The board members voted in August to mandate masks after Pa.s state of emergency ended. Copyright 2002-2022 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. I am very pleased that he found in our favor. Chester County judge tosses 5 members of West Chester school board over masks. https://www.youtube.com/user/WestChesterASD, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Fred S. Engle Middle School More than 20 years after experiencing racial prejudice as a student in the West Chester Area School District, Ada Nestor is running to be on the districts school board. The book was reviewed following a complaint that chapter four appears sympathetic to Nazis because it has a photograph of Adolf Hitler. School Board Meeting Summaries: Written by Superintendent Dr. Bob Sokolowski, 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. Our staff work tirelessly to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment for each and every student who walks through our doors. Its not my intention to waste the courts time if my interpretation is incorrect, she wrote. Now, shes being maligned by a group of anonymous radicals bent on infusing the race with unfounded conspiracies. A parent filed for their removal. Education stories from across the Keystone State. Address. The ruling by Judge William P. Mahon on Tuesday, which roiled residents of the district already caught up in multiple hot-button debates, came after he determined that the district had not responded to the petition asking for the members removal in a timely fashion. Board member Stacey Whomsley voted against keeping the book on the shelves because she has questions about the process of the books review. A lot of the community who have not been following this issue feel like theyve been blindsided and didnt know this was coming, said Shannon Bruno of East Bradford. Reynolds said the group discussed providing books of all points of view and the issue of challenging censorship. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Chester Community Charter School. The race in Region 2 was too close to call at press time. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. And WHYY will provide a meal to someone in need. Justin Barbetta, of the Montgomery County law firm of Wisler Pearlstine, stated in a motion filed on Tuesday night that in accordance with a scheduling order Mahon signed on March 15, the district and the five board members named have until next month to meet Rosicas demand that they be removed. Industry. Exploring the stories that matter across the commonwealth with all Pennsylvanians in mind. Contact my Avon Grove School Board Director; Pay Student Fees; Each year they award a total 0f $2.500 to a Chester County resident seeking a degree in an engineering field. By Traditional Mail:West Chester Area School Boardc/o Linda Cherashore, Board SecretarySpellmanEducation Center782 Springdale Dr.Exton PA 19341. The Republican Committee of Chester County is calling for the school board president to resign or attend anger management counseling. A former Democrat, she also ran for West Chester mayor in 2021 as a Libertarian, finishing behind current Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste and former Borough Councilman Eric Lorgus. By Telephone:CallMs. Cherashore at 484-266-1018 if you wish to speak personally with a member of the School Board. The judge then granted my request.. Ex-athletic trainer claims bias behind her firing from Main Line girls school. The two leaders at press time in Region 3 were Republican Stacey Whomsley, with a comfortable lead, and Republican incumbent Chris McCune. He said keeping it is aligned with the principle of protecting free speech as well as rights and regard for our LBGTQ+ students. In recent months, the West Chester board has seen myriad debates over issues ranging from the COVID-19 restrictions, the alleged teaching of Critical Race Theory, and West Chester Area School District Educating and Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Their Personal Best District Home Our Schools Happy Hispanic Heritage Month Quick Links Bid/RFP Opportunities Calendars Employment Equity Mission Dec 05 Monday Monthly Board Meeting 7:00 PM Dec 06 Tuesday Algebra Winter Keystone MS & HS All Day Dec 07 Wednesday Detre was third before all the votes were counted. A Muslim athletic trainer claims she was fired by a private girls school in Bryn Mawr over years-old social media posts criticizing Israel. She is also the paid executive director for Back to School PA, a political action committee funded by a Bucks County venture capitalist, Paul Merlino, who financially backed a number of school board candidates across the region and state in an effort to oppose future school closings because of the coronavirus pandemic. Karen Herrmann, email: kherrmannDr. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). Fleming tallied 5,231 votes, or 51 percent to 4,969 or 48 percent for Gallen. 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. Kenny Cooper is WHYYs suburban reporter covering Montgomery and Delaware counties. Board member Daryl Durnell said he grew up as a Christian who is gay, and he could identify with the book. *The WCASD is committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to people with disabilities. 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 waiting in the hallway. West Chester Area School District 782 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA 19341 Phone: 484-266-1000 Gallen worked on three district budgets, the Greystone Elementary School redistricting plan and the district comprehensive plan. As many of you who have emailed or spoken with me over this past year know, I strive to connect with each and every member of our community to answer questions and address concerns in a timely manner. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. 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 WCASD is not responsible for the content on external sites, and if you decide to access linked third-party websites, you do so at your own risk. As a staff writer for the Daily Local News he covers events, politics and the people of the Greater West Chester Area. Never underestimate the lengths parents will go to for their children and never underestimate what we will learn to make it happen when no one is willing to help us, she wrote. This is a dynamic that our school district cannot afford. *The WCASD is committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to people with disabilities. Administration Building 302 E. 5th Street Chester, PA 19013 (610) 447-0400 Im really upset by it.. Central Bucks asks ACLU to reveal the LGBTQ students behind its federal complaint. I support our districts efforts to increase equity but we need to go further.. Whomsley said she has concerns about people who want to keep their privacy and believes that a decision should be postponed. We believe in our veterinarian's ability and education, therefore do not feel it necessary to dictate medicine. 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. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. The fourth chapter of the book examines the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff, which sank while carrying German citizens and soldiers who were fleeing the country to escape Soviet forces in 1945. Rosica said that she disagreed with the boards interpretation of the deadline, even though she acknowledged in a letter delivered to Mahon Monday she that she needed clarification on the timing. The board members returning to their elected positions are Sue Tiernan, president; and directors Joyce Chester, Karen Herrmann, Kate Shaw, and Daryle Durnell. As soon as additional information is available to share, our students, families, and community will be updated, he said. The school districts are just not responding and not listening, so the only thing we have left to do is to recall the board members. Moreover (Rosica) electronically served the March 15, 2022 order on (the firm) on March 28, 2022 indicating that the deadline could be even later in April. Exton, PA. 19341 USA. Laura Detre, email: ldetreDaryl Durnell, email: ddurnell1Karen Fleming, email: kflemingDr. A spokeswoman for the district said members of the school board would not comment. File photo: Parents and students from the Downingtown and West Chester, Pa., School Districts held a roadside protest to demand administrators allow in-person learning for families that want it. No form of bullying and/or harassment should exist in our board room and certainly not in our schools. Police removed 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. PFT Exec Board. Application deadline - May 1, 2023 High School 10 Waltman Way West Grove, PA 19390. Dr. Bob Sokolowski became Superintendent of the West Chester Area School District on August 16, 2021. Berwyn Indoor / Outdoor Vintage Flea Market Grand Opening Dec 10th & 11th! Mahon noted in his Tuesday order that he had been alerted to the districts alleged failure to respond in time to the petition by a motion for default judgement that Rosica filed last week. Ohio. Stream WHYY-FM, read the top stories from WHYY News, and listen to the latest podcast from WHYY Digital Studios anytime, anywhere. All election results are unofficial until certified by the county board of elections. 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. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Child Rape Results In Conviction Of West Brandywine Man, West Chester University Complies With Penalties Imposed On Swim Team, Road Closures In West Goshen And West Pikeland Townships. Board member Whomsley voted against keeping the book because she believes the decision should be postponed until the April. Failure of (the board) to comply requires this procedural result. Mahon did not address the underlying reasons for the petition, filed by a West Chester woman who claims the board acted unconstitutionally in mandating the wearing of masks in schools by students. We all thought that (the removal petition) was unlikely to go anywhere. 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.. WEST CHESTER, PA The West Chester Area School District (WCASD) School Board of Directors recently passed a final budget for the 2022-23 school year of $296,971,916, approximately $17.5 million increase over the current budget (6.3 percent). This isn't a radio version of a magazine, but something all its own, reflecting the rich possibilities of audio storytelling and conversation. Ms. Cherashore will forward your name and telephone number to the respective Board member. In an interview after she filed the suit in February, Rosica, who is representing herself, said that parents all over the county have been advocating very strongly with school districts and it has fallen on deaf ears. I would rather win this petition on its merits rather than on a technicality, Rosica said. A parent who is a member of a newly organized group meant to support the board and its members Together for Public Schools expressed dismay at Mahons ruling and distrust of the motives behind it. The New Yorker Radio Hour features a diverse mix of interviews, profiles, storytelling, and an occasional burst of humor inspired by the magazine, and shaped by its writers, artists, and editors. Its how we live. The board also voted 8 to 1 to keep the book, Escaping a Sinking Ship, on the library shelves as recommended by the book review committee. The book written by Emily Oachs is about sharing the stories of ships that have sunk throughout history. 