Upper Darby board elects Desiree Murphy Mercy as president, names Britney Williams vice president; board declares vacant seat after resignation

Desiree Murphy Mercy was elected president of the Upper Darby School District board during the board's organization meeting, which also named Britney Williams vice president and confirmed several newly sworn members.

The board moved to close nominations and voted in favor of Murphy Mercy for a one-year term; the roll call reflected unanimous support among present members. After the vote, Murphy Mercy thanked colleagues "for your confidence" and said she "looks forward to hearing both praise and criticism on how we can work together moving forward." Britney Williams was nominated and elected vice president without opposition.

Earlier in the meeting the board swore in newly seated directors who repeated the oath of office, including Ryan Bull, Muhammad Hussein and Diamond Gibbs. The board noted that Lugene Kennebru would not be present for the meeting.

In new business the board acknowledged receipt of communication that Dr. Eugene Kibbru Jr. intended to resign or withdraw his acceptance of a board seat. The board declared the seat vacant and directed the administration to follow board operating guidelines to advertise the vacancy and set a schedule to fill it.

Procedural items adopted during the meeting included the posted meeting agenda (as amended to add the audit report and the resignation announcement), and routine adoption of minutes and board reports. The board also approved the 2026 meeting schedule and directed the board secretary to post and advertise the schedule.