasure of visiting our last elementary school, Hillrest Elementary School. Hillrest had its hallways redone recently and the classrooms are next. Hillrest is getting all new floors this summer that will match the bright, clean look of the hallways. It's a major upgrade that will tie everything together and make the building feel even more unified and refreshed with the UD spirit. Last Thursday, Hillrest held its kindness campaign night, bringing together staff, family, and students. They celebrated the values Hillrest instills in their students, kindness, respect, and community. Students can earn tickets from their peers or teachers for acts of kindness during random acts of kindness month. Some teachers have dedicated
031days to writing and delivering kindness notes, while others have fun organized activities, such as students visiting different grade levels to spread positivity. There's even a large calendar displayed in the hallway to track the progress of rack month. >> These efforts are all tied into the PBIS system, which helps recognize and reward students for their positive behavior. The event flowed right into their home and school meeting, giving families who may not normally attend a chance to see just how welcoming and important these gatherings are. Whether it's school dances or evening events, the teachers are there, not because they have to be, but because they care. Mrs. Campbell's leadership truly sets the tone for Hillrest. During her interview, it was clear how passionate she is about the students and staff. She knows her school inside and out
032and puts her heart into everything she does, making every student feel safe and seen. The staff follows her lead, showing the same level of commitment and care. Hillrest thrives thanks to a team that generally loves what they do. >> As we approach the end of the school year, we also approach the end of the fifth graders elementary school journey. This year's fifth grade class has been noted as a very mature group of students excited for what's to come. After visiting Drexel Hill Middle School, the students returned with the energy and enthusiasm. They asked thoughtful questions during their visit and made a great impression with Drexel staff commenting on their engagement and politeness. Of course, they'll miss Hellcrest. This has been their home for so long, but it's clear that they're ready to flourish in the
033next chapter of their lives. Transportation this year has shown improvement compared to last, but it's still a challenge. However, Hillrest has managed with care and compassion. When students are not picked up at the bus stop or no one is home, they are always returned to the safest place. No matter how long it takes, Hillrest staff makes sure every student gets home safely. The school works closely with families and transportation services to do what's best for the students. While there's always room for improvement, the commitment to student safety and well-being is crystal clear, even if that means staying until 5:00 p.m. to ensure every child is accounted for. >> Hillrest stands out because of its heart. Even through changes in leadership over the years, Hillrest has remained grounded on its core values: stability, community, and growth.
034The staff here is a tr is truly a family. They consistently go above and beyond, not because they have to, but because they believe in the students, each other, and the Hillrest mission. Whether painting the building, helping with dances, or jumping into creating a music video with the kids, even if they can't sing, Hillrest teachers show up every single time. Their collaboration, relationships, and leadership as a team are what give the school its soul. >> That's all for this month's meeting. Thank you members of the board and our wonderful community for your time. Have a great evening. TNT >> out. >> Taz and Tim, thank you for an excellent report. >> The budgeted personnel and enrollment reports have been made available to the board and the public and are recorded as part of the record.
