[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6573900,"mediaKeyId","3141270-7ede737e606f7b8131f6a7a859d969bd","parentId",3141270,"title","Local scout leaders ask board to permit more school access for recruitment and activities","audioSeconds",232,"startMs",5778000,"endMs",6010000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141270-7ede737e606f7b8131f6a7a859d969bd&start=5778&end=6010","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141270-7ede737e606f7b8131f6a7a859d969bd/thumbnail_5778000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6573900/Pennsylvania/Local-scout-leaders-ask-board-to-permit-more-school-access-for-recruitment-and-activities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573900-5f28410bf232c4529c877ebda8ce4c08/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716554&Signature=De62Y-3Dd~kyZPTfx1nuHqESAELh9QhPEy~RFcJU1OC1cGz3eOu2NyOKqRKUYcYrKSSn~ZTfgtloOMNGAx4qCGBajZugXdJn5S0X7iI2qdtIR5pscGTL~zHf3VSFbadXbCOyBk8BIdPIJkNDxxlW-yC6K2AlkkQ0msaEeaHMVDR8Aee7yh7C1KSoaLpGDzD7xehCdhT5HuJXVPej~ChCVWmuarcWC62KHkxlSK~CZYbzUsKTfGkfs1hKh9ddeW2aCZEabGi8Akx2AM1vF2PVCuyrxsPFXLGgERwtMJ3ii2QCIKTi7gr46Pz5WXCECIDT8U3dtqtvgnULhDDNgTq~3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","West Chester Area School District","date","2025-04-29T00:47:17.423Z","article","Three local scouting leaders told the West Chester Area School District board on April 28 that current policies limit units' ability to recruit and partner with public schools and urged the district to allow greater access.

Robert Graves, a new borough resident who said he represents about 300 public-school families in local scouting units, told the board scouting provides outdoor experience, leadership and community service. \"Our organization is not effectively reaching West Chester Area School District families,\" he said, and urged the district to consider easing restrictions that he said have left scouting partnerships at fewer than one-third of district elementary schools compared with the pre-COVID level.

Cub Scout Pack 69 Cubmaster Alar Talon (as transcribed) said scouting helps children develop leadership, resilience and teamwork. \"Offering relief to these restrictions could make significant difference,\" he said, adding that scouts organize events from Pinewood Derbies to camping trips and community-service projects.

Speakers requested the district permit stronger collaboration so scouts can contact families and recruit in schools. Board members did not take any policy vote during the public comment period; the requests were recorded for board consideration and follow-up through standard policy review channels.

Why it matters: school access policies affect extracurricular organizations' ability to reach students and families. Speakers said expanded access would increase participation and community service contributions across the district.

Next steps: the board's policy review committee and administration may review the request under Policy 903 and district communications protocols. No immediate policy change was recorded at the April 28 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","West Chester Area School District Personnel Committee Meeting and Monthly Board Meeting 4/28/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Representatives of local Cub Scout and Boy Scout units asked the board to ease restrictions so they can recruit and collaborate with West Chester Area School District public schools, saying scouting provides leadership development and community service.","taxTitle","West Chester Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",14586,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6573904,"Board approves personnel changes, budget and capital projects; full roll call on proposed 2025–26 budget",3163,320000,3483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141270-7ede737e606f7b8131f6a7a859d969bd&start=320&end=3483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141270-7ede737e606f7b8131f6a7a859d969bd/thumbnail_320000.jpg","/articles/6573904/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-personnel-changes-budget-and-capital-projects-full-roll-call-on-proposed-202526-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573904-d2e8082ea699a18f3f2ef305a19e3bfe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716554&Signature=ZUyveQ5T0N8z1qA9xzXuIGxjhT7wUk~cADjZHeq-93rjxFkZtMcgzxvlxX5FmFN-MZwQERqiJGlfgAQBIalVRsscJ5-hrYqZjoeVHvz1YR0iJ5Ee7FXOAvnJ9pMUZDeOGxVtCz8KvOI-PtiCSlJJQZ4OwWkR08NFgX-~K5ZSDfsPTgFpV56CZye3mYxScpViLHs7G6WlRGu9SPDeSYjRhamfP1E5SlOqs~oyw6o~Cq70cWXlEeG6~sUSgXxgcvlI4L~kqmlTDmg6ZJSqla260vn8ZioIUwTNbYVASRRs7ACj3ql-u45sE2yhKvXQCqzboy5xqoT-4j4DVJhk7rEMAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Chester Area School District Board of School Directors approved a slate of personnel changes, several capital-project awards and the district's proposed final budget for fiscal year 2025–26 during its April 28 meeting.

Key votes taken by the full board included approval of a video-based applicant screening tool, the addition and salary ranges for new Act 93 administrative positions, adjustments to work-year agreements for several coordinators and specialists, adoption of the Teaching, Learning and Equity curriculum summary budget, multiple capital project contract awards and the district's proposed final 2025–26 general fund budget under the Act 1 timeline.

Notable outcomes

- Purchase of VidCruiter applicant-video platform (vendor name in minutes shown as Vidcruiter/Bidcruder): motion passed; board discussion said the annual cost after a 20% discount would be reduced from $10,000 to $8,000 per year and the tool will be used for prescreening a large number of applicants.

- Creation of two shared elementary assistant principal positions (Act 93) and approval of a salary range: motion passed. Board approved a salary range reported in discussion as approximately $110,173 to $139,371 for the elementary assistant principal position.

- Approval to move certain coordinator, behavior specialist, nursing services and social work positions from 10-month to 12-month (Act 93) and establishment of a salary range: motion passed; reported ranges were in discussion as approximately $103,852 to $134,002.

- Removal of several assistant-to-director and 195-day coordinator positions from the Act 93 agreement because of the move to 12-month assignments: motion passed.

- Approval of Fox Rothschild engagement letter for labor counsel for 2025–26 at a blended hourly rate noted in discussion: motion passed.

- Adoption of the 2025–26 Teaching, Learning and Equity curriculum summary budget: motion passed.

- Approval (roll call) of the resolution to adopt the proposed final 2025–26 general fund budget in accordance with the Act 1 timeline. The budget presentation cited a proposed Chester County millage increase of roughly 3.4% (under Act 1 limits) and noted the administration will continue to seek savings to reduce millage impact for the final budget. The committee reported a reduction in the projected 25–26 budget gap by $690,000 due to prior-year fund balance designations.

- Capital and procurement awards: the board approved multiple capital reserve projects and bid awards discussed in the property and finance committee, including district-wide stage rigging with Atkinson Drapery (~$70,003.20), facility conditioning assessments (Schrader Group ~$89,004.64), Exeter Elementary parking-lot seal coating (Unitix asphalt services ~$9,004.15), Rustin High School field house roof replacement (Beaver Home Improvement ~$89,002.40), a continuing district-wide building automation systems project (Trium Group, award amount discussed at ~$2,680,000), and approval to purchase food-service equipment from designated allotments.

- Approval to hire a capital program coordinator, to be funded from capital program funds (not general fund), to manage multiple renovation projects through the district's current plan.

How the votes were taken: many personnel items and routine approvals were moved in committee and then voted on by the full board with voice votes; the proposed final budget was approved by roll call (recorded as yes votes from board members during the meeting). Several motions passed unanimously by voice vote when asked \"All those in favor, say aye.\" Where a formal, recorded roll call occurred it was noted in the minutes (the Act 1 proposed final budget adoption was recorded by roll call during the meeting notes).

The board also approved the minutes of the February 24, 2025 personnel committee meeting and set the next committee meeting dates.

Details and next steps: many of the approved capital projects will proceed to procurement and scheduling; some items referenced will require additional board action if costs or scope change. The budget adopted as the proposed final under Act 1 may be adjusted prior to final adoption next month, and administration noted changes can be made up to the time of final approval.","At its April meeting the West Chester Area School District board approved multiple personnel actions, adopted the teaching/learning and equity curriculum budget summary, approved the proposed final 2025–26 budget under the Act 1 timeline, and awarded several capital and food-service projects and contracts.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6573909,"Board hears timeline for high school schedule change as teachers and residents urge more planning",3674,3001000,6675000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3141270-7ede737e606f7b8131f6a7a859d969bd&start=3001&end=6675","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3141270-7ede737e606f7b8131f6a7a859d969bd/thumbnail_3001000.jpg","/articles/6573909/Pennsylvania/Board-hears-timeline-for-high-school-schedule-change-as-teachers-and-residents-urge-more-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573909-9083e4aef42fcc2b72051bd6db333c5d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716554&Signature=YsKbn7L1vYGsvSb4geY6ZC2PcEvN8TOKHQwONgHmf5ADqIpqN6GluUGKS6~awOxLDWVOT4sPjMulAAsgSz-KLaOeQxh38J83oHzwlug3l49hMTNWTXUzGEUgnIqB~~d8ILIcdyoY-tefwvq3CE6m3-6O-3lvMxHqkRXqlrjL1pFE-ghWFFLqU1GAhMhYxC2g41k4xuB3dMuXn~t~DdIAla1ntzMcdGw0WXWlAkC2nQTMZ893FaSWzEo3D~5nNgAd8dodcoAQslQyCkOCyrcS2CMSYZV76wulE0SPxksMfHZbYMeOQuPPYQztmTqbDvJ0oKEOryC--fZ5viwLQscYsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Chester Area School District superintendent outlined a timeline on April 28 for implementing a proposed high school master schedule change, while teachers, students and parents urged the board to delay the rollout to allow more planning, clearer budgets and fuller stakeholder input.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher told the board the district would aim to present a substantially completed plan in November 2025, with an expected board action date in February 2026 and construction or implementation work completed by August 2026. \"The idea would be that we would have a substantially completed plan for what that would look like for a board presentation in November of 2025 with an expected school board action date in February, which will allow the board to take action on any financial things they may need to move forward with so that work could be completed by August of 2026,\" he said during his monthly report.

The superintendent described a set of benchmarks administrators are proposing to address facilities, food service, seating and collaboration space, lunch supervision, technology and safety supports, scheduling for specialty programs and graduation-requirement alignment. He also said the district plans a family town hall in May and ongoing building- and district-level governance meetings that would include teachers and students.

Why it matters: the proposed schedule would change how many minutes and how often classes meet; speakers at the meeting said the change could reduce total instructional contact in some courses and could affect students in specialized programs such as Allied Health and the Technical College High School (TCHS). Several speakers urged a slower, more collaborative approach to avoid curricular harm and costly retrofits.

Teachers and parents told the board the plan appears rushed. Nancy Wood, a West Bradford resident, said the change is \"a top down push of a sweeping initiative that wasn't clearly defined, doesn't work for all students, doesn't have a budget, has no meaningful supporting data, and is lacking stakeholder support.\" She urged the administration to \"show us a real plan\" and to earn community trust.

Teachers emphasized practical concerns about instructional minutes, laboratory and career-program time and campus supervision during the proposed extended midday period. Henderson High School teacher Robin Melborn said students born during the COVID-era were among those who most need consistent instructional time and warned that the proposed schedule \"gives us slightly longer class periods ... but the classes only meet 3 out of 4 cycle days. That is a big net loss of learning time.\"

Science teachers and classroom instructors asked the district to resolve unanswered implementation questions before moving forward, including how credits and graduation requirements will be adjusted, how supervision ratios during the midday period will be managed, and how professional-development time will be structured. \"We are simply asking to finish building the plane before flying it,\" said biology teacher Joanna Nee.

Supporters of a measured approach said they back the goals but want more time. Bill Anderson, a Henderson teacher and alumnus, thanked the superintendent for beginning talks with the West Chester Area Education Association and said, \"I hope that stakeholder input will be treated seriously.\" Several speakers cited neighboring districts that spent multiple years planning similar schedule changes and asked the board to allow comparable time.

Students, including juniors and seniors who participated in district panels, said the proposed rotating schedule is confusing and risks narrowing course offerings. Senior Veil Bender described being consulted on options and said some student opinions were not followed: \"Clearly, many opinions have been disregarded when making this decision.\" Other students said longer individual class periods could worsen attention and fatigue for some learners.

The superintendent and administrators acknowledged outstanding implementation tasks and said many items will require board action tied to the capital plan or operating budget. Dr. Christopher said some facility work — a second serving area, seating and collaboration spaces, or badge readers and cameras — could require funding and a February action date so that bidding and work could proceed in time for an August 2026 completion.

The board did not take final action on the schedule at the April meeting. Administrators said they expect to bring progress reports to upcoming committee meetings and to the board in November. Several public speakers urged the board to delay final approval until a comprehensive plan, including timelines, budgets and clear stakeholder processes, is available.

Looking ahead: the district plans a family town hall in May and further governance-team meetings with staff and students. Board members and administration said they will continue work on benchmarks before any final vote.","Superintendent presented a timeline for implementing a new high school master schedule with board presentation in November 2025 and completion by August 2026; teachers, parents and students urged the board to slow the process, raise concerns about lost instructional time and impacts on specialized programs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local scout leaders ask board to permit more school access for recruitment and activities

Board approves personnel changes, budget and capital projects; full roll call on proposed 2025–26 budget

Board hears timeline for high school schedule change as teachers and residents urge more planning