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Citizen Portal News Pennsylvania
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The William Penn School District is seeking your input on the future of its English/language arts curriculum after revealing promising growth results from various pilot programs.

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#PA #CurriculumPilot #CitizenPortal #LiteracyGrowth #CommunityFeedback #PennsylvaniaEducation
William Penn SD outlines ELA curriculum pilot results, opens community feedback through Feb. 23
District leaders presented MAP growth and teacher/principal feedback from elementary and secondary ELA pilots, released a self-guided package on Feb. 17, and will take community recommendations through Feb. 23 to inform a 2026–27 curriculum choice.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 7:16 AM
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Phoenixville Borough Council is making waves with its recent unanimous approvals, including a new Chipotle site and crucial property settlements on Bridge Street!

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#PhoenixvilleChesterCounty #PA #UrbanDevelopment #PhoenixvilleBorough #CommunityRegulations #CitizenPortal
Phoenixville council approves settlement on Bridge Street properties, adopts regulations, and conditionally approves Chipotle site
At its Feb. 10 meeting, Phoenixville Borough Council unanimously approved an independent contractor agreement for a medical director, a settlement requiring remediation of properties on Bridge Street, amendments to business regulations, a resolution for special events, a HARB certificate for 184 Bridge Street, and conditional approval for a Chipotle pad site at 1000 Nutt Road.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:57 AM
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William Penn School District is making impressive strides in narrowing its achievement gap, showing about a half-year of recovery in learning since the pandemic!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EducationSupports #PennsylvaniaEducation #LearningRecovery #AchievementGap
Analysis: William Penn SD shows about half-year relative learning recovery, district staff say
Using the Education Recovery School Scorecard, district staff reported William Penn made relative gains in math and ELA after COVID-19, narrowing pre-pandemic gaps and outperforming similar districts in recovery; staff recommended restoring some roles to sustain gains.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:40 AM
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Sunbury has a new police chief, but a heated debate over taxpayer-funded retirement celebrations has left the council divided!

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#SunburyCityNorthumberlandCounty #PA #CivicAccountability #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #SunburyPolice
Sunbury swears in new police chief amid debate over retirement-party reimbursements
Sergeant Slack was sworn in as Sunbury’s new police chief after the council approved a contract; council members debated whether taxpayer funds should have reimbursed costs for the outgoing chief’s retirement celebration, with some offering to personally cover expenses and others calling for clearer procedures.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 6:13 AM
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Munhall could save over $800,000 with a groundbreaking solar power-purchase agreement that promises no upfront costs and long-term energy management!

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#MunhallAlleghenyCounty #PA #MunhallSolar #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #LocalEconomy
Munhall reviews regional solar PPA; presenters say deal could save roughly $800,000 over 25 years
Nonprofit presenters outlined a power-purchase agreement (PPA) model that would finance, build and operate a ground-mounted solar installation for Munhall for 25 years, with monitoring, maintenance and an estimated borough-level savings modeled at just north of $800,000 over the contract term; councilors asked for production data, tax implications and follow-up documents.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 5:53 AM
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A groundbreaking partnership between the William Penn School District and Chester County Intermediate Unit is transforming how students with special needs receive personal care assistance, promising greater independence and significant cost savings.

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#PA #BehavioralHealth
William Penn SD partners with CCIU to reduce reliance on personal care assistants
District staff described a multi-pronged partnership with the Chester County Intermediate Unit aimed at reducing PCA use through a formal PCA request process, PCA 'fading' plans, teacher/coaching supports and Medicaid-funded IBHS that can shift funding off the district.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 5:50 AM
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The Council Rock School District is weighing a debt strategy that could lower your taxes now but might cost millions in the long run.

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#PA #TaxPolicy #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #LongTermPlanning #EducationFinance
Council Rock Finance Committee directs staff to prepare wrap‑around debt resolution to reduce near‑term tax pressure
Council Rock School District’s finance committee reviewed two financing options for a multi‑project capital plan and asked staff to prepare a wrap‑around debt parameters resolution for consideration March 19, 2025, citing lower near‑term tax increases but higher long‑term interest costs.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 5:41 AM
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Phoenixville residents are demanding action after disturbing federal immigration enforcement activities left families terrified, urging the Borough Council to implement local protections for their community.

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#PhoenixvilleChesterCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance
Phoenixville residents demand ordinances after Feb. 3 enforcement; council pledges review and policy discussion
Dozens of residents urged Phoenixville Borough Council on Feb. 10 to codify limits on federal immigration enforcement after an alleged Feb. 3 arrest near Borough Hall; council members said they will review ideas in policy committee and pursue all legal options available to protect residents.
citizenportal.ai
February 16, 2026 at 3:58 AM
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Board members are tackling crucial updates to extracurricular policies and GPA eligibility, ensuring no vital requirements slip through the cracks as they navigate the complexities of Act 55.