035No vote is required. We will now have the report of the superintendent, Dr. Daniel McGary. >> Okay. I know you're not all here to hear about the budget update or to to hear the rest of the board meeting. So, uh I wish that you were, but we're excited to recognize you every single month. And thank you for braving uh the weather tonight. Want to start off my comments by recognizing uh Mr. Comfort, Principal Comfort at Westburgh Park, Cameron Bush, the assistant principal, Jill Palino, and your team and the teachers that are there. Thanks for highlighting the work and the improvements. I think it shows pride in our schools that we put the effort to make those changes take place. Um it means a lot that you highlighted that and to the kids and the staff
036in both of those buildings. Amazing job. A awesome stuff. Beauty and the Beast is uh definitely a personal fave. So uh great job and great work there. And um we talked last week uh about a teacher who was retiring um Mr. Corey who was at Drexel Hill Middle School. He absolutely actually had the opportunity to put some of the pipes in the ceiling at West Park this summer. um he's transitioning into that next career. So, pretty cool. Small world. Uh thank you for all your efforts to to make that happen. I appreciate it. So, I'll try to go through this as quickly as I can, but I do want to be honest that my report tonight is at least 16 pages long. Uh because we have 128 students that have done amazing amazing work here
037in the school district. So, if you can be patient as we get through this, those who were there when we call you up, if you are here, if you can come up and stand in the front, the president, the vice president of the board will come down. We'll wait until we call all their names and I'll say okay. We can snap a picture and applaud for everybody. I'll try to go as quickly as I can. But I want to make sure we celebrate the success that takes place in this district in our classrooms and outside of our classrooms. And that's a compliment to you, our parents who trust us to send kids to our schools, uh, and to the teachers and the staff that put all the time and effort into our kids, coaches, teachers,
038everybody that's involved. And then I'll do a quick update on the the budget and the state budget and the federal budget. And hopefully you can do something for me about that when you leave here tonight, too. Deal? Sound good? All right, we'll start off with track and field coaches association of Greater Philadelphia meet of champions. New school record, Joshua Sharp. I don't know if Josh is here. Josh, >> so Josh, as I understand it, this isn't your first time doing very well. Well, it's your second time doing very very well, but you bested your first time. So, as I understand it, you play second at the Pennsylvania State Indoor Track and Field Championship in the 800 meters um and the Field and Coaches Association Greater Philadelphia Meet of Champions with a little bit over 1
039minute and 51 seconds. Is that true, Josh? You think you could do better than that? All right, that's pretty good. So, you broke your own record. You also broke the 400 meter outdoor record with a time of 47.83 seconds. That's pretty fast. Really fast. Can you beat that next year, do you think? >> All right, you got me. All right, you got you. The record had stood since 2015. Josh also placed seventh in the Nike Indoor Nationals for the 800 meters. >> Good job, Josh. Here we go. Moving along. Triple jump winner track. P Pennsylvania State Indoor Track Field Championship. All right, there's 21 individuals. >> Pretty successful. You ready? Our change, Gabriel Muise Tua Zhao of Upper Arby High School for placing ninth in the Pennsylvania State Indoor Track and Field Championship. If you're
040here for the triple jump. So, so hold on. We have some more. We're failing the the rules, but we'll keep going. >> I said 21, but here we go. Felicia Morris of Ruby High School for placing 18th Pennsylvania indoor track triple jump. Jana. All right, we're going to break the rules. Go ahead. Jan Jana Haye of Upper Derby High School for placing 12th uh triple jump indoor triple jump high hurdles. Daniel Chukqua, Upper Derby High School, 10th place indoor track and field championship meet 60 meters high hurdles. We're going to clap again, so don't feel don't feel slighted. Abdullahi Sangra of Upper High School for placing 14th in the Pennsylvania State Indoor Track Championship 60 meters high hurdles. Again, our change Gabriel Muise Tiwat Sao for 60 meters high hurdles 2425. Congratulations 14th place. Gabrielle
041or Gabriel Olani for 14th place. 60 meters high eye high hurdles indoor 2425. We we have we have some more pages here. Pretty awesome. The new tracks are paying off it looks like. >> Daniel Chukqua of Upper Arby High School, eighth place, Pennsylvania indoor track and field 4x400 relay. Joshua Sharp, eighth place, 4x400 relay. Josh, you are pretty fast. It looks like it's confirmed the clocks were not in your favor at that one event. It looks like it's consistent. Kareem Good 4x400 eighth place and David Benda 4x400 eighth place for the 4x400 team. Congratulations. So, let's get we'll get your picture and then we'll move on to the 4x two. Let's do that. on to the 4x200 relay. Uh, the girls track and field experienced their best team time in 10 years. A little over
042one minute and 45 seconds. Pretty pretty pretty pretty uh pretty amazing, right? Best time in 10 years. Leila Middleton, congratulations to Leila Middleton, Taj Pal, Katie Goldeni, and Oia Lauderdale and Alyssa Joseph for the 4x200 best time in 10 years. I don't know if they're all here or not. No. Sounds like the boys also did just as well in the 4x200. Um so Michael Olani, Josiah Gray, Abdullah Sangri uh for the 4x200 they placed in 17th place as well as um Jordan Porter and Gabrielle Gabriel Olani as well. So congratulations So now I believe we are at the shuttle hurdle relay winter track Nike indoor track and field nationals. 16 students. Daniel Chukua upper Darby High School for third place Nike indoor track and field shuttle relay. Abduli Sangre again third in Nike indoor track
043field national shuttle hurdle relay. our change, Gabriel Muise Tiwa Zhao again uh 14th place uh for the shuttle hurdle relay and Gabri Gabriel Oolani again third place Nike indoor field nationals shuttle hurdle relay. Congratulations to you guys again. So now on the Nike indoor track uh nationals for the 4x200 relay finishing in fifth place uh 15th place the four individuals again a minute 31 seconds which is again pretty fast Daniel Chuka Joshua Sharp Kareem Good and Abdulai Sangre again. 4x200 again. Same competition. Uh, girls, uh, 14th place in a minute and 45 seconds. A little bit over a minute 45. Leila Middleton, Tai Pal, Katie Goldeni, Oia Lauderdale. Again, I don't think that they're here, but congratulations to all of them. And then also in the 4x400 relay, uh similar outstanding athletes, uh they they
044run multiple events clearly under great toutelage. Uh Katie Goldbimuski, this is a 4x400 relay, four minutes, a little bit over four minutes and 6 seconds. Leila Middleton, Taj Pal, and Alyssa Joseph. They finished in 19th place. That's that's a pretty awesome accomplishment. I'm going to take a quick pause in between the great athletes and jump into some academic just to give us a quick break from all the outstand. We'll get back to the athletes in a second, but I know that um her mom does a lot of work for the township and they're here in the audience. Uh we're going to proudly present a certificate to Sabrina Goladi of the Upper High School for placing second in the 25 Central League writing competition, which is awesome, awesome work. Back to sports. Not sure I see
045this individual in here maybe hiding in the back of the room. But Central League, 14 folks from the high school have been recognized as either being some part of the all central league. Wrestling Nathan O'Donnell Upper Darby High School for 145 pounds. Um made all central for the upper army school district. I don't know if Nate is here. Um Amnir Amir Singh for 170 pounds Lucas Sanka famous name it is true related to Sankal it was the Senko elementary school was named after a board member at one time so that's a grandson or a great grandson might be a great might be a great grandson and Zire Robinson so Lucas Sanka 152 pounds Zier Robinson 160 pounds so that's four individuals from the wrestling team being recognized as all central congratulations to those wrestlers We
046have two cheerleaders being recognized. Tyier Justice and Jada Allen McMillan um for being selected as all central second team honorable mention um and one being Tara Justice uh all central second league cheerleading. So one's honorable mention and one is second team. Congratulations to our cheerleaders as well. Mia Wilson, Upper Derby High School for being selected to the All Central first team as an honorable mention for girls basketball 24-25 school year. And Upper Derby High School, this is a huge accomplishment. We take a lot of pride in this. Upper Derby High School's girls basketball team was selected for the all central league first team sportsmanship award for the 24-25 school year. So, congratulations to those coaches. On the on the uh boys basketball side, uh Tah Tail Murray, Upper Arby High School selected all central first
047team honorable mention for the boys basketball team. So congratulate congratulations to Til. And the high school basketball team was also the boys basketball team was also equally recognized for the sportsmanship award for the 2425 school years. So congratulations. Several award-winning swimmers and divers from the high school. Ryan Sang, Upper Derby High School, all central honorable mention for swimming and diving for 2425 school year. So, congratulations. Timothy Daly, Upper Derby High School selected all central honorable mention for swimming and diving for the 24-25 school year. Kaylee Young Bloodood, honorable mention for swimming uh and diving as well. And Kayla Ward. So, four swimmers and divers from Upper High School recognized as all central gonna get back to the classroom. We were out of the classroom. We're back in the classroom. 15 Delaware County Science Fair award
