We have a very well known and successful district due to excellent leadership and the continued collaboration that continues to evolve among parents, teachers and students. When they refused, that is when we made the decision to file the petition.. United For West Chester Area School Board candidate: Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Food. Its a Latin phrase that means in place of parents. She said she is a passionate believer in the strength of public education and attended public schools from kindergarten through college. The agreement establishes two separate funds one for students ongoing education needs and another for damages. School Board Meeting Agendas: Current public meeting agendas will be posted prior to the scheduled meeting (24 hours before).School Board Meeting Summaries: Written by Substitute Superintendent Dr. Kalia Reynolds, these summaries outline key actions taken by the West Chester Area School District Board of Directors and are not intended to be official minutes of the meeting.School Board Personnel Recommendations: Monthly personnel recommendations presented by the Human Resources Department to the School Board can be accessed using the link below.School Board Meeting Minutes: Compiled by the School Board Secretary, these official meeting minutes will not be posted until the following month after Board approval. The school boards counsel immediately filed a motion to reconsider, disputing the shot clock for a formal response and asserting that their true deadline for response was actually April 4. After maintaining a mandatory masking policy for two months after the states school mask requirement was declared unconstitutional, the district ended its mandate at the end of February, citing plummeting COVID-19 case rates. For taxpayers who do not have children in the district, I will work to keep finances down and will not support unnecessary tax increases. Bevilacqua and Oliver would represent Thornbury, East Bradford, Westtown and West Goshen. I understand the needs and concerns of the people in both communities. Privacy concerns in the district had been growing following a February request for data on LGBTQ children in the district. All of my children are successful college graduates. I believe in protecting access to resources in our libraries, removing barriers to academic, athletic, and social accomplishments, the importance of cultural competency in instruction and in restorative practices. Chester County judge tosses 5 members of West Chester school board over masks. John Fetterman one of 5 Democrats to vote against debt ceiling deal in Senate. Detre was third before all the votes were counted. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. Our schools need to become places where all students should feel welcomed and have the resources they need to be successful. Kenneth Roos, an attorney at Wisler Pearlstine LLP, which is representing the board members, told WHYY News Tuesday night that a motion to reconsider would be filed with the court. A parent filed for their removal. I believe my judgment, experience, education, and sincere interest in the betterment of our public education and community make me the better candidate for this position.. WEST CHESTER, PA West Chester school board voted 8-1 Monday night to keep 'Gender Queer' on the school library shelves, after students and board members spoke out in favor of keeping. While some may view my age as a hindrance in my ability to serve, I think this will add a different perspective to the board and allow me to relate to students in the district. This past week Chris McCune, one of our candidates for school board in the West Chester Area School District (WCASD), submitted an op-ed to the DLN on behalf of the district categorically. The district didnt respond. District One covers parts of West Chester and West Goshen. The Board of School Directors of the West Chester Area School District has scheduled a public hearing regarding an application received proposing the Valley Forge Classical Academy Charter School. I intend to uphold these as well as assure parents that we will focus on safety and that all students will receive the quality education they deserve. A parent filed a lawsuit in the Chester County Justice Center, calling for removal of five board members who voted in favor of a mask mandate. Exploring the stories that matter across the commonwealth with all Pennsylvanians in mind. Nestor said prior to the election that if elected she would work tirelessly to ensure that we never let our children down again by creating a situation where parents have to choose between going to work or helping their children attend school remotely.. He eventually called for an officer to escort her out of the meeting as she continued yelling. WEST CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) A Chester County judge is rescinding his order, which removed five people from the West Chester Area school board. Mrs. Tiernan, Board President called the meeting to order and Johnna Marshall and Jaydon Sam of the Fugett Middle School led the public in the pledge of allegiance. The West Chester Area School Board is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, compensation and other terms and conditions of employment. Three generations of my family have attended and graduated from Henderson: my father and his siblings, me and my siblings, and my three children. Standardized tests have limitations, but without consistent tracking and assessment we cannot measure real academic progress. Nine candidates sought seats in three regions. There has always been a strong sense of community in the district. I believe some areas that need attention are closing the achievement gap, increasing teacher support, and growing community collaboration. The mission of Back to Basics West Chester, The vision of Back to Basics West Chester. Our WCASD parents have always been so supportive and the students are incredible! Chester County judge tosses 5 members of West Chester school board over masks The board members voted in August to mandate masks after Pa.'s state of emergency ended. Exploring the stories that matter across the commonwealth with all Pennsylvanians in mind. WEST CHESTER, PA Ten candidates are running for five slots on the West Chester Area School Board in the May primary. Nick Spangler earned 1,318 votes and amounting to 39.43 percent of the votes. I want to strengthen our schools not tear them down. 