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#PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EducationPolicy #PennsylvaniaSchools
Board debates PSBA policy renumbering, Act 55 training and extracurricular GPA language
Board members discussed proposed PSBA policy updates and the organization of policies 1.22 and 1.23 (extracurriculars and athletics), debated where GPA eligibility language should appear, and reviewed Act 55 training and PSBA’s role; members agreed to place clarified language on display and vote in March.
citizenportal.ai
February 15, 2026 at 10:58 AM
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Crafton Borough Council is taking a stand on public-notice reforms, balancing the push for digital access with the need to protect residents who rely on printed notices.

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#CraftonAlleghenyCounty #PA #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #CivicEngagement
Crafton council to develop letter backing changes to public-notice rules, with cautions
After a lengthy debate, Crafton council voted to develop a letter of support for Senate Bill 194 (public-notice/advertising reform) while urging amendments to protect residents without digital access and to preserve some printed posting requirements.
citizenportal.ai
February 15, 2026 at 10:57 AM
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Crafton is set to revamp its streets with a $1.3 million grant for a new bus lane and exciting park upgrades—transforming the community for everyone!

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#CraftonAlleghenyCounty #PA #InfrastructureImprovements #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicEngagement
Crafton wins $1.3M earmark for Crafton Boulevard bus lane; parks and pool grants also advance
A congressional community project funding award of $1.3 million will fund a divided bus lane and streetscaping for Crafton Boulevard. Additional grants — $500K for park rehabilitation (award) and $250K DCNR plus $155K GEDTF for pool upgrades — were announced and will require local matching and design work.
citizenportal.ai
February 15, 2026 at 9:13 AM
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The Operations Committee has moved forward with a staggering $1.6 million water main extension and a $601,497 security camera package for Doe Run Elementary, but questions linger about potential insurance shortfalls.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySecurity
Board committees advance Doe Run water‑main change order and large security/camera procurements
Operations Committee moved multiple capital items to the full board, notably a $1,612,269.53 Burrow Construction change order for a Doe Run Elementary water‑main extension (within the project budget but with a likely additional insurance shortfall) and a $601,497.70 Verkada camera package for the new Doe Run facility; trustees said most work is included in construction budgets or grant-funded items.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 11:27 PM
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The school board grapples with alarming enrollment disparities and AP course inequities between North and South campuses, raising questions about the future of student opportunities and transportation challenges.

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#PA #TransportationChallenges #CitizenPortal #InstructionalEquity
Board discusses North/South enrollment gap, AP inequities and transportation constraints
Board and superintendent discussed enrollment imbalances between North (~800–976) and South (~1,200–1,268), AP course inequities, MCTI scheduling impacts and bus-route strain (district buses drive ~6,100 miles/day; average rides ~24–25 minutes); redistricting maps and consistent counts were requested for analysis.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 11:23 PM
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Springettsbury Township is gearing up for major upgrades and improvements, including a $2.04 million electrical contract for park enhancements and funding for vital police radios!

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#SpringettsburyYorkCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityDevelopment
Springettsbury supervisors approve park contract, police radio grant and PennDOT cost‑share; adopt fee changes
At the meeting supervisors approved a $2.04 million electrical contract for park upgrades, a $293,324 Commonwealth Financing Authority grant for police radios, a $10,000 Rockburn Park grant, equipment purchases and several resolutions including a PennDOT cost‑share for Mill Creek interceptor relocation; one resolution passed with a single abstention.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 10:31 PM
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Abington students are preparing to walk out in protest of immigration enforcement, sparking intense debate over their First Amendment rights and school policies.

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#PA #FirstAmendmentRights #CitizenPortal #EducationPolicy #CivicEngagement #AbingtonSchools
Abington board praises student protest rights; public speakers voice sharp disagreement over timing and taxes
Board members told students they support peaceful protest while reminding them of attendance rules; public commenters offered both strong support for student civic action and sharp criticism that walkouts are unsafe or inappropriate during school time. The board and superintendent said policies and attendance consequences will be applied consistently.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 10:23 PM
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The board is moving forward with exciting proposals, including selling surplus buses, a lucrative digital ad partnership, and crucial Chromebook purchases that could save the district tens of thousands!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaSchools #EducationReform #PublicSafety
Board recommends bus sales, digital‑ad partnership, Zonar contract update and Chromebook purchases to full board
At the work session the committee voted to forward a package including bus sale pricing, a proposed 10‑year scoreboard advertising partnership, updated Zonar transportation software procurement, Chromebook purchases for students and staff, and a Ready to Learn grant resolution to the full board.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:44 PM
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Chester City Council just approved a staggering $1.55 million in federal funding to transform the Norris Street Trail and Streetscape, sparking excitement for future community connectivity!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CitizenPortal #ChesterTrails #CommunityDevelopment
Council approves $1.55M federal reimbursement for Norris Street trail and adopts updated eCollect cost schedule
Chester City Council unanimously approved Resolution 18 authorizing execution of documents to secure $1,550,000 in federal Transportation Alternative funds for the Norris Street Trail and Streetscape project, and Resolution 19 adopting an updated eCollect Plus LLC cost‑of‑collection schedule for delinquent taxes.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:40 PM
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A packed town hall meeting in Upper Bern Township erupted with concerns over a proposed ICE facility, leaving commissioners vowing to seek transparency and support for local safety.