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. Five seats are on the ballot in 2015. 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.. Share This. I guess our petition to remove the school board members who voted to mask our children wasnt so petty after all, said Nestor on her Facebook page. A Chester County judge has ordered the removal of five of the nine West Chester school board members, granting a petition from residents opposed to masking requirements. The order does not indicate a specific date by which the respondents must submit a responsive pleading, the motion for reconsideration notes. West Chester. At press time Chester led with 61 percent, or 4,820 votes. WCASD is not responsible for the content on external sites, and if you decide to access linked third-party websites, you do so at your own risk. In the face of rising community anger, it is very sad to see the West Chester School Board members do exactly the opposite of what the public has entrusted them to do. And we are extremely pleased to see that three out of the four incumbents vying for re-election were voted out of office. Incumbent Republican Brian Gallen faced off against Democrat Karen Fleming in Region 2. Nine candidates sought seats in three regions. The West Chester Area School District pulled a book from its high school libraries after a parent confronted the school board at a Monday meeting about sexual imagery the book contained. 'Escaping a Sinking Ship' childrens book remains. 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 the book on the shelves. WNBA star Brittney Griner freed in US-Russia prisoner swap. Apr 1, 2022 The Chester County judge who ousted five West Chester school board members earlier this week because they failed to answer a petition from masking Phone 610.869.2446 Fax 610.869.4511. At that time, he could vacate his order removing the board members, or uphold it. ACLU says they fear retaliation. Chester said she is most proud of managing the district budget and promoting diversity. 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. Grady, of West Pikeland, is a frequent attender at Downingtown board meetings and a critic of the handling of the pandemic by the Chester County Health Department. Recently teachers at West Chesters Fern Hill Elementary school "learned about gender" and how to incorporate gender ideology into their curriculum. We believe in our veterinarian's ability and education, therefore do WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. Anita Edgarian also ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for a seat in Region 3. WHYY news reached out to the district for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. There were two seats open in Region 1 and Region 2. The ship, which was named after a Nazi leader, was at one time used as a luxury vessel and barracks for Nazi soldiers but was later altered for use to evacuate German citizens. But, in a letter released to parents in the district on Friday afternoon, Superintendent Robert Sokolowski thanked the West Chester community for its patience. Karen Herrmann, email: kherrmannDr. We need to make sure that every child knows that they matter, she said. The direction and future of 12,000 students and almost 1,800 staff members should not be determined by the boards complicity and silence. 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 districts mask mandate for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Republican Ada Nestor trailed with 38 On Tuesday, Superintendent Bob Sokolowski sent an email message to members of the school community addressing Mahons ruling and saying that the districts attorneys were preparing a response. Its part of a months-long effort to reclaim space in Kensington, The history of the Philadelphia Orchestra now lives at Penn, South Philly's Columbus statue must be unboxed, court says. West Chester Area School Boardc/o Linda Cherashore, Board SecretarySpellmanEducation Center782 Springdale Dr.Exton PA 19341. Kate Shaw, email: kshawStacey Whomsley, email: swhomsley. Copyright 2002-2022 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Democrat Laura Detre was running a close third, and Democrat Carrie Stare placed fourth. But in asking for the judge to reconsider his decision, an attorney for the board contended that the district had not missed its deadline, and in fact has until next week to file a response to the petition. Prior to the election he said he would focus on learning loss due to the pandemic in a bid to get the kids back to normal.. Two students served on the committee. Meanwhile, the districts legal team is looking to address the procedural gaffe on the back end. Editors note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the board members were four Democrats and one Republican, not five Democrats. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. He joined WHYY in November 2020. 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. In recent months, the West Chester board has seen myriad debates over issues ranging from the COVID-19 restrictions, the alleged teaching of Critical Race Theory, and gender identifications in schools. Mahon had given the board 20 days from that date to respond, the attorney said, which would be Monday, April 4. Ms. Cherashore will forward your name and telephone number So I think the ruling is unfair, and that this is evidence that there is some bias there (by the judge,) she said. Choose your school from the drop-down list. Five Democratic members of West Chester School Board in Pennsylvania were immediately removed on Tuesday by Chester County Judge William Mahon after they voted to ACLU files federal complaint against Central Bucks School District, alleging discrimination against LGBTQ students. Ms. Cherashore will forward your name and telephone number to the respective Board member. CallMs. Cherashore at 484-266-1018 if you wish to speak personally with a member of the School Board. Please give today. Edgarian was speaking out against Critical Race Theory as she saw firsthand what communism did to her home country, Iran. 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, Following the vote, members of the audience applauded. School Board West Chester Area School District Educating and Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Their Personal Best District Home Our Schools @Home Tech Support Employment The Third District covers Thornbury townships in both Chester and Delaware counties. 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: jchesterDr. A Pennsylvania school board president is facing calls to resign after confiscating the microphone from a woman who was speaking out against critical race theory at a West A school board in West Chester, Pennsylvania has denied an offer by a local resident to share with teachers and students a glimpse of the lived experiences of someone who experienced gender transition. Reynolds noted that there is a high rate of suicide among LBGTQ+ students. 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As a representative from Region 3, and board president, McCune said he helped institute full-day kindergarten, launched the career academy and expanded blended enrollment classes. 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. Superintendent Bob Sokolowski described the book as a coming into understanding of ones sexuality and ones orientation.. Voters in Region 1 chose to put Democrat Joyce Chester back onto the board. Dec. 5WEST CHESTER Borough Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of SEPTA and Chester County studying a cheaper alternative to connect the borough to downtown Philadelphia by rail. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. 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. Mahon has scheduled a hearing on the districts motion for reconsideration for Friday. Was this a good trade for the U.S.. Students First West Chester is thrilled to announce that Stacey Whomsley, one of our three endorsed school board candidates, has been elected to the West Chester Area School District Board in Region three. By Telephone: Call Ms. Cherashore at 484-266-1018 if you wish to speak personally with a member of the School Board. By Ada Nestor Email Facebook Tweet LinkedIn Print/Download WNBA star Brittney Griner freed in US-Russia prisoner swap. With the legal formalities out of the way, the case will now be evaluated on the strength of Rosicas argument. The district didnt respond. At press time Chester led with 61 percent, or 4,820 votes. 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. It was also reported this week that during a West Chester School District board meeting on July 26, a school board president in Pennsylvania took the microphone from Iranian immigrant and mother of three Anita Edgarian. He has served as the Assistant Superintendent of the West Chester Area School Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). A graduate of West Chester State College and later a masters degree holder from Temple University, he joined the faculty at Kennett in 1959 and remained there for 37 Officials denied most of the sensitive information sought, but the demand raised concerns about infringing rights of students and families. PUBLISHED: October 26, 2021 at 3:06 p.m. | UPDATED: October 26, 2021 at 3:14 p.m. WEST CHESTER Nine candidates are seeking seats in three regions for the West Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. Kate Shaw, email: kshawStacey Whomsley, email: swhomsley. Copyright 2002-2022 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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, WEST CHESTER FOOD CUPBOARD SUPPORTS WCASD FAMILIES DURING THE SUMMER, School Board Meetings - Dates, Agendas, and Minutes, WCASD School Board of Directors by Voter Regions, Public Comments at Virtual Committee Meetings, Public Comments at Virtual Board Meetings, Public Comments Procedures beginning on April 12, 2021. After doing so, your PFT Staff Representatives name will appear. But another resident who supported Rosicas effort to remove the five members, former Republican school board candidate Ada Nestor, expressed satisfaction with the ruling and congratulated the petitions backer. I also want to work on a curriculum that better prepares students for life after high school.. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? A winter festival is coming to McPherson Square. We want to make sure that students have access to all types of books, Reynolds said. To contact staff writer Michael P. Rellahan call 610-696-1544. The order is a result of a parent-filed petition to the West Chester Area School District back in February, according to public media organization WHYY. Chester and Durnell were elected as Democrats in 2021 and 2019 respectively, while Tiernan, Herrman and Shaw were elected on both party tickets in 2019. Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). West Chester Area School District. In that case, in another order signed Tuesday, he gave the district 20 days to respond to the petition. WEST CHESTER Voters elected four board members to the West Chester Area School District, on Tuesday. Educating and Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Their Personal Best, By email: (all email addresses are the user name followed by @wcasd.net), 2022 School Board ListSue Tiernan, President, email: stiernanGary Bevilacqua, Vice President, email: gbevilacquaJoyce Chester, email: jchesterDr. He also noted that the district has the lowest property tax rate in the county. 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. As these are optional books within the librarys vast collection and offer our students an inclusive and unique perspective concerning the problems and issues of the current time and the past, the books will remain within the district, Reynolds said. Stares goals are to foster more diversity, equity, and inclusion in the schools. Rosica is a self-described advocate for educationally disadvantaged children, low-income and minority students. It sparked controversy in school districts nationwide over the sexual content. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Board Meetings; Bus Routes; Calendar of Events; Canvas (opens in new window/tab) Code of Conduct; At Lakota West High School, WE are all in for our students. Judge orders 5 West Chester School Board, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Judge orders 5 West Chester School Board members removed over mask mandate, Scores rally in West Chester calling for end to gun violence, 10 years after Sandy Hook, Two seek Democratic nod for Chester County sheriff in 2023, Car sideswipes train in South Coatesville; no injuries reported, West Chester University complies with penalties imposed on swim team, West Brandywine man found guilty of rape of a child, Huge trees lost to chainsaw at former Burger King in West Chester, One person dies after fire engulfs home in West Brandywine, LANDENBERG SHOCKER: Police Chief Simpson suddenly retires, Firebird Festival draws huge crowd to Phoenixville, Chester County judge to election critics: 'This fishing expedition must end', Alleged Chester County drug dealer arrested after four years on the run, Gas prices continue to fall, with the national average now less than a year ago, Rogue iguana causes widespread power outage in Florida, Boy in the Box identified as 4-year-old by Philly police after 65 years, Laguna Niguels $70 million Ziggurat auction is wasted opportunity. On Monday, it approved two books associated with LGBTQ issues among young people for inclusion in the district high school libraries. Jul. Bill Rettew is a 20 year veteran reporter who enjoys being the eyes and ears of the community. Kenneth Roos, an attorney at Wisler Pearlstine LLP, which is representing the previously ousted board members, declined to offer any comment. Under a little-used state law, school board members can be removed if 10 residents petition the court to do so. 45069-1093. Rosica is the executive director of Back to School PA, a PAC funded by a Bucks County venture capitalist that engaged in a coordinated spending campaign in 2021 to elect mostly conservatives to Pennsylvanias school boards. They were lucky to find someone who was likely to push this through on a technicality. Event date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - 7:00pm to 9:00pm. In her petition virtually identical to others filed in the Downingtown Area School District and the Great Valley School District Rosica contends that board members had violated state law by imposing mask mandates on students in the West Chester Schools, thus harming the children there. WCASD is not responsible for the content on external sites, and if you decide to access linked third-party websites, you do so at your own risk. *The WCASD is committed to ensuring that its website is accessible to people with disabilities. The directors never bothered to respond and the judge made the ruling as a result. Despite the important issues raised in the petition, (the board) failed to comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure, Mahon wrote in his one-page order. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? The West Chester school board voted Monday to keep Gender Queer on its high school library shelves, voicing support for a graphic memoir that has come under fire Was this a good trade for the U.S.. Description: At Pacific Avenue Veterinary Clinic we pride ourselves on offering complete autonomy in your medicine. The West Chester Area school board consists of nine members elected to four-year terms. I requested that the the school board members be removed, and they failed to respond. Because of that, West Chester Area Board President Sue Tiernan and board members Joyce Chester, Karen Herman, Kate Shaw, and Daryl Durnell all supporters of increasingly unpopular mask mandates are now out of jobs. 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. I was thrilled with (Mahons) order, said Beth Ann Rosica, the plaintiff in the case, in an interview Wednesday. On Monday, it approved two books associated with LGBTQ issues among young people for inclusion in the district high school libraries. 28WEST CHESTER The Common Pleas Court case involving five West Chester Area School Board members who were briefly removed from their positions by a While the judge initially ruled in her favor by sacking the five board members who voted in favor of the mandate, he wrote in his order that his decision came after there was no response to Rosicas petition from the school district or its legal team. They include board President Lee Ann Wisdom, Vice President Caryn McCleary Ghrayeb, Jane Bertone Joyce Houghton, Audrey Blust, Mindy Ross, Madhu Gurthy and Margie Miler, a Uwchlan Republican who was supported by many conservatives in the district. 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.. The primary election was held on May 19, 2015, and the general election was held on November 3, 2015. Indeed, Mahon is also overseeing the similar petition filed by a Downingtown district resident, Shannon Grady, asking that eight board members there be removed. A Chester County judge has ordered the removal of five of nine West Chester school board members, granting a petition from residents opposed to masking requirements. Central Bucks says the anonymity of the ACLU complaint makes it impossible to intervene. ACLU says the district has ignored and disrespected those students. Republican Ada Nestor trailed with 38 percent, or 3,036 votes. I have been a fervent advocate for the importance of public education, making it accessible to students, and giving parents and guardians the respect to make informed decisions for their children, Whomsley said. The issue arose after some parents demanded the removal of the graphic memoir, due to sexually explicit content. We dont believe they have the legal authority to (mask the kids)., In the filing, the petition states school directors are causing children permanent and irreparable harm due to their fabricating, feigning or intentionally exaggerating or including a medical symptom or disease which results in a potentially harmful medical evaluation or treatment to the child and as such, the (school directors) are to be held accountable.. Two candidates were selected Tuesday. On March 29, Mahon initially ordered the members removed after parent Beth Ann Rosica argued in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas that the members vote to make masks mandatory in the district back in August 2021 was grounds for dismissal. 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 districts mask mandate for students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educating and Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Their Personal Best. Description: At Pacific Avenue Veterinary Clinic we pride ourselves on offering complete autonomy in your medicine. The committee formed and met several times in response to complaints that the book was too graphic. A Chester County judge has ordered the removal of five of nine West Chester school board members, granting a petition from residents opposed to masking requirements. The 2019 book was written by nonbinary author Maia Kobabe, tracing a childs journey into adulthood grappling with gender, sexuality and awkward puberty. West Chester Area School District Our Schools Home School Board Meet the Board Meet and Contact the School Board Directors Board Members Sue Tiernan President Region 1, term Before the vote, Assistant Superintendent Kalia Reynolds said a book review committee recommended keeping the graphic memoir. The members represent three geographical regions. The ACLU listed more than a dozen actions district administrators have taken since 2019 that the ACLU says have created a hostile environment for LGBTQ students. 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. Voters in Region 1 chose to put Democrat Joyce Chester back onto the board. 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. Mahon would then be the sole person naming the new members, who could form a majority of the nine-person board. 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He said for the students who seek the book out, it offers positive support. WEST CHESTER, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) A Chester County judge is rescinding his order, which removed five people from the West Chester Area school board. Why a request for West Chester district data on LGBTQ students spurs privacy worry. 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 Radley Run to Host National Junior Paddle Event, Chloe Johnston Experiences offers services in Berwyn, 5 New Houses For Sale In The West Chester Area, Election 2023: Curt Norcini Runs For Chester County Judge, Backpacks Brighten School Start For West Chester Area Students, Happy Summer Trails: Best Places To Get Outdoors Around West Chester, Best Animal Rescues Around West Chester: Adopt, Donate, Or Volunteer. In recent months, the West Chester board has seen myriad debates over issues ranging from the COVID-19 restrictions, the alleged teaching of Critical Race Theory, and gender identifications in schools. While we do not have all of the answers at this time, please be assured that the West Chester Area School District and I remain deeply committed to the mission of educating and inspiring the best in our students, he wrote. In his order Tuesday, Mahon also gave both Rosica and the school district seven days to provide him with a list of proposed replacements for the board members named in her petition board President Sue Tiernan, Joyce Chester, Kate Shaw, Karen Herrmann and Daryl Durnell. Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight, she said. School Board West Chester Area School District Educating and Inspiring Our Students to Achieve Their Personal Best District Home Our Schools Home School Board Not all mail in or provisional ballots had yet been counted at press time. Lyle S. Dayhoff, 95, of Little Hocking, Ohio, passed away Dec. 6, 2022, at the Camden Clark Medical Center. Laura Detre, email: ldetreDaryl Durnell, email: ddurnell1Karen Fleming, email: kflemingDr. 782 Springdale Drive. removing four Democrats and one Republican from the West Chester Area School District board, WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor. 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