SB Monthly Update—Dec 2025

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আপনার কি এই পৃষ্ঠাটি অন্য ভাষায় অনুবাদ করা দরকার? ডানদিকে পাওয়া অ্যাক্সেসিবিলিটি বোতামে (স্টিক-ফিগার) ক্লিক করুন এবং আপনার ভাষা নির্বাচন করুন।
کیا آپ کو اس صفحہ کا دوسری زبان میں ترجمہ درکار ہے؟ دائیں جانب موجود ایکسیسبیلٹی بٹن (اسٹک فگر) پر کلک کریں اور اپنی زبان منتخب کریں۔
هل تريد ترجمة هذه الصفحة إلى لغة أخرى؟ انقر فوق زر إمكانية الوصول (stick-figure) الموجود على اليمين وحدد لغتك.
Bạn có cần dịch trang này sang ngôn ngữ khác không? Nhấp vào nút trợ năng (hình que) ở bên phải và chọn ngôn ngữ của bạn.
The Upper Darby School Board of Directors warmly wishes all families who celebrate the holiday season a joyful and meaningful time. May this special season be filled with love, happiness, laughter, and moments of togetherness. We hope your homes are bright with smiles, your hearts are full of warmth, and you experience the true spirit of caring and community throughout this wonderful time of year. Have a safe and cozy winter break! Take this time to rest, unwind, and recharge your energy. Enjoy moments of peace and comfort with your loved ones, and come back refreshed and ready for the exciting opportunities the new year will bring. We look forward to seeing you again in the new year! Here’s to a bright and successful year ahead!
Warm Regards,
The Board of School Directors
What are Monthly School Board of Directors' Updates?
As part of the Board of School Directors' communication plan, the School Board of Directors sends monthly updates to the school community. Monthly updates include highlights of school board of directors' community engagement and advocacy efforts, important dates, upcoming school district and community events, updates on any new policies or changes in policies, financial updates, and information on district resources. These updates aim to keep everyone informed and engaged with the school community.
The information included in these briefs is not intended to be a complete recounting of Board meetings and do not replace official Board meeting minutes. Official meeting minutes, agendas, reports, and presentations are available at BoardDocs. Also, the Board meetings are live streamed to the District's Official UDSD Board & Board Committee Meetings YouTube Channel.
We welcome you to follow the issues the School Board is considering and to attend meetings to stay informed. Thank you for taking the time each month to read the School Board of Directors' Updates!
Advocacy Corner
What is the Advocacy Corner? — The Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors believes that all students, regardless of background and economic status, should have a quality public education and an equal opportunity for success. The Advocacy Corner provides information and resources for parents/guardians with the goal of ensuring that every child has access to the resources and support they deserve through equitable public school funding. Upper Darby School District has historically faced state underfunding while seeing the cost of educating students in Pennsylvania's public schools increasing steadily and an increase in unfunded mandates.
Education Voters of Pennsylvania
Education Voters of Pennsylvania (EdVoters PA) offers a comprehensive platform for parents across the state to actively engage in advocating for equitable education funding. EdVoters PA (https://edvoterspa.org/) provides an extensive Advocacy Toolkit designed to empower and equip parents with the knowledge and resources needed to effectively influence education policy. Key features include:
- Step-by-Step Guides: Learn how to contact state legislators, organize community events, and utilize social media for advocacy.
- Budget Analysis: Access breakdowns of state education budgets to understand funding allocations and identify areas needing attention.
- Sample Communications: Use templates for emails, letters, and social media posts to communicate with lawmakers and the public.
Protect PA School Funding
Legislators in Harrisburg are finalizing the state budget, and $526 million in promised adequacy funding for underfunded schools is at risk. This funding — the second installment following last year’s first step investment to fix Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional school funding system — is critical for student success. Without it, districts will be forced to make impossible choices, and student learning will suffer. Your voice can make a difference in this important fight.
Find Food Near You
If you’re struggling with food insecurity or have the ability to help, you can find a local food bank here. Feeding Pennsylvania is the statewide association for nine Food Banks in Pennsylvania, a non-profit organization that works to reduce hunger and food insecurity across the state through partnerships, policy advocacy, and direct initiatives. The website, feedingpa.org, serves as a central hub for information on the organization's programs, its partners, and ways for the public to get involved. You can use the website to find local food banks, learn about their advocacy efforts, and get information on how to donate or volunteer.