048winners. Each year between 900 and 1,000 students in grades 6th through 12th grade participate in southern in Pennsylvania, southern Jersey, and Delaware in the Delaware Valley Science Fair known as the DVSF. It's uh take the top high school winners to the Regeneron Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair competition comes up this month to compete for more than $4 million in scholarships and awards. Top middle school winners go on to the Thermo Fiser Junior Innovations Ch in Innovators Challenge which is involving math, applied science, technology, engineering, and rising stars. It's a national competition. The students are involved in sophisticated research projects that focus on STEM with 13 different topics, team projects, and for sixth and eighth graders, consumer science. We had 13 entries and 13 winners, including four best of category awards. All of these students
049qualified to go on to the extremely competitive Delaware Science Fair. So, here we go. Pretty cool titles here. Nasifa Ara uh in the 10th grade division. The title of the project for behavioral science was these are always amazing and they deserve full attention. The impact of puzzle solving on memory retention and concentration a study of cognitive enhancement. So congratulations to Niva Lily Clark. First place 11th grade division title, the impact of caffeine on brain wave frequencies and cognitive performance. Pretty cool. Congratulations to Lily Gerlovalene Cower, Upper Derby High School, 9th grade first place project titled The Effect of Music on Memory Retention. So congratulations. Yep. Ni no of UpperW High School. First place uh Delaware County Science and Engineering Fair 10th grade division for a chemistry project titled varying hydrogel beads by acidity. Not saying
050that one fast again. Pretty pretty cool project though. Safilin Selma, Upper Derby High School, 9inth grade, first place. Investigating correlation of size and age and age of Martian craters, ninth grade. Congratulations for that success. This individual I know pretty well. He'll be speaking Friday uh at the legislative breakfast at the county. Uh has an unbelievable interest in artificial intelligence. But Kandakar Maheen Upper Derby High School 11th grade division earth space and science project title title utilizing time series and machine learning for El Nino southern oscillation forecasting a comparative study on the effectiveness of numerical weather prediction models. I'm looking I'm looking at Miss Berling. We prepared with um uh Kandakar. He also was a national honor brilliant uh presentation award winner. We recognized him just a few weeks ago. Just a superstar student. Uh really
051I think you said one of the smartest students you've ever had. So congratulations there. Keeps keep showing off. Ifar Torano, Upper Derby High School, 11th grade first place. The title is detecting solar flares within low mass stars using machine learning. Congratulations to Toronto. David Moore, Upper Abby High School, 9th grade, second place. The effect of substrate on earthquake induced liqufification. Wow. Congratulations to David. Moab Sami um Upper Dari High School 10th grade. Sign AI, a visual linguistic framework for real time American Sign Language interpretation. Pretty cool project. Congratulations to Muhammad. Muhammad Air, ninth grade. Uh, second place title. Do black or white shade balls better prevent evaporation from a reservoir? Pretty cool. Pretty cool project. Congratulations. Alan Lou, second place, 11th grade. carbon sequestration through tire rubberbased composite carbon that that you have to know
052really study the word sequestration to understand what the what the carbon and the rubber are doing in that project. So congratulations to to Allen on that. Nicholas Fitzpatrick first place 11th grade using Snell's law to test combination of factors affecting the refractive index of differing mediums. Congratulations to Nicholas Vam. First place, 11th grade. Title of the project, the effect of temperature on um coagulation of milk using bromelene. Congratulations. Oh, we have somebody here. Awesome. Kira Santos first place 11th grade. Um I'm sorry we already did that one. I don't know if Kira was here or not but Gen Ra first place 11th grade. The effect of temperature on coagulation of milk using bromelain as well. So congratulations. Anybody else here that wants to step up? No, we're good. Okay. Southeastern P Pennsylvania National Day competition.
053Four winners. Some of these individuals also come and and to the to the administration building on Friday mornings to let me know what to do. The first one in particular has been an award winner for a long time. Awesome kid Chloe Thompson up at Arby High School in recognition of earning first place in the 2025 Southeastern PA National History Day competition uh in the senior individual website division. So congratulations to Kloe. I don't see Khloe in the room. Um so congratulations Owen Inis, second place, same competition uh in the senior individual exhibitition uh division. Katrina Edmonson um Upper Derby High School honorable mention PA National History Day competition. Is Katrina here? Congratulations to Katrina. Yep. Mutasir Nabil also honorable mention same competition Upper Derby High School senior group exhibit division. Congratulations to all four of
054those talented students. We also have an award winner in the 14th annual Widner University High School Leadership Award. Um V Ba Lamb of Upper Derby High School in recognition of being selected as the scholarship recipient in the 14th annual Widner University High School Leadership Award. This year there were 134 regional students and 15 of them from Delaware County and 14 from Chester County. each received $20,000, a $20,000 Widner University scholarship based on their outstanding civic contributions and leadership within their schools and communities. So, congratulations for what you've done. Thank you. Pennsylvania Music Association, PMEA, 35 winners. 35 winners. So, just congratulations to our middle school and elementary school musicians, the teachers, the parents, the time, the practice that goes into it. Uh, the event was the PMA fifth and sixth grade string fest, the fifth
055and sixth grade band fest, and seventh and eighth grade string fest. Um, just congratulations to the hours of time that went into this. Here's who we're going to recognize first. Emily Fishbach. She made the state orchestra on violin. So, congratulations to Emily. That gentleman that joined us is Salinto, supervisor of uh art uh theater and the humanities here in the school district of music. So, thanks S for jumping in. All right, seventh and eighth grade stringfest. Reneer Baldwell, Ranvir Baldwell, Nikki Trung, Lucas Lynn, Olivia Florent, uh Florentino Wong, Clifton Langston, Ulissiz Liiliguan Vargas, and Leo Exstead. If they're here, come on up and uh get your congratulations. So, while we have them, we'll run through the the other fifth and sixth graders that are involved, too, because the Exad family is very talented. Lulu, I
056don't know if Lulu Exad is here. So, Lulu, congratulations. Camilo Hersbag, Connor Thong, Helen Yo, Elizabeth Omislu, Connor Mcnoli, Fia Camu, Sya Pratt, Noah Hatton, Cade Wilson, William Epoch, if you're here, come on up. Fifth, fifth and sixth grade, those were from Drexel Hill. We're moving on to Westbrook Park. Fifth and sixth grade Bandfest. Emmelio Samson, Kannavi Richardson, Margaret Nesboli, Abraham Kugazu, Payton Anderson, Skyler Declaro, Colleen Cohen, Kyra Thompson, Mark Nuen, uh, this is from Beverly Hills. Mark Duen from Drexel Hill, Beverly Troy from Drexel Hill, Casiah Mach from Drexel Hill, Josiah Wasui, and from Drexel Hill, Logan Lang. I do see a music teacher from West Park in the room, Mr. Culp. You got it. And then from Garford, Zoe Hoffman, Isabella Summer, and Esther Tabar. If you're here, congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. Thank
057you. We also have students that were involved in the Delaware County Honors Band, 22 of them. The following seventh and eighth graders were invited to audition for the Delaware County Honors Band and elite auditiononly ensemble at the county level. Earning a spot is highly highly competitive. Again, compliments to the teachers and the team that are involved. Uh the mu the members spent three rehearsals working with different band directors on various pieces of music. Drexel Hill Middle School members. Uma Bar, Leo Exstead, Brendan Kramer, Joseph Murk, Jeffrey Louu, Ulissiz Lilliguan Vargas, Griffin May, and Graham Macintosh. That's from Drexel Hill Middle School. So, hold on. Let's go to Beverly Hills. Harliv Singh, Mary Kruba, Mayank Baines, Navenina Allen, Hugh Nuen, Kevin Chan, Corey Taylor, Lucas Lynn, Nurau, Bis Wangri, Nicholas Dunley, Nikki Trung, NewsHot Sarah, Olivia
058Florentino Wong, and Ranvir Bodwall. Congratulations to both Drexel Hill and Beverly Beverly Hills for that outstanding accomplishment. So board president Desawyers and Vice President Murphy Marsy, just one more for the student. 8th annual National Community Service Award. Tashkara Afifa is being recognized by the champions change 25 24-25 national community service award. The national community service award connects student service activity and impact on the global goals of sustainable development which this year involves students working toward a world of zero hunger and zero waste. Tashkara's efforts contributed to the advancement of global goals demonstrating how young change makers can shape a better future for all. Her dedication exemplifies a spirit of leadership, compassion, and civic responsibility. Congratulations Tashkira Afifa for the 8th annual National Community Service Award. Congratulations to her. So you guys are are now free
