Upper Darby to form ad hoc committee to study Act 80 schedule flexibility for students and staff

District leadership told the Education and Pupil Services Committee it will create an ad hoc committee to research scheduling options allowed under Act 80 as a possible lever to improve student health and make teaching schedules more attractive.

"What ACT 80 allows us to do is to look at the hours students are in school, the days students are in school, and is there any creative flexibility we can have... to possibly recruit and retain staff," Dr. McGarry said, explaining the proposal to include families, students, teachers union representatives and special‑education parents on the committee. (Dr. McGarry)

Why it matters: Act 80 provides Pennsylvania districts limited flexibility around instructional hours and calendars. Administration framed the exploration as an operational review — evaluating tradeoffs for students (including sleep‑study implications for middle/high school schedules) and for staff recruitment/retention.

Outreach and process: Dr. McGarry said the district would publicize the ad hoc committee on the district website, use existing family communications (the Wednesday folder) and rely on interest from teacher‑union members and student volunteers to staff the group. The committee will research national trends and report back with recommended models and an assessment of impacts on special‑education students and families.

Board action: Committee members recorded consensus to proceed with forming the ad hoc group; administrators will return with details and research options.

Sources: Presentation remarks by Dr. McGarry to the Education and Pupil Services Committee.