SB Monthly Update—Oct 2026

SCHOOL BOARD MONTHLY UPDATE
October 2026
This School Board Monthly Update provides a summary of the October Regular School Board Meeting, School Board Committee Meetings, and any Voting or Special Meetings conducted throughout the month.
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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.
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💜 Celebrating Our Principals 💜
Dear Upper Darby School District Families,
In recognition of National Principals Month this October, the Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors extends its heartfelt appreciation to our extraordinary Principals, whose talent, compassion, kindness, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of our students, families, and staff.
Our Principals are essential to the fabric of our schools. Their work is invaluable, their impact is immeasurable, and their leadership is vital to the success of our school communities. They lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and work tirelessly to create environments where students and staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Many of our administrators began their careers as teachers and principals, and that experience remains evident in their leadership and their continued connection to the classroom and the daily experiences of students and educators. They understand the joys and challenges of teaching and learning because they have experienced them firsthand.
This month, and throughout the year, we celebrate our Principals for the countless ways they lead, inspire, encourage, and care for our school communities. Our District is stronger because of them, and we are deeply grateful for all they do to support our students, families, and staff.
Sincerely,
The Upper Darby School District Board of School Directors
In celebration of National Principals Month, the Upper Darby School District recognizes our dedicated principals and their leadership in supporting student achievement, fostering school communities, and creating opportunities for every student to thrive. Pictured (left to right, top to bottom): Sue Campbell, [Hillcrest ES]; Dr. Craig Parkinson, [Upper Darby HS]; Anna Marie Dilossi, [Kindergarten Center]; Desmond Chisholm, [Stonehurst Hills ES]; Dina Williams, [Aronimink ES]; Bill Rogers, [Clifton Heights MS]; Cameron Bush, [Westbrook Park ES]; Jill Palladino, [Drexel Hills MS]; Allen Brydges, [Garrettford ES]; Joanne Devito, [Highland Park ES]; Kristin Meehan, [Bywood ES]; Matt Castertano, [Primos ES]; and Wayne Remmey, [Beverly Hills MS]. Thank you to our principals for your commitment to our students, staff, families, and school communities!
What are Monthly School Board of Directors' Updates?
The School Board of Directors shares monthly updates to keep families informed about Board initiatives, advocacy efforts, important dates, district events, policy updates, financial information, and available resources. These updates provide highlights and do not replace official Board meeting minutes. Agendas, minutes, reports, and presentations are available through BoardDocs, and meetings are live streamed on the District’s Official UDSD Board & Board Committee Meetings YouTube Channel. We encourage families to stay informed, engaged, and involved in the work of the School Board.
PARENT & STUDENT ADVOCACY CORNER
What is the Parent & Student Advocacy Corner?
The Parent & Student Advocacy Corner provides families with information, resources, and tools to become more informed advocates for students’ and parents’ rights to a quality public education. The Upper Darby School District believes every student deserves equitable opportunities, support, and access to the resources needed to succeed. This resource helps families better understand public education issues and stay engaged in advocating for policies and funding that support student success.
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS & UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Delaware County Right to Education Task Force
Join the Delaware County Right to Education Local Task Force for this unique event for families and students with special needs. Community organizations providing recreation and leisure opportunities for students with special needs will be present to share information about their organization and how families can get their children involved in a variety of activities outside the school setting. Special Olympics, Flyers Power Hockey, Cheer Teams, along with other organizations.
The Local Task Force (LTF):
- Helps parents and schools work as a team
- Shares helpful information and resources
- Speaks up for students with special needs
- Gives feedback to improve programs and services
Who Can Join?
- Parents and caregivers
- School staff
- Community members
- Anyone who cares about helping kids with special needs
Meetings are Free!
- Held five times during the school year
- Open to the public
- Include updates, trainings, and helpful discussions
- Presentation topics are chosen by members. Your ideas are welcome!
Next Meeting Information
- Topic: Recreation and Leisure Fair for Students and Families with Special Needs
- Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Location: Delaware County Intermediate Unit, 200 Yale Ave. Morton, PA 19070
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Connecting Our Community Through Engagement and Resources
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.
Open Enrollment for Medicare (started October 15)
Medicare’s open enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and Medicare-eligible Pennsylvanians can take advantage of the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (Formerly APPRISE).
MEDI is a free program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging that helps older Pennsylvanians choose Medicare supplements based on their income and medical needs.
For more information, call MEDI at 1-800-783-7067 or visit its website.
Highlighting Your School Board in the Community
What is Highlighting Your School Board in the Community? — Upper Darby School District Board members are dedicated to serving students, families, staff, and the broader community. Throughout the year, Board members attend school events, student activities, performances, athletic competitions, community programs, and district celebrations to support and engage with those they serve. Highlighting Your School Board in the Community showcases Board members' involvement across the district and provides a glimpse into the many ways they connect with students, staff, families, and community partners while supporting the mission and goals of the Upper Darby School District.
School District officials, Board members, and Clifton Heights officials gather outside Clifton Heights Middle School to celebrate the opening of the new school and this exciting milestone for the community.
A new chapter begins at Clifton Heights Middle School! Celebrate the opening of our newest school with highlights from the ribbon-cutting ceremony, as we come together to recognize this exciting milestone for our students, families, staff, and community. Here's to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and a bright future for our Royals!
Director Damien Warsavage had a blast at Aronimink Elementary School’s annual Heritage Night! He enjoyed connecting with students and families and experiencing the Dragon Dance and Lunar New Year presentation. Thank you to the Aronimink community for celebrating the rich cultures and traditions that make our school district so special!
Director Damien Warsavage had the pleasure of attending Bywood Elementary School’s October Student of the Month Assembly, where he joined Principal Meehan and Assistant Principal Newby in recognizing students for their outstanding PBIS efforts.
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING & WORK SESSION HIGHLIGHTS
WORK SESSON HIGHLIGHTS
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Congratulations to the following staff members on 25 years of service to Upper Darby School District families! Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students, schools, and community!
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Matthew Gionta as the new Director of Athletics for the Upper Darby School District! We look forward to the leadership and support he will bring to our student-athletes, coaches, and athletic programs. Welcome to the Royal Family, Dr. Gionta!
BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
Click the BoardDocs link(s) below to access regular School Board meeting agendas, supporting documents, meeting minutes, policies, and other materials related to Board actions and district governance for the months of June.
Board-Approved Reports
Donation Report(s)
The Board of School Directors extends its sincere appreciation to the following organization(s) and/or individual(s) for their generous donations, which directly support student programs, resources, and opportunities across the district. Click on the link below to view the full donation report and details of contributions made in support of our students.
Policy Report(s)
The following policies are under consideration for review and potential revisions or updates. Listing a policy does not necessarily indicate that changes will be made.
October 13, 2026 Policy Report — First Reading
- (Revised) Policy 204.1 Virtual Attendance and Wellness Checks
- (Revised) Policy 221 Dress and Grooming
- (Revised) Policy 236.1 Threat Assessment
October 13, 2026 Policy Report — Second Reading
- (Revised) Policy 140 Charter Schools
- (Revised) Policy 610 Purchases Subject to Bid/Quotation
- (Revised) Policy 611 Purchases Budgeted
- (Revised) Policy 619 District Audit
- (Revised) Policy 816 District Social Media
- (Revised) Policy 903 Public Participation in Board Meetings
SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETINGS
EDUCATION & PUPIL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
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1. Adoption of Textbooks — Board Action Required
District Administration recommended the adoption of secondary textbooks to support teaching and learning in the World Languages (Spanish) and Social Studies (AP U.S. History and AP Modern World History) departments. The proposed textbooks will be implemented in the corresponding middle and high school courses beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. The presentation reviewed the textbook selection process in accordance with Policy 108, including the associated costs and professional development plan. All corresponding administrative regulations have been completed and are available on BoardDocs. This item requires Board approval at the November 10, 2026 Board meeting.
2. Policies — Board Action Required
FINANCE & OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
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1. Capital Projects Update — Informational Only
District Administration provided an update on various capital projects completed during the summer of 2026, including the substantial completion of the Clifton Heights Middle School construction project and the current status of the Delaware County Memorial Hospital site.
REGISTER TO RECEIVE BOARD MONTHLY UPDATES & 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.
Contact Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, with any questions or for further assistance.
UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS
See you in August!
The regular School Board Meetings and School Board Committee Meetings are held in person in the Board Room at 8201 Lansdowne Avenue, Upper Darby, and are livestreamed on the UDSD Board & Board Committee Meetings YouTube Channel.
Have a question or comment? Learn how to participate in a School Board meeting.
Review School Board meeting agendas (available at least 24 hours before each meeting).
View the 2025–2026 Regular School Board Meetings schedule. School Board Committee Meetings include the Education and Pupil Services Committee Meeting and the Finance and Operations Committee Meeting.
🟫 11/13, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting
🟫 11/24, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings
🟫 12/01, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting
🟫 12/15, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings
UDSD CALENDARS
The Upper Darby School District master calendar includes the board-approved academic one-page and summary calendars, as well as school-level events and activities for the school year. Updates may be made throughout the year, so please visit the calendar regularly to stay up to date.
In addition, each school building maintains its own calendar of events on its website, which includes school-specific activities and details. Please visit your school’s website for more information.
You can also access both district and school-level calendars through the Upper Darby School District mobile app. Visit your App Store to download it today!
Use this tool to check basic distance-based transportation eligibility for students attending Upper Darby School District schools for the 2026–2027 school year and beyond.
CHECK OUT THE UDSD COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD REGULARLY!
DOWNLOAD THE UDSD MOBILE APP TODAY!
CAREERS AT UPPER DARBY SCHOOL DISTRICT
GET YOUR ROYALS GEAR 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.
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
Upper Darby School District School Board of Directors Monthly Update — October 2026