059to sit down. No more honoring of students. I'll go through unfortunately I was hoping people would stick around to hear this important stuff but very quickly I'll just go through as a reminder we're processing through um our finance and budget uh for the upcoming 25 uh 26 school year. Um all that you see that took place tonight, all the work, all the effort, all the communication, it comes from the funding of the state and federal government. We need the teachers that we need in the school district. We need the staff, the administrators. Without state and federal funding, we can't pull off these programs. And so going into next school year, we're doing everything we can to keep all the programs in place to do nothing to take away take away from the content, the teachers
060that deliver the content, and the students in our classrooms. I know tonight was a lot, but intentionally, the most important thing we do in this district is work with kids. and it's important that we highlight those accomplishments and recognize the work of our families and our teachers. So, in our budget this year, we're doing everything we can to keep all the programs in place. Uh, I do want to let you know that I've met with state reps. Curry and have had conversations with state rep. Boyd. Both of them are advocating for funding at a state level. We are concerned about federal dollars. So, please get involved, advocate, reach out to state reps, let them know that you care about funding of public education. Um, I I'm also I also know that Senator Carney is someone
061who supports and a strong supporter of public education. We have to adopt our budget by June 30th. So, please stay tuned. We're doing our best to have the most limited impact on taxpayers while maintaining all the programs in the school district. Board President Desers, I want to thank you and the board of school directors, our staff, our students and families for your patience and engagement. We will continue to do our best to support the needs of the entire community. This concludes my report for this evening. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Dr. McGary. We will now have an update on the April 29th, 2025 Education and People Services Committee meeting. Uh, Miss Britney Williams will read the summary. A detailed summary of the meeting, including public comments, can be found on board docs. So
062on April 29th, 2025, there was one agenda item that night, which was policies um that does require board action. Um policy 8:15, acceptable use of internet, computers, and network resources. There were no public comments that night. Uh that concludes the review. >> Thank you very much. We will now have an update on the April 29th, 2025 Finance and Operations Committee meeting. Director Murphy Moresy will read the summary. A detailed summary of the meeting, including public comments, can be found on board docs. >> Thank you. On Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, at 6 p.m., there was a finance and operations committee meeting. There were three agenda items. Summer 2025 project update, which wasformational. Um, the district administrator administration provided an overview of major facilities projects scheduled for 2025 and other building updates. Um item two, the 2025
063bond issuance update, which was theformational. Both of those areformational. District administration provide an update of the 2025 general obligation bond issuance that settled on April 23rd, 2025. The third and final um um uh update was the 2025 2026 proposed final budget which requires board action and compliance with the act one timeline. Mr. Rogers Mr. Rogers presented the proposed general fund budget. Administration asked the board to consider this budget for approval at the May 13, 2025 board meeting. The final budget presentation will be on June 25th, I'm sorry, June 17th, 2025, which is which will incorporate any legislative and or internal changes. Um, there were no public comments. >> Thank you very much, Director Murphy Morrisy. The instruction and curriculum report. Director Hussein. Uh the instruction and curriculum report is in the hands of each board
064members and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption. >> Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. I. I >> I >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. >> Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. >> The the personnel report, director PSentini Ko. >> The personnel report is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption. Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? >> Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. The policy