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Because the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared that the state imposed mask mandate was unconstitutional in December, Rosica contended that the board acted illegally by requiring all students to wear masks. A parent filed for their removal. WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor, state of emergency first ended in June 2021, Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared that mandate unconstitutional, Privacy concerns in the district had been growing. The top vote getters in each party will run in the general election in November. The West Chester Area School Board operates under a committee structure. As of press time, Edgarian did not respond to a request for comment via social media. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Voters, we hear YOU and added School Safety as one of our foundational pillars. With a background in construction management, I am also committed to reviewing all construction projects funded by the district and bring better fiscal management to the planning and implementation process.. MLKs daughter, CEO of the King Center, offered advice to students hoping to fight racial and economic inequities, and talked about building coalitions. WHYY news reached out to the district for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Every parent knows their child best and should be able to make the decisions that will allow them to succeed academically, socially, and physically. 10 Candidates Running For Five Seats On West Chester Area School Board - West Chester, PA - Five candidates from each party were the top vote-getters in Tuesday's primary election. Live Music at Uptown! Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). She would utilize her financial education and experience to be fiscally accountable to the taxpayers, while maintaining the districts level of quality education. Parents and taxpayers are concerned about bullying, violence in schools and on buses, vandalism, vaping/drug use, and the possibility of school shootings. Hello and welcome! It stood by that decision while the state reimposed a school mask mandate, and for two months after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared that mandate unconstitutional in December. Chester said she is most proud of managing the district budget and promoting diversity. I see the district as a work in progress and always looking at ways to enhance or to improve curriculum school safety, technology and all other areas. We believe that the WCASD is equipped with excellent teachers, and ample funding-- to provide each child with an excellent education. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). I overcame years of adversity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree and two masters degrees in education from La Salle University where I graduated with honors as a member of Pi Lambda Theta. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY) A Chester County judge has vacated his previous decision Friday removing four Democrats and one Republican from the West Chester Area School District board in a dispute over masks, meaning the axed board directors are reinstated and can return to their posts for now. Proudly created with Wix.com. Rosica said four other Chester County school districts Downingtown, Tredyffrin/Easttown, Great Valley, and Coatesville have also filed similar petitions. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Police Log: West Chester police arrested suspects for drunken driving, Behavior Health Center Opening In Southern Chester County, 400+ Jobs Coming To Chester County With Aircraft Facility Purchase, Historic Newtown Square Day June 3rd 10 to 4pm, Open House: 3-Bedroom Brick Rancher in Wallingford | Alderfer Auction. Nine candidates sought seats in three regions. I will have an open-door policy for all stakeholders to give feedback and encourage family involvement without resorting to suggesting Right To Know requests. As a dentist, I seek evidence-based treatment modalities for my patients, and I will bring that same level of rigor to the board when voting on proposed programs and spending. We absolutely believe that teachers are our districts most valuable resource, and in the coming months we will make a case for paying teachers MORE because we believe that teachers are underpaid and overworked. I promise to be a voice for all parents and to advocate for parental rights and choices. All the petitions are built on a little-known 1949 provision in the Pennsylvania School Code, which says that if a board of directors refuse or neglect to perform any duty imposed upon it, any 10 residents of the district can file for their removal. But, in a letter released to parents in the district on Friday afternoon, Superintendent Robert Sokolowski thanked the West Chester community for its patience. But while one GOP candidate snagged a seat, two others on the slate backed by Rosica and Back to School PA lost. They also stand for transparency, fiscal responsibility and collaboration. Why a request for West Chester district data on LGBTQ students spurs privacy worry. School Board Meeting Summaries: Written by Substitute Superintendent Dr. Kalia Reynolds, these summaries outline key actions taken by the West Chester Area School District Board of Directors and are not intended to be official minutes of the meeting. I have used this experience in my role as a school board director and in making decisions as a school board director. Gov. Bevilacqua garnered 2,092 votes, amounting to 82.4 percent in the Democratic primary. And while I may be dipping my toes in many buckets, I find that my experiences are relatable to many families in WCASD. 5 Things To Do In PA This Weekend: Fossil Dig, 'Water Circus,' + More, Levante Beer Opens Pop-up Beer Gardens In Chester County, $4.67M In Funding Allocated For Chester County Parks, Backpacks Brighten School Start For West Chester Area Students, Happy Summer Trails: Best Places To Get Outdoors Around West Chester, Kate Frey got 2,891 votes, amounting to 47.21 percent. When our children walk into a school building, the school is functioning in loco parentis throughout the school day. I have a vast knowledge and experience about public education. In a letter released Sunday, the Republican Committee of Chester County in Pennsylvania called West Chester school board president Chris McCune's conduct "reprehensible," and accused him of. WEST CHESTER Nine candidates are seeking seats in three regions for the West Chester Area School District School Board. WEST CHESTER A Chester County Common Pleas Court judge has ordered the removal of five members of the West Chester Area School Board in a case involving the district's mask mandate. WEST CHESTER Voters elected four board members to the West Chester Area School District, on Tuesday. She serves as executive director of Back to School PA, a PAC funded by a Bucks County venture capitalist that undertook a massive statewide spending campaign in 2021 in an effort to elect mostly conservative candidates to school boards. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. The race in Region 2 was too close to call at press time. Pages on this website are reviewed and produced to the best of our abilities to be accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level AA. Please give today. Persons who wish to attend meetings and need accommodations should contact Linda Cherashore, Board Secretary, at 484-266-1018 by the Wednesday before the meeting. Address. Questions: As a life-long libertarian, I will bring a balanced, independent, and non-partisan perspective to the school board by asking tough and important questions of the administration and other board members. Why a request for West Chester district data on LGBTQ students spurs privacy worry. Thanks for subscribing to Back to Basics! I taught in WCASD for 20 years and have always been very proud of the school district. Currently, I work in the state legislature working with constituents and school districts on issues that impact peoples everyday lives. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. The Near Completers Funds will assist Chester County residents who seek to complete their education, allowing for . As a current board member I acknowledge the strengths of the district and the many successes of our students. Directions to Spellman Education Building, HS PLC Dates - 2 hour delayed start times, Padres Latinos del distrito escolar del rea de West Chester, Redistricting for the 2021-2022 School Year, Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program, ACT 126 Mandatory Clearances - Safe Schools Videos, Employee Access Center - Internal Link Only, Evaluation and Observation Forms (internal link only), Instructional Technology - Professional Development Resources and Recordings, Tuition Reimbursement & Pre-Approval Guidelines, 4 Ways Parents & Families Can Get Involved, Act 158 Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2023 and Beyond, Calendar Sync- Adding WCASD Events to Yours, Email - Trouble with Sending or Receiving, Excuse Notes/ Justificacin de inasistencia escolar, Finding Your Feeder Pattern - School Locator, How to Address Educational Questions and Concerns, Insurance - Optional Student Accident Insurance, K-12 WCASD Counseling and Mental Health Professional Services Guide, PA Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Resubscribe to School/District Email Service, Student Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet, Technical Support for WCASD Families @Home, Grades 6-12 Summer Reading for 2022-23 School Year, School Board Meetings - Dates, Agendas, and Minutes, WCASD School Board of Directors by Voter Regions, Public Comments at Virtual Board Meetings, Public Comments at Virtual Committee Meetings, Public Comments Procedures beginning on April 12, 2021. WEST CHESTER Chester County Common Pleas Court Judge William P. Mahon vacated his order removing five West Chester Area School Board members after a hearing before a packed. Gary Bevilacqua, vice president, and incumbent, will run against Alain Oliver, a Republican in the November election. If I am elected my priority would be making our schools places where every member of our community feels accepted, Detre said, prior to the vote. The decision states that the removal of the board members named in the petition was a procedural result and does not address any of the allegations made in the complaint. I will champion more community input, engagement and transparency to ensure that all voices are heard and accounted for and that all of the WCASD children have equitable access to the many wonderful services offered through the district, Chester said. Educating and Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Their Personal Best. Presently, academic scores are on the decline. Three Democrats won, flipping the board to 6-3 Democratic control. Katy Frey: Age: 24; Political party: Democratic; Occupation: Web designer/small business owner; Education: Attended and graduated from the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District; Obtained a bachelors degree in environmental management, African American studies, communications, and soil and water sciences; Currently pursuing a masters degree in social work (MSW); Family: I am married and have a toddler I also have a dog named Onyx who loves to be the center of attention; Hobbies: I love going on hikes with my family, watching documentaries, doing crossword puzzles, designing websites, and doing Crossfit at East Chestnut Fitness. Katy Frey got 410 votes, amounting to 12.26 percent of the votes. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Ms. Cherashore will forward your name and telephone number to the respective Board member. The mission of Back to Basics West Chester is to educate the public on school-related issues facing children and families in the WCASD, financially support and elect new school board members in 2023, and provide a framework for bringing educational excellence back to the WCASD. I am committed to supporting decision-making in the West Chester Area School District through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ive shared it with people from around the state already, because all the [relevant] codes are Pennsylvania state codes, she said. In his order that the members of the board be removed from office, Judge William Mahon wrote that his decision came after there was no response to the petition by the school district or its counsel. Parents have a right to ask questions, impart opinions, and be involved in their childs education. Incumbent Republican Brian Gallen faced off against Democrat Karen Fleming in Region 2. The district didn't respond. The West Chester Area School Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 in the Spellman Education Center. I leverage my experiences in the financial industry in overseeing work on the district budget and in all analyses of the budgets impacts. While the board members motion for reconsideration was granted by Judge William Mahon, the case will continue to proceed as the board members will still be required to answer the initial filing by April 4. Well examine the trend of politicization of education, and we will continually call for our classrooms to be apolitical spaces for our children. Officials denied most of the sensitive information sought, but the demand raised concerns about infringing rights of students and families. She added that she doesnt know if Mahon is sympathetic to the underlying details of her case, but she felt very well-supported in that courtroom.. Skilled readers can unleash their natural curiosity on this amazing world that surrounds them and learn nearly endlessly. Fleming said before the election that she would promote safely maintaining in-person learning, close existing achievement gaps, and create a school environment where every student is accepted and every student can excel. She wants a harder line in the sand than that. All 10 candidates have crossed filed as both Republicans and Democrats. I believe my experiences reflect my care for the districts mission to educate and inspire our students to achieve their personal best. WEST CHESTER, PA Chester County Judge William P. Mahon has ordered the removal of five of the nine West Chester school board members who supported masking requirements, according to an. Region One covers parts of West Chester and West Goshen Township. Masks also remained an ever-present source of conflict. Age: 43 Position Sought: School Director for Region 3 in the West Chester Area School District, covering Chester and Delaware counties in East Bradford, Thornbury, West Goshen, and. Directions to Spellman Education Building, HS PLC Dates - 2 hour delayed start times, Padres Latinos del distrito escolar del rea de West Chester, Redistricting for the 2021-2022 School Year, Senior Tax Reduction Incentive Volunteer Exchange Program, ACT 126 Mandatory Clearances - Safe Schools Videos, Employee Access Center - Internal Link Only, Evaluation and Observation Forms (internal link only), Instructional Technology - Professional Development Resources and Recordings, Tuition Reimbursement & Pre-Approval Guidelines, 4 Ways Parents & Families Can Get Involved, Act 158 Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2023 and Beyond, Calendar Sync- Adding WCASD Events to Yours, Email - Trouble with Sending or Receiving, Excuse Notes/ Justificacin de inasistencia escolar, Finding Your Feeder Pattern - School Locator, How to Address Educational Questions and Concerns, Insurance - Optional Student Accident Insurance, K-12 WCASD Counseling and Mental Health Professional Services Guide, PA Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Resubscribe to School/District Email Service, Student Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet, Technical Support for WCASD Families @Home, Grades 6-12 Summer Reading for 2022-23 School Year, School Board Meetings - Dates, Agendas, and Minutes, WCASD School Board of Directors by Voter Regions, Public Comments at Virtual Board Meetings, Public Comments at Virtual Committee Meetings, Public Comments Procedures beginning on April 12, 2021, Meet and Contact the School