Proud to Be WSSD: News & Highlights

As we settle into the heart of the fall season, our schools are filled with the energy and enthusiasm that come with learning and a growing sense of community. October has brought exciting opportunities for students and staff, from engaging classroom projects and spirited athletic events to family nights and seasonal celebrations that highlight the strength of our school community.

This time of year also invites reflection and gratitude. I am inspired by the dedication of our educators, the curiosity of our students, and the unwavering support of our families. Together, we are creating learning environments that help every student grow and thrive.

Thank you for being an essential part of our district’s success. I hope you enjoy this month’s updates and stories that showcase the great things happening across our schools.

Warm regards,

Russell Johnston, PhD

Superintendent, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District

The October 14th Education Affairs meeting featured two key presentations. Representatives from the CHOP Policy Lab shared the results of their review of the district’s nursing services, which was completed last school year as part of the district’s strategic plan. Dr. Megan McCullough discussed the progress made so far, including changes already implemented this year and additional improvements currently in development in response to the report’s recommendations.

Dr. Leslie Pratt presented the District’s 2025 PSSA and Keystone Assessment achievement results. Comparing 2025 achievement data to 2019 achievement data, Dr. Pratt explained that math scores, on average, exceeded pre-pandemic levels and that language arts scores continue to approach pre-pandemic levels. On average, 80% of WSSD students scored proficient or advanced on Language Arts PSSAs, and 75% of WSSD students scored proficient or advanced on Math PSSAs. Fidelity in implementing the new Reveal Math (K-8) and Great Minds Arts and Letters (K-5) curricula were discussed as specific ways WSSD works to interrupt achievement gaps that continue to exist in WSSD. Dr. Pratt also shared end-of-course Keystone test results. 72% of students earned proficient or advanced on the Literature Keystone; 54% of students earned proficient or advanced on the Algebra 1 Keystone on the administration. For both PSSA and Keystone results, WSSD has historically exceeded statewide averages, a trend expected to continue due to the hard work of our teachers and the dedication of our learners.

The Facilities and Finance Committee shared updates on how the district is caring for our school buildings and planning for the future. Over the summer, maintenance teams completed routine checkups and identified areas that may need additional repairs. These findings are now being reviewed to make sure any updates are both necessary and cost-effective. The district also purchased a new truck at a discounted rate to help with day-to-day operations and deliveries.

From the Business Office, staff are wrapping up important year-end financial tasks. Retirement statements have been completed, and required reports will be submitted later this fall. The annual audit is moving forward, with a draft report expected in early November. Looking ahead, planning has already begun for the 2026–2027 school budget.

The Business Office also shared information about recent improvements to purchasing resources and services. The district’s approach to purchasing focuses on doing things the right way, making sure we are transparent, responsible, and fair. We aim to get the best value for our schools while supporting sustainability and equity.

Committee meetings are currently being streamed on the WSSD YouTube channel, and parents, guardians, staff, and community members are encouraged to tune in to stay informed.

As part of the district’s Strategic Plan, we committed to developing an Equity Statement that reflects our shared values and priorities. After internal review and discussion among district staff and leadership, the final step in this process was to seek external feedback. I recently met with community members, faith leaders, long-standing equity partners, and student leaders from various student groups at Strath Haven High School to gather their input on the district’s Equity Statement.

Though the feedback on the initial draft was overwhelmingly positive, two consistent themes emerged from these conversations. Participants emphasized the importance of centering the statement on students and their success, reflecting the district’s core mission, and recommended beginning the statement by affirming our beliefs before describing the actions we are committed to taking. The final draft reflects that feedback and has now been posted on our website.

Following a presentation of the statement during the Policy Committee meeting on October 7th, the next step will be developing a formal equity policy that will be reviewed at a future meeting.

I am pleased to share that I have officially launched my Student Advisory Council. I invited high school students to apply at the start of the school year and was thrilled to receive more than 50 responses. From that group, I selected 12 students who represent a range of grade levels, backgrounds, and experiences.

When selecting the students, I wanted to ensure that the council reflected a district-wide perspective, not just the high school experience. These students will help advise me on topics that affect our schools and the community as a whole.

Our first meeting was held this month, focusing on the implementation of our updated electronic devices policy, and I continue to look forward to hearing directly from students about what matters most to them and how we can continue improving the WSSD experience for all learners.

We are proud to announce that Wallingford-Swarthmore School District has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) as an Outstanding Visual Arts Community for 2024–2025!

This honor highlights our commitment to providing students with a high-quality visual arts program that fosters creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. Through the arts, students gain the skills and confidence to express their unique voices and prepare for success in school, careers, and life. We are grateful to our dedicated art educators and leadership for making it clear: the arts matter.

The Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) promotes advocacy through research, knowledge, and learning by generating and sharing research-based models and resources, while expanding opportunities for student growth through the visual arts. PAEA represents more than 750 art educators serving students across 500 public school districts and 2,200 private schools statewide.

Registration is now open for Wallingford-Swarthmore School District’s 2026–2027 kindergarten class. To be eligible, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1st, 2026. No exceptions will be made.

Families must complete registration by Friday, February 27th, 2026, to be included in the lottery for AM/PM session placement.

Registration is available online at www.wssd.org/departments/registration. For questions about online registration, please contact Derrick L. Clements at dclements@wssd.org or 610-892-3470 ext. 1203.

If you are unable to register online, please call the Educational Data and Registration Office at 610-892-3470 ext. 1304 to schedule an appointment to complete the registration at the Administration Office.