065report. Second reading. Director War Savage. >> Thank you very much, President Dawyers. The policy report is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption. >> Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. The supplies report. Director Fields. >> The supplies report is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption. >> Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in fo All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >>
066Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. >> The the transportation report. Director Fields. Again, >> the transportation report is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption. >> Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? >> All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. the facilities report, the use of facilities report, and the donation report. Uh, in Director Glenn's absence, um, Director Deborah Williams, would you read it? >> Sure. The facilities report, the use of facilities report, and a donation report are in the hands of each board member and have been made
067available to the public. I move for their adoption. >> Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. The food services report. Director Deborah Williams. The food services report is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption. >> Second. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. The finance and budget report, director Deborah Williams. >> Thank you. The finance and budget report
068is in the hands of each board member and has been made available to the public. I move for its adoption. >> Are there any comments from the board? Are there any comments from the public? All those in favor, please say I. I. >> I. I. >> Those opposed, please say I oppose. Those abstaining, please say I abstain. Motion carried. Does anyone have a report on a collateral assignment? We'll we'll start with I think that was Director Deborah Williams. >> I do. Thank you. Uh my report is for the DCIU. Um, I just wanted to remind everyone the legislative breakfast is this Friday, May 16th at 7:30 a.m. Um, so I think everyone has RSVP that's going to attend, but I just wanted to remind you of that. Also, I just have a couple of highlights.
069I won't read the full report. I can send you a copy of that um to your email. Um, but uh the DCIU has approved agreement with Mainline Hospitals to provide some healthc care experiences to the um Delaware County Technical School practicing nursing program. um for students for the next three years. Um DCIU also has an agreement with Riddle uh surgical center to provide some observations to the students in a medical career programs for one year. So I think that's from January to January. Um and then finally I wanted to highlight the approval of a contract with Westchester University for some internship opportunities and that's for their counseling students and also for um some teaching um experiences there. And that concludes my report. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Director Williams. And >> Director Wars
070Savage has indicated virtually that he would like to comment. >> Okay, Director Wars Savage. >> Yes, President Norris. Thank you so much. Uh, just a few things in regards to the Upper Derby Arts and Education Foundation this Saturday at around 9:00 a.m. and Arlington Cemetery will be the Music Man Shainer 5K. Myself and Dr. McGary will be at the starting line to greet all the racers and spirit walkers. We hope to see everyone turn out for that. Also, within the last week or so, tickets have officially gone on sale for all the programming that the Arts and Education Foundation has going on for 2025. All you have to do is go to udfoundation.org for more details. And that ends my report. >> Thank you very much, Director Waravage. Director Pearentini Ko, do you have a
071report on the community college? Thank you. Uh, legislative council director Glenn is not here. Uh, the mendenol Tyson scholarship committee, director Brickney Williams. >> Um, yes, the scholarship committee did meet this past Friday, May 9th. Um, and they announced and approved the 2025 scholarship recipients for this year. Um, and the scholarship award ceremony will take place on May 29th. >> Thank you very much. >> Home and school director Murphy Moresy. >> Thank you. There was a home and school uh districtwide home and school meeting last night. Last night, two nights ago. I forget what day it is today. Um, >> last night. Okay. And the items that were discussed were the nanitorium, um, uh, projects, which we talked about tonight, teacher shortages, practicing skills outside of school to help student achievement, high school schedule was