Board Directors. Now through June 7th! I also want to work on a curriculum that better prepares students for life after high school. Educating and Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Their Personal Best, PresidentRegion 1, term expires December 2023, Vice PresidentRegion 3, term expires December 2023, Linda Cherashore, SecretaryCarol DeLuca, Assistant SecretaryJohn T. Scully, Treasurer, Sue Tiernan, President, email: stiernanGary Bevilacqua, Vice President, email: gbevilacquaJoyce Chester, email: jchesterAlex Christy, email: achristyDr. The West Chester Area School District held a School Board 101 Information Session on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. How much of the school day is devoted to education vs the teaching of political ideologies*? Daryl R. Durnell got 2,651 votes, amounting to 38.5 percent, Peggy Schmidt got 710 votes, amounting to 10.3 percent of the votes, Amanda Greenberg got 804 votes, amounting to 11.68 percent of the votes/, Peggy Schmitt got 2,050 votes, amounting to 38.77 percent of the votes, Amanda Greenberg got 2,084 votes, amounting to 39.4 percent of the votes. Stare is also running to capture a seat in Region 3. You can also type a keyword into the "Search" box. Questions: I have been teaching students with special needs for 33 years. Too many parent concerns go unanswered or unaddressed and we need to bring back community representation instead of the current pattern of acting as a shadow administrationor representatives for PSEA, and remove the gerrymandering currently in place due to the segmentation of our voters into three regions. Fiscal Accountability. The Chester County natives favorite part of his beat is writing the weekly Sunday column, Small Talk., In preliminary results, four win seats on West, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), In preliminary results, four win seats on West Chester School Board in hotly contested race. We illustrated the inequity in our district that was created as a result of school closures and hybrid instruction. He would focus on learning loss due to the pandemic in a bid to get the kids back to normal.. Katy Frey and Alex Christy are running as United for West Chester Area School Board candidates in Region One. He will make the final determination about who is appointed. Editors note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the board members were four Democrats and one Republican, not five Democrats. We need to make sure that every child knows that they matter, she said. WCASD is a community of 12,000 students, their parents, siblings, friends, and neighbors. Questions: I successfully completed my foundation learning skills from the West Chester Area school district in 1972. The Pennsylvania Auditor General recently reported that the WCASD unnecessarily raised local taxes in 2018 and 2019. The lawyers argue that the Pennsylvania statute in question gives the school directors no more than 20 days to respond. Where is the line between parental rights and in loco parentis? The hearing was delayed as they had to move to a larger courtroom, because initially only 35 people were allowed in, with about 100 more . Questions: As a Latina woman who is also Jewish and was born and raised in a border state, I will bring cultural and ethnic diversity to the WCASD School Board and be a representative for the largest minority group in WCASD. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Incumbents Karen Hermann and Daryl R. Durnell will run against Amanda Greenberg and Peggy Schmidt. Time will . Therefore, I am very passionate about building upon current diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in the district to ensure students of all backgrounds and identities feel welcomed and accepted; (2) I am currently getting my masters degree in social work, which is why I strongly support increasing access to mental health resources for students, support staff, and teachers; (3) I am only 24 years old and am a member of Gen-Z. We know what to do: Philly superintendent reveals 5-year strategic plan for schools. Our most vulnerable students suffered the most, and I wanted to ensure that they had equal access to the resources they required., Nestor said that if elected she would work tirelessly to ensure that we never let our children down again by creating a situation where parents have to choose between going to work or helping their children attend school remotely., Nestor: Every child, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status deserves an appropriate and equal education. A parent filed for their removal. Public members may attend the meetings in person or watch the meeting live-streamed on the WCASD YouTube Channel. Select a policy section by clicking the folder and all policies in that section will be listed. 28WEST CHESTER The Common Pleas Court case involving five West Chester Area School Board members who were briefly removed from their positions by a Chester County judge over a. Alex Christy got 2,645 votes, amounting to 43.19 percent. Five candidates are running on a team that is endorsed by the Back To Basics political action team. As I mentioned in the April District Newsletter, even in the midst of uncertainty we have so much to be grateful for and I look forward to better and brighter things to come, Sokolowski wrote. Bill Rettew is a 20 year veteran reporter who enjoys being the eyes and ears of the community. However, in a letter sent out to district parents Tuesday night, Superintendent Robert Sokolowski attempted to downplay any concern that the judge-ordered ousting of the board members would stick. Contact the 2022 School Board By email: (all email addresses