SB Monthly Update — May 2025

Dear Families, Students, Teachers, and Staff,

In May, we proudly celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week—a special time dedicated to honoring the extraordinary dedication, passion, and impact of our educators. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible teachers across our school district who go above and beyond every day to inspire, nurture, and empower our students. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and your positive influence in the classroom and beyond do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do to shape the future, one student at a time.

We would also like to extend our deepest thanks to fellow board member and current Board President, Neil Desnoyers, for his many years of dedicated service to the Upper Darby School District Board of Directors.Neil was elected and joined the Board in December 2017. Throughout his tenure, Neil has consistently demonstrated strong, thoughtful partnership, leadership, and a deep commitment to the success of our schools and students. In addition to his steady guidance as a colleague and leader in our community, Neil has brought exceptional skill and insight to the complex work of policy review and development. His keen understanding of educational policy and his ability to translate that knowledge into clear, effective governance have been invaluable assets to the Board. Neil’s meticulous attention to detail and collaborative approach have helped ensure that the district’s policies reflect best practices and support a positive, equitable learning environment for all. We are grateful for Neil’s unwavering dedication, integrity, and the countless hours he has invested in shaping a stronger future for the Upper Darby School District. Neil will certainly be missed. We extend our warmest wishes to Neil and his family as they embark on this next chapter, and we thank him sincerely for the lasting contributions he has made to our school community.

With appreciation,

We would also like to thank the Drexel Hills Middle School and Westbrook Park Elementary Schools for their Board meeting work session presentations! Please take a moment to view their presentations videos linked

Drexel Hill Middle School: Tech Week at Drexel Hill Middle School 2025

Westbrook Park Elementary School: A Fresh Start at Westbrook Park 2025

Directors Desiree' Murphy Morrissey, Damien Warsavage, and Neil Desnoyers expressed their appreciation for the Highland Park Elementary School teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week with a wonderful lunch and beautiful flowers for each teacher.

This month we are pleased to highlight Brittney Williams. Brittney is passionate about advocating for children and families in her local community and is committed to educational equity. As a Philadelphia native who displays unique skills in planning, organization, and collaboration, she has been in the field of education for the past 12 years, which brings with it an extensive background in Pre-K through 6th grade levels.

In her current professional role, she serves as an Educational Field Administrator for the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Early Childhood. Brittney obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Rosemont College and her Masters of Education from Cabrini University and completed her Principal Certification from Eastern University and holds teaching certificates in the Pre-K to 6th-grade level focus areas. She also held the role of the Diversifying Early Education Leadership in Philadelphia Fellow for the 2021-2023 cohort.

Brittney resides in Clifton Heights with her husband, Joseph, and two children, Payton (1st grader in the Autistic Support Classroom at the Marple Education Center) and Kinsley (Kindergartner at Primos Elementary School).

Brittney’s School Assignment is Primos Elementary while her board Liaison and Reading Report assignments are the Mendenhall Scholarship and the Report of the Treasure and Education and Pupil Services Committee Summary. She also serves as Committee Co-Chair for Education and Pupil Services.

District Administration provided an update on the 2025-2026 Budget. The presentation revisited timelines, historical data and potential changes to the Final Budget. Click here to view the presentation.

District Administration presented the adoption of a web-based communication tool for the 2025-26 school year that provides capabilities such as two-way messaging, language translation, and document translation. The tool is to be used to enhance communication among teachers, families, and students and will complement, not replace, our existing Blackboard messaging system and the Smore weekly communication newsletter. The item is for Board Action at the June 3, 2025, Board Meeting. Click here to view the presentation.

District Administration provided a brief summary and update on the successful implementation of the weapons detection systems that were installed in the middle of the 2024-2025 school year at UDHS, BHMS, and DHMS. The presentation provided a brief overview of the system and use by the District while students are in session, data following implementation, and a reminder video and communication plan to prepare students and families for the 2025-26 school year. Click here to view the presentation.

District Administration presented the curriculum resource review process and timeline for the adoption of curriculum resources for students in grades K-5 for the 2026-27 school year. Click here to view the presentation.

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 change(s) was/were considered:

1. Policy 815 — Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resource

This policy went through a Second Reading at the May 13th Board meeting. The changes were approved. Click here to view a summary of changes.

NOTE: As policies are reviewed and updated, gender neutral language is being introduced.

Policy language was added to the Security section as follows: “Staff members may be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to access district provided email accounts and network resources, including but not limited to online learning platforms, administrative systems, and shared file servers.”

🟫 06/03, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting

🟫 06/17, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings

🟫 JULY — No Meetings

🟫 08/12, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting

🟫 08/26, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings