Downingtown Area School District, PA

2026-08-17 Special Board Meeting

The Downingtown Area School District Board is holding a special meeting to vote on personnel items, including a contract with Zen Educate, Inc. for paraprofessional support staff, and a resolution to take over hiring and oversight of school crossing guards in Downingtown Borough. The meeting also includes public input and visitor comments.

• Approval of personnel items (details in attached PDF)
• Contract with Zen Educate, Inc. for paraprofessional support staff, effective Aug 18, 2026 to Jun 30, 2027
• Resolution to assume hiring/oversight of school crossing guards under PA Title 8 Pa.C.S. § 1127, pending Borough ordinance

The Downingtown Area School District Board approved a contract with Zen Educate, Inc. for paraprofessional support staff services from August 18, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The board also approved personnel items and a resolution to assume hiring and oversight of school crossing guards within the Borough of Downingtown. All votes were unanimous among present members, with Lee Wisdom not present.

• Approved personnel items (8-0, Lee Wisdom not present)
• Approved contract with Zen Educate, Inc. for paraprofessional support services (8-0)
• Approved resolution to assume hiring and oversight of school crossing guards under PA Title 8 Pa.C.S. § 1127 (8-0)

2026-08-12 Board Meeting Agenda

The Downingtown Area School Board will hear a state budget update showing DASD will receive $1,025,539 in Adequacy Supplements, and will consider a new administrative guideline implementing a bell-to-bell cell phone ban for grades K-8 and a class-time ban for grades 9-12. The board will also vote on consent agenda items including policy updates, contracts, and personnel items.

• State budget update: DASD to receive $1,025,539 in Adequacy Supplements; total state subsidy $31,427,067
• Cell phone ban: bell-to-bell for K-8, prohibited during classes for 9-12
• Policy 221 Dress and Grooming updated for CROWN Act compliance
• PSBA compensation study contract for $6,800.00
• WeVideo (PlayPosit) renewal agreement for $17,542.98

2026-08-05 Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole is reviewing new administrative guidelines for student electronic device use and updating several curricula. The board is also considering various contracts for professional development, legal services, and classroom equipment.

• Bell-to-bell cell phone ban for grades K-8 and prohibition during classes for grades 9-12
• Purchase of 96 microscopes for Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center for $31,884.48
• Contract with PSBA for a Teamsters Collective Bargaining compensation study for $6,800.00
• Renewal of WeVideo instructional licenses for $17,542.98
• Title IX Pool Counsel Membership with Sweet, Stevens, Katz & Williams LLP for $3,000

2026-07-08 Board Meeting Agenda

The board will discuss and take action on a $21.5 million Tier I facilities plan covering HVAC/generator replacements at three elementary schools, auditorium upgrades at high schools and middle schools, and outdoor facilities including track resurfacing and synthetic turf fields. A separate $55 million Tier II list of projects is presented but has no current funding. Consent items include approval of minutes, disbursements, financial reports, and personnel.

• HVAC & generator replacement at Bradford Heights ($4.2M), East Ward ($4.3M), Shamona Creek ($3.9M) – action in August 2026
• Track resurfacing at DHS East ($286,500) and DHS West ($334,000) – action in July 2026
• Synthetic turf fields (2 each) at DHS East ($1,000,550) and DHS West ($1,230,850) – action in August 2026
• Theatrical lighting and rigging work at DHS East, DHS West, Downingtown Middle, and Lionville Middle (total ~$1.3M) – action in July 2026
• Tier II proposals include $55M in future projects (e.g., cafeteria additions, HVAC at more schools, public water/sewer at Brandywine Wallace) pending sale of Lionville Station Farm

The board approved a $30 million facilities plan funded by new debt, including HVAC replacements at three elementary schools, stage rigging and lighting upgrades at high schools and middle schools, and replacement of tennis courts, tracks, and synthetic turf fields at both high schools. All consent agenda items and numerous contracts, including a Teamsters MOU, DAEA supplemental payments, and various vendor agreements, were approved unanimously. The board also approved a tax assessment appeal resolution and stipulation agreements resulting in a loss of $87,676 in annual property tax revenue.

• Approved $30M facilities plan for HVAC, generators, auditoriums, and outdoor facilities (unanimous)
• Approved track restoration at DHSE and DHSW with Miller Sports Construction (unanimous)
• Approved stage lighting upgrades at DHSE and DHSW with Center Stage Lighting & Rigging (unanimous)
• Approved stage rigging replacement at DMS and LMS with Pittsburgh Stage, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved tax assessment appeals resolution authorizing Valbridge Property Advisors to identify 15 properties for appeal (unanimous)
• Approved stipulation agreements resulting in $87,676 loss in annual property tax revenue (unanimous)
• Approved Teamsters MOU for Paraeducator Pathways tuition reimbursement (unanimous)
• Approved DAEA MOU for supplemental payments effective through 2030 (unanimous)

2026-06-10 Board Meeting Agenda

The Board of Education is reviewing a strategic plan update and community forum feedback regarding student device use, arts programming, and budget planning. The board also approved several policy updates and routine financial reports.

• Approval of Policy 619 District Audit regarding PDE audit responsibility
• Approval of Policy 140 Charter Schools regarding transportation requirements
• Approval of Policy 236.1 Threat Assessment to meet PA School Code requirements
• Review of community forum feedback on screen time, cell phone policies, and music programming
• Approval of May 2026 financial reports and disbursements

The Board of School Directors approved a wide range of administrative, policy, and curriculum items via the consent agenda. These decisions included financial reports, personnel matters, and several educational agreements.

• Approved meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved disbursements (8-0)
• Approved financial reports (8-0)
• Approved personnel items (8-0)
• Approved Policy 619 District Audit (8-0)
• Approved Policy 140 Charter Schools (8-0)
• Approved Policy 236.1 Threat Assessment (8-0)
• Approved reallocation, sale and disposal of items (8-0)

2026-05-27 Committee of the Whole

The board will hear a report on community forum feedback and vote on consent items including health insurance renewals with Sun Life and Independence Blue Cross, plus several special education and curriculum contracts. The Sun Life stop-loss renewal is $23.90 per participant per month (5.7% decrease), and the IBC medical insurance renewal is $43.81 per participant per month in year one (5% increase).

• Sun Life stop-loss insurance renewal: $23.90 per participant per month (5.7% decrease from last year).
• Independence Blue Cross three-year medical insurance renewal: Year 1 $43.81, Year 2 $44.90, Year 3 $46.03 per participant per month.
• HMH Digital License Contract for reading interventions: $19,875.
• Renewal with Avant for World Language Testing Services: $24,900.
• Approval of field trips to Paris, Costa Rica, Italy, Moab UT, and Jay Peak VT.

2026-05-13 Board Meeting Agenda

The board will consider the proposed 2026-2027 budget, which includes a 3.5% millage increase generating an estimated $6,676,045 in additional revenue and a remaining projected deficit of $2,760,726. The superintendent will also present updates on full-day kindergarten, enrollment, student screen time, and cell phone procedures. A community forum announcement and Parent Square information update are also on the agenda.

• Proposed 2026-2027 budget with 3.5% millage increase and $2.76 million deficit
• Full-day kindergarten update presentation
• Enrollment report
• Update on student screen time and device utilization (35-65 min/day)
• Discussion of student cell phone procedures under Policy #237

The Board approved the April 8 and May 6, 2026, meeting minutes. Additionally, all consent items including disbursements and financial reports were approved.

• Approved April 8 and May 6, 2026, board meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved disbursements (7-0)
• Approved financial reports (7-0)

2026-05-06 Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss and recommend action on several personnel contracts, technology upgrades, and policy updates. Informational reports cover student screen time and cell phone procedures. Recommended actions include renewing dental, telemedicine, and interview software contracts, and approving a $150,000 fiber cable replacement and a $28,005 email filter replacement.

• Renewal of Delta Dental benefits at $3.40/enrollee/month (no increase) for 2026-2029
• Renewal of Revive Health telemedicine at $3.51/employee/month (no increase) for 2026-2027
• Renewal of InterviewStream at $8,000/year for 2026-2028
• Approval of $150,000 internal fiber replacement project with LAN Connect
• Approval of $28,005 replacement of end-of-life email filter with Abnormal web-based solution

The board approved the March 30, 2026 Committee of the Whole minutes by voice vote. Numerous agenda items—including several contract renewals, budget approvals, and facilities change orders—were moved forward to the Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026. No public comments were received and the next meetings were scheduled.

• Approved March 30 minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Delta Dental renewal – moved to Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026
• Revive Health (formerly Swift MD) agreement renewal – moved to Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026
• InterviewStream agreement renewal – moved to Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026
• Wageworks through Horace Mann agreement renewal – moved to Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026
• Non‑Union Support Compensation Agreement addendum – moved to Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026
• Reallocation, sale and disposal – moved to Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026
• Flexible Instruction Day (FID) application 2026‑2027 – moved to Consent Agenda for full board approval on May 13, 2026

2026-05-06 Special Board Meeting

The Downingtown Area School Board held a special meeting to approve two Chester County Intermediate Unit #24 budgets for 2026-2027. The board approved the Core Services budget of $50,180,724 (DASD contribution unchanged at $95,354) and the Occupational Education budget of $34,574,320 (a 1.9% decrease). Both motions passed 8-1. The meeting also included public input and other procedural items.

• Approval of 2026-2027 Chester County Intermediate Unit Core Services budget of $50,180,724; DASD contribution remains $95,354.
• Approval of 2026-2027 Occupational Education budget of $34,574,320, a 1.9% decrease from prior year.
• DASD contribution to occupational education is increasing due to rising student enrollment in IU programs (from 137.25 FTE in 2020-21 to 174.75 in 2025-26).
• Both budgets passed 8-1, with Director Madhu Gurthy voting against each.
• Public input period allowed for comments on action items before votes.

The Downingtown Area School District Board approved the 2026-2027 Core Services and Occupational Education budgets for the Chester County Intermediate Unit #24. The Core Services budget is $50,180,724, and the Occupational Education budget is $34,574,320. Both approvals passed with a vote of 8-1.

• Approved Chester County Intermediate Unit #24 Core Services Budget ($50,180,724) (8-1)
• Approved Chester County Intermediate Unit #24 Occupational Education Budget ($34,574,320) (8-1)

2026-04-08 Board Meeting Agenda

The Board is reviewing a revised 2026-2027 budget proposal that addresses a projected deficit. Discussions also include adjusting the residency verification deadline for magnet school applicants.

• Refined 2026-2027 budget proposal with a projected deficit of $2,760,726
• Proposed 3.5% millage increase generating an estimated $6,682,671 in revenue
• Adjustment to Policy 141 shifting magnet school residency proof deadline to November 1st
• Authorization of legal action against Jarvin Williams to recover unpaid tuition reimbursement

The Board approved several administrative and financial actions via the consent agenda. This included personnel matters, budget transfers, and multiple change orders related to school expansion projects. The final proposed 2026-27 budget is scheduled for consideration on May 13, 2026.

• Approved March 11, 2026 meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved disbursements, financial reports, and personnel items (8-0)
• Authorized legal action against Jarvin Williams to recover unpaid tuition reimbursement (8-0)
• Approved removal of items for reallocation, sale, or disposal (8-0)
• Approved one-time field trips (8-0)
• Approved agreement with Kencrest for student support services (8-0)
• Approved Triennial Special Education Plan 2026-2029 (8-0)
• Approved budget transfers (8-0)

2026-03-30 Committee of the Whole

The Downingtown Area School District Committee of the Whole will discuss and consider several action items, including a proposed adjustment to Policy 141 (Magnet Schools) that moves the residency verification deadline for STEM Academy applicants from January 1 to November 1 to reduce administrative strain. The board will also consider personnel items (including a dismissal resolution and legal action to recover unpaid tuition), renewals of insurance and staffing contracts, approval of field trips, and multiple special-education and mental-health service agreements.

• Proposed residency deadline change for STEM Academy from Jan 1 to Nov 1 for 8th graders
• Resolution to dismiss employment of Joseph Graziola
• Legal action authorized against former Assistant Principal Jarvin Williams to recover unpaid tuition reimbursement
• Renewal of SunLife insurance policies (life, AD&D, LTD, STD) with listed rates
• Renewal contract with Cartwheel Health Services for 2026-2027 at $52,800 (PCCD Grant)

The Committee of the Whole approved the minutes from the March 4 meeting and moved multiple personnel, curriculum, finance, and facility items to the Consent Agenda for final board approval on April 8. The board also discussed a policy change regarding magnet school residency requirements.

• Approved March 4 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
• Moved Personnel Items to Consent Agenda for April 8 vote
• Moved Resolution for Dismissal of Employment to Consent Agenda
• Moved Legal Action Against Jarvin Williams to Consent Agenda
• Moved Reallocation, Sale and Disposal to Consent Agenda
• Moved Field Trips to Consent Agenda
• Moved Agreement with Kencrest to Consent Agenda
• Moved Panorama Education Contract to Consent Agenda

2026-03-11 Board Meeting Agenda

The Downingtown Area School District Board will hear a presentation on the proposed preliminary budget for 2026-2027, with further details and refinements to come in future meetings. The board will also receive updates on enrollment, student well-being, and the current 2025-2026 budget status. Consent agenda items include approval of personnel actions, financial reports, and updates to several district policies.

• Presentation of proposed 2026-2027 preliminary budget
• Recognition of DHSW French teacher Charlene Bigelow as NECTFL Teacher of the Year
• Enrollment report for March 2026
• Approval of policy updates: Emergency Preparedness (805), Relations with Law Enforcement (805.1), Purchases Subject to Bid (610) threshold increase to $24,500, Purchases Budgeted (611) threshold increase to $24,500, and Weapons policy (218.1)
• Consent agenda includes approval of minutes, disbursements, financial reports, and personnel items

The board approved a new Memorandum of Understanding with the teachers’ union and updated four board policies covering emergency response, law enforcement relations, and purchasing. Several consent agenda items, including financial reports and student activity clubs, were also approved. The board received a presentation of the proposed 2026-2027 preliminary budget, which recommends a 3.5% tax increase; preliminary board approval is scheduled for April 8.

• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Downingtown Area Education Association (7-0)
• Approved Policy 805 on emergency preparedness and response (7-0)
• Approved Policy 805.1 on relations with law enforcement (7-0)
• Approved Policy 610 on purchases subject to bid (7-0)
• Approved Policy 611 on purchases budgeted (7-0)
• Approved Policy 218.1 on weapons (7-0)
• Approved purchase of Realityworks RealCare babies for child development class (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda items including financial reports and student activity clubs (7-0)

2026-03-04 Committee of the Whole

The Downingtown Area School District Committee of the Whole will discuss and recommend approval of several large technology purchases totaling over $3.2 million, including Chromebooks for students and laptops for employees. The committee will also consider an MOU with the teachers association, two confidential special education settlement agreements ($15,000 and $24,900), policy updates on weapons and emergency preparedness, and a budget status update. Items are recommended to the full board for action on March 11, 2026.

• $1,027,900 for 1,900 Lenovo Chromebooks for incoming kindergarten and fifth-grade students
• $634,800 for 1,150 Chromebooks for ninth-grade students
• $793,900 for 712 Lenovo laptops for employees
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding with Downingtown Area Education Association (DAEA)
• $15,000 and $24,900 confidential settlement agreements for special education students

The Board unanimously approved the February 4, 2026, meeting minutes. Financial updates indicated a projected operating deficit of $1,020,189 for the 2025-2026 school year. Several items were moved to the Consent Agenda for full board approval.

• Approved February 4, 2026, minutes (unanimous voice vote)

2026-02-11 Board Meeting Agenda

The Downingtown Area Board of Education will discuss and potentially approve a Bond Parameters Resolution authorizing up to $30 million in new debt for capital improvements and refinancing of existing bonds. They will also receive a presentation on the 2026-2027 Capital Budget and an enrollment report. Consent items include personnel approvals, financial reports, and disposal of weeded library books.

• Bond Parameters Resolution for up to $30 million new money for capital improvements and refunding of Series 2017, 2018A, and 2018C bonds
• 2026-2027 Capital Budget presentation
• Enrollment report for February 2026
• Personnel consent items with fiscal impact, budgeted in General Fund
• Reallocation, sale, or disposal of weeded library books from SC and EW schools

The board approved the consent agenda, which included budget transfers, a $7,921 annual tax stipulation, and four construction change orders for West Bradford Elementary School. It also passed a $30,000,000 bond resolution to refund existing debt and authorize new borrowing. Policy 122.1 was revised to align with state guidelines, and compensation adjustments for non-union staff were approved. These actions update district operations, manage facility construction costs, and authorize borrowing that may affect future tax levies.

• Approved Bond Parameters Resolution authorizing up to $30,000,000 in general obligation bonds (8-0)
• Approved Policy 122.1 revisions for nonschool student groups (7-1)
• Approved four change orders for West Bradford Elementary School expansion (8-0)
• Approved $7,921 annual stipulation agreement for lost real estate tax revenue (8-0)
• Approved in-range compensation adjustments for non-union staff (6-2)
• Approved Medical Services Agreement with Dr. Bradley Dyer (8-0)
• Approved contract addendum for paraprofessional support for Student #9342897789 (8-0)
• Approved settlement agreement and release for Student #6531449403 (8-0)

2026-02-04 Committee of the Whole

The Downingtown Area School Board Committee of the Whole will discuss a Bond Parameters Resolution authorizing up to $30 million in new borrowing for capital improvements and the refunding of existing bonds. Other business includes personnel actions (a settlement for employee 21943 and in-range adjustments for 71 non-union staff), policy updates on graduation requirements and weapons, and a special education settlement agreement for $85,000. The meeting is a work session; most items are expected to be voted on at the February 11 board meeting.

• Bond Parameters Resolution: up to $30M new money for capital improvements and refunding of Series 2017, 2018A, 2018C bonds
• In-range compensation adjustments for 71 non-union staff effective January 1, 2026
• Settlement Agreement and Release for DASD Student #6531449403 at $85,000 from Special Education budget
• Policy updates: Graduation Requirements (East/West and STEM), Weapons notification, Emergency Preparedness, and bid threshold increases to $24,500
• Renewal of Final Site webhost for five years (2026–2031) at $41,750

The Board reviewed a Bond Parameters Resolution to refund existing debt and provide $30 million for new capital improvements. Several items were moved to the Consent Agenda for full board approval on February 11, 2026.

• Approved January 7, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous voice vote)
• Moved Bond Parameters Resolution to full board approval on February 11, 2026
• Moved Personnel Items to Consent Agenda for full board approval
• Moved Reallocation, Sale and Disposal to Consent Agenda for full board approval
• Moved Approval of Medical Services Agreement to Consent Agenda for full board approval
• Moved Policy 122.1 to Consent Agenda for full board approval
• Moved Policy 217 to Consent Agenda for full board approval
• Moved Policy 217.1 to Consent Agenda for full board approval

2026-01-14 Board Meeting Agenda

The Downingtown Area School Board will hear public comment and consider a consent agenda covering personnel, finances, and curriculum items. Among the items are a $10,000 contract with The Breakthrough Coach for professional development, approval of field trips, and a settlement for employee 24149. The board will also receive a student achievement report and enrollment update.

• Approval of $10,000 contract with The Breakthrough Coach for professional development (June 2026)
• Approval of release and settlement for employee 24149
• Approval of field trips: Tree House World (UH), Penn State (DWHS), Dayton (DEHS), Hershey (LMS)
• Approval of disposal of weeded library books (BH) and a rack (BW)
• Approval of financial reports (treasurer, tax, budget, activity, investment)

2026-01-07 Committee of the Whole

The Downingtown Area School District Committee of the Whole will discuss a bond financing restructure and new borrowing of approximately $30 million, which could reduce annual debt service by $1–$2 million. The board will also consider personnel actions, curriculum contracts, policy updates, and budget transfers. Several items are consent agenda actions for the January 14 board meeting, while others are discussions on graduation requirements and enrollment projections.

• Finance presentation on $30 million bond restructuring and debt service savings of $1–$2 million
• Approval of $15,750 contract with FutureThink for updated 10-year enrollment projections
• Approval of $42,820 renewal agreement with Renaissance for Nearpod instructional platform
• Discussions on Policy 217 (graduation requirements) and Policy 217.1 (STEM graduation requirements)
• Approval of $10,000 contract with The Breakthrough Coach for professional development

The committee approved the November meeting minutes by voice vote and moved all other agenda items to the full board’s January 14 meeting for final action. The district presented a debt restructuring plan that could reduce annual debt service by $1–$2 million, which would lower future borrowing costs for taxpayers. Several facility upgrades, policy reviews, and budget transfers were also scheduled for next month’s vote.

• Approved November 24 minutes by voice vote
• Moved consent agenda items to January 14 board meeting
• Scheduled debt restructuring follow-up for February 11
• Forwarded policy reviews on graduation requirements and student groups