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Royal Brand Ambassadors
Students are selected each month to serve as Upper Darby School District Royal Brand Ambassadors, representing both their school and the Upper Darby School District with pride. As part of their role, these ambassadors engage with their peers by posing a series of questions connected to a monthly theme. Through these conversations, ambassadors help spotlight student voices, promote school spirit, and highlight the diverse perspectives that make each school community unique. For December, Hillcrest and Highland Park Elementary Schools hosted the Royals Brand Ambassadors, exploring the theme “Let It Snow.” Enjoy!
Royal Brand Ambassadors Q&A: Dec 2025 #1
Royal Brand Ambassadors Q&A: Dec 2025 #2
Royal Brand Ambassadors Q&A: Dec 2025 #3
Sign-Up to Join Today!
In Our Community
What does In Our Community highlight? — In Our Community" features board members' investment in stewardship and service and their efforts to engage with the community, participate in community events, listen to citizens, promote student achievement, and help community members understand how the school board works to advocate for students and families. Partnering with the community in volunteerism and in service of our community is important to us.
The Board recognized Debra A. Williams in gratitude for her years of dedication and service as a member of the Board of School Directors.
Board member Damien Warsavage visits Mrs. Grossman's class at the
Kindergarten Center for holiday class activities.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Connecting Our Community Through Engagement and Events
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
What is the Board Member Highlight? — Board members are passionate about serving our students and the Upper Darby School District families and regularly engage in ways that enrich our community. The Board Member Highlight showcases the contributions, experiences, achievements, and insights of individual board members and is an opportunity to get to know your elected Board members a little better.
Highlighting Our Work
According to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), School Board members are responsible for governing the school district by setting policy, overseeing strategic planning and fiscal matters, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, approving the curriculum and budget, and ensuring that resources are aligned with educational goals. They also act as advocates for public education, engage with the community, and maintain legislative awareness to support student achievement. We will explore various aspects of this work throughout the school year, starting with the Principles for Governance and Leadership — a pledge to school board effectiveness. This month we are featuring the following core competency essential for strong school board leadership:
Evaluate Continuously
The board is committed to continuous evaluation to ensure effective governance and positive outcomes for students and the district. Board members are expected to make data-informed decisions by regularly reviewing relevant performance metrics and evidence. The board shall evaluate the superintendent annually in a fair, systematic, and transparent manner aligned with district goals and expectations. In addition, the board will conduct a self-assessment on a recurring basis to reflect on its own effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. All evaluations and reviews should maintain a clear focus on student growth and achievement, while also assessing the effectiveness of all comprehensive and strategic plans to ensure alignment with the district’s mission, priorities, and long-term success.
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD, VOTING, SPECIAL & REORGANIZATION MEETINGS
Click here to view the regular December School Board Meeting,
Work Session, Voting, & Special meetings.
BOARD MEETING
View the Board-approved reports here.
WORK SESSION
Baker Tilly presented the Annual Financial Statement Audit for the year ending June 30, 2025. Click here to view the audit.
Just in time for the holiday season, check out the Upper Darby High School Jazz Flex Lab Band's rousing rendition of O Tannenbaum (Ay Arbolito!) by Michele Fernández! Enjoy!
SPECIAL MEETING
A Special Meeting was held on December 16th to interview prospective candidates for the two (2) vacant positions on the School Board of Directors. The School Board of Directors extends its sincere thanks to all applicants for their interest in serving our community and contributing to the important work of the Board. After thoughtful deliberation, the Board voted to appoint David Neill and Essence Fields to fill the vacant seats.
VOTING MEETING
The Voting Meeting was also held for the purpose of voting on Reports and to transact any other business that may have come lawfully come before the Board at that time. The following Reports were approved. Click here to view the reports.
Supplies
Facilities
Use of Facilities
Finance & Budget
BOARD REORGANIZATION MEETING
Appointment of Officers
Congratulations to Desiree’ Murphy Morrissey for appointment as President of the Board of School Directors for one full calendar year.
Congratulations to Brittney Williams for appointment as Vice President of the Board of School Directors for for one full calendar year.
Appointment of New School Board Members
Congratulations to the following new Board members who took their oath of office at the December 16th meeting.
Ryan Bohl
Dyamond Gibbs
Mohammad Hossain
Board Member Acknowledgment and Affirmation of Governance Principles and Code of Conduct
Each Board member publicly affirmed that they have read, understand, and will follow the Principals of Governance and Leadership and the PSBA Code of Conduct.
Meeting Dates
The dates for the Combined Work Sessions and the Regular Meetings for 2026 were approved. Click here to view them.
The dates for the Committee Meetings for 2026 were approved. Click here to view them.
Appointment of Liaison Representatives and Committee Co-chairs have been approved and posted to the website. Click here to view them.
SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Click here to view the School Board Committee Meetings.
EDUCATION AND PUPIL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
1. Adoption of Textbooks and Resources: Middle School Music and Art — Board Action
District administrators recommended the adoption of middle school art and music textbooks and resources for the 2026-27 school year and selected the curricular resource following the guidelines outlined in Policies 108 & 109. All corresponding administrative regulations have been completed and are available on Board Docs. This item is for Board action at the January 13, 2026, Board Meeting. This presentation required board action. Click here to view the presentation.
2. Dual Enrollment Opportunities — Informational
District administration presented two proposed dual enrollment partnerships with Delaware County Community College (DCCC) and the National Education Opportunity Network (NEON). The presentation outlined the research on the benefits of dual enrollment and reviewed the academic and career opportunities these programs would provide for Upper Darby High School students. This item was for informational purposes only. Click here to view the presentation.
3. Keystone Exams Winter Administration Window - Informational
District administration presented the annual Keystone exam window, testing requirements, and information for parents/guardians. This agenda item was for informational purposes only. View the presentation here.
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
1. Capital Projects Update – Informational
District Administration will provide an update on various capital projects that will be completed over the remainder of the school year and the summer of 2026. Click here to view the presentation.
POLICY REPORT(S)
The Policy Report informs the public, staff, and stakeholders about key educational policies, initiatives, and decisions made by the school board. Proposed policies are first reviewed by the school board's Policy Committee, then presented to the Board for consideration through a 1st and 2nd reading before being put to a vote. The following policy revisions are up for consideration:
2nd Reading:
DONATIONS REPORT(S)
The Board of School Directors would like to thank the following organization(s)/person(s) for their donations to support our students:
Click on the link(s) below for the December Donation(s) Reports:
How to Register to Receive Board Monthly Updates and District Communications
If you know a neighbor or community member who would like to sign up to receive these updates and other important messages from the District, please do the following:
- Click HERE to sign up
- share this link with a community member or neighbor to sign up: https://upperdarbysdorg.finalsite.com/departments12/communications-media-services/community12/sign-up-to-receive-district-emails.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
The regular School Board meetings and the School Board Committee Meetings are held in-person in the board room at 8201 Lansdowne Avenue in Upper Darby and livestreamed to the UDSD Board & Board Committee Meetings YouTube Channel.
Do you have a question or comment? Click HERE to learn how to participate.
Click HERE to review the meeting agendas 24 hours prior to the meetings.
Click HERE to view the 2025-2026 Regular School Board Meetings schedule.
Click HERE to view the 2025-2026 School Board Committee Meetings schedule. School Board Committee Meetings consist of the Education and Pupil Services meeting and the Finance and Operations meeting.
🟫 01/13, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting
🟫 01/27, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings
🟫 02/10, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting
🟫 02/24, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings
UDSD MASTER CALENDAR
The Upper Darby School District calendar includes events, activities and important deadlines for the school year. Updates may be made to this calendar as the year progresses, so please visit the calendar often to stay up-to-date.
School buildings keep their own calendars of events on their webpages that include dates for school-level events. Please visit your school building website for more information. You can also access the district and school-level calendars on the Upper Darby School District mobile app. Visit your App Store to download it today!
Academic Calendar 2025-2026
Academic Calendar 2026-2027
UDSD MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES GUIDE
The 2025-2026 Student Services Mental Health Services Guide is a resource that provides information about available mental health support options, including counseling, therapy, crisis intervention, and community programs. It helps individuals understand where and how to access professional help and what services are offered in the local area.
UDSD COMMUNITY RESOURCES PACKET
This resource, created by Pupil Services, offers information about nearby places in Upper Darby that provide assistance with housing, food, utilities, mental health, childcare, and after-school activities. Our team will continue to update this resource as new information becomes available. If you need help locating support services, please reach out to your school social worker.
CHECK OUT THE UDSD COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD REGULARLY!
DOWNLOAD THE UDSD MOBILE APP TODAY!
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Meet the School Board of Directors
Members of the School Board of Directors are members are your neighbors and are public servants who make decisions that affect all students. Board members are volunteers and have a deep desire to serve children, a strong belief in the value of public education and a deep professional respect for the District staff who serve our children and their families every day. Serving as a School Board Director requires many dedicated hours of service to our community.
Click HERE or to learn more about how the Board of Directors serves the Upper Darby School District community.
Email: udsdschoolboard@upperdarbysd.org
School Board of Directors' Webpage:
https://upperdarbysdorg.finalsite.com/school-board12/about-the-board

