Toby Farms administrators unveil safety plan amid community concerns

The Chester-Upland School District held a Receiver's Meeting on May 22, 2025, focusing on pressing issues regarding school safety, climate, and budgetary concerns. The meeting began with discussions on the need for improvements at Toby Farms, where concerns about the school climate were raised. A central administrator reported ongoing investigations and a solid plan to enhance safety, including the potential introduction of a school resource officer at the start of the school year.

The administration emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for safety issues across the district, aiming to implement best practices to ensure a secure educational environment. The importance of setting a positive tone at the beginning of the school year was highlighted, with calls for staff to be placed in roles where they can best support students, especially in challenging situations.

Concerns were expressed about the need for accountability and follow-through on plans, with board members stressing the importance of adhering to established policies and not allowing individual discretion to undermine them. The discussion also touched on the necessity of transparency and community involvement in the development of safety plans.

In addition to safety discussions, the meeting addressed budgetary matters. A proposal was made to modify language regarding a potential millage rate increase, suggesting a cap of up to 6.3 mills while the district continues to explore internal budget streamlining. The board acknowledged that all personnel groups would receive a salary increase starting July 1, which would impact the budget for the upcoming year.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide factual numbers regarding the impact of potential charter school increases on student enrollment, ensuring that board members are informed as they navigate these critical issues. Overall, the meeting underscored the district's dedication to improving school safety and fiscal responsibility while fostering community engagement.