Upper Darby students, staff honored for theater, science, athletics and inclusion; superintendent highlights achievements

At its regular meeting, the Upper Darby School District board honored multiple student and staff achievements across academics, the arts and athletics and heard progress reports from administrators.

Vice President Desiree Murphy Morsy presented the 2024–25 Service to Children Award to Anna Marie Dasi in recognition of her district roles over many years, including literacy specialist, literacy coach, lead teacher and principal of the kindergarten center. "She approaches every task, big or small, with the same intensity and passion," Murphy Morsy said in presenting the award.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel McGarry highlighted a string of student honors: Upper Darby High School’s spring musical Sweeney Todd received 14 Greater Philadelphia Cappies nominations and won nine awards; individual students and crew members were named for acting, technical and ensemble honors. The district also reported strong showings in track relays and state meets, Delaware County Reading Olympics, the Delaware Valley Science Fair (including an award-winning student who advanced to the international fair), and success in the Empire Mock Trial competition.

Student representatives Tasnim Yasmin and Timothy Beiju delivered a final report on school visits, building upgrades (new flooring, chairs, desks and air-conditioning improvements) and extracurricular vitality. They also reported that Evolve weapon detection systems installed during 2024–25 at the high school and middle schools are operating smoothly with quick entry lines and rare detections, a point later echoed in committee summaries.

Committee updates included an Education & People Services presentation recommending adoption of a communication resource for 2025–26, and a curriculum review timeline for K–5 English language arts resources planned for 2026–27. The district also announced a first reading of six policies, including a proposed policy for use of generative artificial intelligence in education; the board noted that state and federal changes often prompt these policy updates.

During public comment, resident Deborah Guyger thanked district leaders for prompt action to improve traffic flow and reduce illegal parking at Gaford Elementary’s pickup/drop-off, citing coordination among administrators, building staff and the public-safety director that led to signage changes and traffic direction.

The meeting concluded after routine approvals and the officer elections.