Limited Space in Upper Darby Schools Makes It Harder to Stay COVID Safe
Bringing kids back into the classroom in Upper Darby is a little trickier than at other districts, writes Pete Bannan for the Daily Times.
Upper Darby has outdated buildings and overcrowding that make it hard to set up safe distancing and flexible classroom time.
Efforts are underway to upgrade buildings and create new spaces but that, too, has been problematic.
Elementary school students are scheduled to return for in-person instruction Nov. 5, with grades 6 to 12 back in the following week.
The district is investing $5 million a year in improvements. Some of those upgrades are meeting community resistance, like an expansion at Aronimink Elementary School that would double enrollment.
Plans for a new middle school in Clifton Heights on borough athletic fields owned by the district has met resistance from borough officials, who worry about a rise in population, an increase in traffic and more police protection.
“It is our hope that these roadblocks will be removed, and we can focus on the business of taking care of our students’ needs,” said Superintendent Dr. Daniel McGarry at an October school board meeting.
The Clifton Heights Planning Commission recently voted 6-0 not to recommend a preliminary land development for the school.
Read more about the school district challenges in the Daily Times.
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