are the user name followed by @wcasd.net) Sue Tiernan, President, email: stiernan Gary Bevilacqua, Vice President, email: gbevilacqua Joyce Chester, email: jchester Alex Christy, email: achristy Dr. Laura Detre, email: ldetre Daryl Durnell, email: ddurnell1 Karen Fleming, email: kfleming Pandemic learning loss has been devastating to our youngest students. Gun recovered from Philadelphia middle school, two juveniles in custody. Four incumbents and one newcomer are running together on the platform United for West Chester Area School Board. The candidates stand up for student achievement, student voice and student rights. My father, Carl E. Durnell (deceased), was the first Black police officer in West Chester and my mother, Della S. Durnell (deceased), was a hairdresser who owned her own shop. The parent petitioner, Beth Ann Rosica, argued that under the Pennsylvania school code, districts have no authority to require all students to wear masks. Amanda Greenberg: Age: 35; Political party: Republican; Educator; Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and dual Masters in Elementary and Special Education from LaSalle University; Married with 3 elementary-aged children ; Hobbies: Tennis, weightlifting, hiking, travel, gardening, teaching tennis, snowboarding, spending time with family. West Chester, she noted, always left open the possibility of reinstating masking if cases rose again. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Second, developing solid math skills early on allows students to then gain higher-level analytical abilities which affords them an opportunity to inspect and dissect the world around them and to rely on their own assessment and judgment about what is valid and true. Gary Bevilacqua: Age 61; Political party: Democratic; Occupation: Technical Project Manager; Education: BS Mechanical Engineering; Masters Certificate in Project Management; Family, Wife = Cindy, Children = Kristin & Kurt that attended WCASD from K-12; Hobbies: Community volunteering (township, sports organizations, community-based organizations, school district), Watching & participating in all sports (board member of Penn Fusion Soccer Academy & West Chester Area Sports Association), Technology, Reading. This website contains links to third-party websites that are provided solely as a convenience to you and not as an endorsement by WCASD of the content on such third-party websites or any affiliation or association with its operators. Later, I worked directly with teachers and students in Philadelphia overseeing an in-school Special Olympics program impacting thousands of students in one of the largest districts in the country. Her petition in West Chester isnt an isolated effort. Laura Detre, email: ldetreDaryl Durnell, email: ddurnell1Karen Fleming, email: kflemingDr. It is critical that our district continues to improve and support students in all aspects of their K-12 education. My nonprofit work has been about service to others, and I view this role in the same light. Grady, who said she couldnt find any case law showing that the provision had been used in the past, said she sees her petition as a template for other parents who believe their school boards have overreached by attempting to set public health mandates. I wear many hats I am a mom, spouse, small business owner, and graduate student. Bill Rettew is a 20 year veteran reporter who enjoys being the eyes and ears of the community. Alex Christy: Age: 37; Political party: Democratic; Occupation: Legislative Staff; Education: BA History from West Chester University; MS Sport Management from Drexel University; Family: Partner, Joslyn; Hobbies: Traveling, Camping, Listening to vinyl records, Visiting National Parks, Eating great meals with friends, Watching Philly sports. Sokolowski concluded by saying that due to the ongoing nature of the situation, he would be not able to provide any additional comment for the time being. These documents are hundreds of pages long, and the financial portion of the document is cumbersome and difficult to understand, even for those who enjoy financial challenges. As a mother of two neurodiverse children, I am committed to improving how the district meets families and students where they are and help them excel at school no matter what their needs may be.. Chester County Intermediate Unit settles case alleging abuse at Glen Mills Schools. I am very familiar with both townships and I am running again for school director in both townships. As a mother of two neurodiverse children, I am committed to improving how the district meets families and students where they are and help them excel at school no matter what their needs may be.. Mahon wrote his decision was a "procedural result" of the school . My background and education includes a deep knowledge base from engineering, information technology, and construction skills which I bring to my board roles and decisions. The top two vote-getters will represent Region 3. We are doing everything we can to get everyone past these tough times, he said. Republican Brian Gallen will face off against Democrat Karen Fleming in Region 2. Not all mail in or provisional ballots had yet been counted at press time. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Fresh Air opens the window on contemporary arts and issues with guests from worlds as diverse as literature and economics. Anita Edgarian also ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for a seat in Region 3. If I am elected my priority would be making our schools places where every member of our community feels accepted, she said. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. That slate of candidates was one of several dozen in school boards across Pennsylvania that got at least $10,000 from Back to School PA much more than is usually spent in school board races. He joined WHYY in November 2020. One group was endorsed by Back to Basics and the other five candidates are running as United for West Chester Area School Board. We intend to examine the districts finances more closely in an effort to help all of us better understand how and where our tax dollars are being spent. A Chester County judge has vacated his previous decision Friday removing four Democrats and one Republican from the West Chester Area School District board in a dispute over masks, meaning the axed board directors are reinstated and can return to their posts for now. Alain Oliver: Age: 51; Political party: Republican; Education: MBA, Penn State; economics degree, Emory University; Occupation: Nonprofit management; Family: wife, 11th & ninth-graders in Rustin, seventh- and fifth-grader in parish school; Hobbies: Reading fiction and nonfiction. Education stories from across the Keystone State. On Monday, the board voted, 8-1, during an impassioned four-hour meeting to keep Gender Queer: A Memoir on school libraries shelves. Ahead of school board elections in November 2021, and amid rising tension over parents rights to dictate how schools are run, the West Chester district got national attention when the then-president of the board, a Republican, cut a conservative parents microphone as she spoke about critical race theory. He is now grappling with the student learning loss and financial implications of COVID. I support our districts efforts to increase equity but we need to go further., The Democratic candidate supports making it easier for community members to be heard at board meetings, while allowing meeting-goers to comment electronically as well as in person, an update to the dress code that would not single out girls and disrupt, and make sure that the faculty and staff represent the diverse community.. Nick Spangler: Age: 69; Political party: Republican; Occupation: Retired special education teacher and learning development specialist. Alex Christy and Katy Frey, both incumbents, will run in the November election. 5 Things To Do In PA This Weekend: Fossil Dig, 'Water Circus,' + More, Levante Beer Opens Pop-up Beer Gardens In Chester County, $4.67M In Funding Allocated For Chester County Parks, Backpacks Brighten School Start For West Chester Area Students, Happy Summer Trails: Best Places To Get Outdoors Around West Chester. removing four Democrats and one Republican from the West Chester Area School District board, WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor. Democrat Joyce Chester is seeking her third consecutive term on the school board in Region 1 and is opposed by Republican Ada M. Nestor. 5, 2022 12:55 pm Public schools exist to educate children. Please give today. He acknowledged that he didnt have all the answers but would remain committed to education throughout the process. Currently a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Master; Education: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in socially and emotionally disturbed students and a Master of Arts in Education and School Administration; Family: Three children, four granddaughters, one of whom lives locally and attends WCASD; Hobbies: Traveling, jazz concerts, and energy healing. Judges havent ruled on them yet, but Shannon Grady, a Downingtown parent and the original drafter of the petition language, said she has high hopes. Judge Mahon gave both parties to the case Rosica and the district seven days to submit their recommendations for replacement board members. I support keeping politics out of the classroom and creating a safe environment free from fighting and bullying so that every single child feels safe in school. Padres Latinos del distrito escolar del rea de West Chester; Preschool Parents Group; Realtor Resources; Redistricting for the 2021-2022 School Year; Related Organizations; . Ive taught in public and private schools in both general and special education and have three children in the district, so Im very invested in the world of education and the success of the district. Terry Gross hosts this multi-award-winning daily interview and features program. Chester Co. Judge Allows Cases to Advance Against Two School Boards Over Mask Policies Posted to Education March 22, 2022 by Linda Stein Common Pleas Judge William P. Mahon permitted recall petitions against the West Chester Area School Board and Downingtown Area School Board to go forward. As an incumbent, I will continue to support policies that prioritize academic excellence, school safety, and social and emotional learning. Daryl R. Burnell got 583 votes, amounting to 10.46 percent of the votres. What makes the school district outstanding ? Each committee meets on an as-needed basis to discuss agenda items for School Board meetings and to receive informational updates from the Administration on matters within the committee's area of concern. Pages on this website are reviewed and produced to the best of our abilities to be accessible to individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, Level AA. As a Board Director, I will support policies from the administration to improve our academic performance and to make all students and staff feel safe at school. The order stemmed from a petition a parent in the West Chester Area School District filed in February, asking the Chester County Court of Common Pleas to remove the school board members on the grounds that they had voted in August 2021 to make masks mandatory in the districts schools. 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