072came up again, um, cafeteria usage, when students would be able to use the cafeteria. Um, Dr. McGary highlighted that they were considering um, a rewardsbased initiative. Um, the policy regarding Duo multiffactor system of authentication was discussed. disciplinary actions for students who um misuse the dwell um system. Um Dr. McGary reviewed the budget and district advocacy efforts for state budget information and federal budget um federal funds for school districts. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much, Director Murphy Moresy. Uh for PSBA, I can say that uh earlier today I was in Harrisburg for PSBBA's advocacy day. Um I met with several legislators. Um unfortunately, representative um representatives Curry and Boyd, uh the representatives for our district were not available. Uh but I did stop by their offices and uh and leave some materials
073for them. Uh Director Fields, do you have anything for PSBA? Thank you. Uh policy director War Savage, do you have anything? >> Nothing at this time. President, >> thank you. Communication. Uh Director Pentini Ko. >> Um no, just other than the member um the board member email went out yesterday. Thank you very much. And uh Director Hussein, do you have a a report on technology? >> I don't know have anything at this time, any updates? >> Thank you very much. >> Is there any old business from board members? President Disor, I have two quick things. >> Yes, go ahead. >> Sweet. Um, last week I know it was teacher appreciation week and it was awesome to hear how all of our staff was being celebrated in each of our community schools and I personally want
074to thank uh Mr. President as well as Vice President Morsy for including me in celebrating our staffs at the kindergarten center and Highland Park uh specifically. That was just an awesome thing to experience. The second thing that I wanted to mention isn't directly related to my role as a school board member, but the other week I ran into our very own Timothy Beiju at Playhouse Lanes. um I was taking my mom out for bowling and one thing in particular that he says well two things in particular that he said struck me uh were uh the impact that certain board decisions have had on his class in terms of how they view the responsibilities of the board and how we actually do listen and address those concerns. It was gratifying to hear because sometimes uh when
075you're in these roles, sometimes it is a vacuum a little bit and when you do hear those voices from the outside letting you know that you're doing a good job, it's just a really again gratifying thing to hear. So wanted to shout him out for that. Another thing he mentioned that I plan on holding him to is his desire to uh serve the public in some kind of way. And I can tell you, Timmy, I will be here waiting to help you out any way you need. That ends my report. >> Thank you very much, Director War Savage. >> You do, >> Director Murphy Moresy. >> Thank you. I know we already voted on or talked about the personnel report. I just want us to take a moment to um uh have a moment of
076silence and recognize Troy Magcguire who passed away on May 5th. So, if we can just have a moment of silence. Thank you. >> I have one thing I'd like to comment on. >> Go ahead. >> Um, this past weekend was the Upper Derby Arts Festival. It was amazing. There were so many amazing works of art being showed from all of our um, schools and all different grades. It was really, really good. The band was playing. They had different activities. It's every year I've went um since my kids have been in Upper Derby and they have enjoyed it every single May. They look forward to it. So, it's one of our best things we have during the spring for the students. >> Director Murphy Morsy. >> Yes, that reminded me. Also wanted to thank um UDA
077for hosting the um annual award ceremony last week. Lots of people got recognized for their years of service and it was it was a good time to celebrate all the wonderful staff we have around the district. Thank you very much. I uh I concur with that. Okay. Now, moving on. Is there any new business from board members? We are now at the time for the public hearing. We will call on Upper Derby School District residents who signed in to address the board in the order in which they signed in, followed by emailed and phoned comments. We would ask that you come forward, give your name and address, and present your comments in the 3minut time limit. In accordance with policy 903, the time allotted for general comments, both inperson and submitted comments, will not exceed
078one hour. So, my list from the beginning of the meeting is blank. Uh, Miss Buford, are there any submitted comments? >> There are no virtual or phone comments. >> Thank you very much. Is there a motion for the adjournment of the meeting? >> So, move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> I >> We'rejourned.