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#BerksCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #BerksCountyTownHall
Residents at town hall oppose proposed ICE facility in Upper Bern Township; commissioners pledge to seek more information
A large town hall in Upper Bern Township drew robust opposition to a proposed ICE facility. Commissioners said they will press federal and state partners for information and the county sheriff agreed to provide deputies for public meetings.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM
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East Stroudsburg's school district faces mounting budget shortfalls and urgent capital needs, with deficits projected to exceed $16 million this year alone!

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#PA #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureNeed #PennsylvaniaSchools #FiscalResponsibility
East Stroudsburg outlines large budget shortfalls, debt service and capital needs
Superintendent reported multi-million-dollar deficits (previous year actual deficit ~ $10.2M; current-year projected deficit reduced from ~$26.5M to ~$16M after debt restructuring and additional state revenue) and warned the district's fund balance is being rapidly consumed; board discussed debt-service cliffs and capital projects funding constraints.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 9:28 PM
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The McKeesport Area School District is launching a tax-amnesty program that could give delinquent property owners a chance to wipe the slate clean and help the district collect crucial funds!

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#PA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #FinancialRelief #CommunityOutreach
Board discusses tax-amnesty window, Keystone to notify eligible taxpayers
Trustees discussed a proposed tax-amnesty program running April 1–June 30 that would waive penalties and interest if delinquent taxpayers pay principal; district staff said Keystone will send letters to eligible property owners and trustees referenced a prior program that raised roughly $850,000.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 8:27 PM
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The Saucon Valley School Board has given the green light to "Club America," a new student group promoting freedom-loving values—despite concerns about its potential partisan ties.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #CivicEngagement #YouthEmpowerment #PennsylvaniaStudents
Saucon Valley board approves 'Club America' after debate over partisan ties
The Saucon Valley School Board approved a student club called Club America after students and a presenter described the group's focus on free-market and 'freedom-loving' values; board members pressed for assurances the club remain nonpartisan and follow the district's club application rules.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:33 PM
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Superintendent Dr. Patelli unveiled a comprehensive feasibility study outlining five potential paths for the district's future, but emphasized that no decisions are being made just yet.

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#PA #EnrollmentTrends #CitizenPortal #BuildingUtilization #PublicSurvey
East Stroudsburg superintendent outlines RLPS feasibility study, asks board to narrow options
Superintendent Dr. Patelli presented a feasibility study by RLPS that examines building use, enrollment trends and five options for district configuration; she said the board will be asked in March or April to select about two options for further study and emphasized no decisions would be made at the work session.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 7:02 PM
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In a dramatic showdown, the Keystone Central School District Board narrowly passed the contentious 2026-2029 comprehensive plan, igniting fierce debate over its rushed approval process and future implications for education.

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#PA #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal
Keystone Central board approves 2026–29 comprehensive plan after heated debate
After extended debate over last‑minute timing and a required professional‑learning review, the Keystone Central School District board voted to approve the district’s 2026–29 comprehensive plan, with three ayes, one no and one non‑vote; the approval triggers a 28‑day public review required by state regulation.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 6:12 PM
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Chester High's chaotic Coosa intersection is getting a quick-build makeover to enhance safety for students and families—complete with curb bump-outs and a community block party!

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#ChesterDelawareCounty #PA #CommunityEngagement #InfrastructureImprovements #TrafficSafety
County planners propose quick‑build safety changes at Coosa/Chester High intersection
Delaware County presented a quick‑build plan to reconfigure a chaotic six‑leg Coosa intersection near Chester High, installing curb bump‑outs, flexible bollards and paint to slow traffic; a one‑day installation and community block party are planned for April 18, 2026.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 5:44 PM
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The Abington Board of School Directors has just unveiled a staggering $216 million preliminary budget for 2026-27, raising questions about its impact on local taxpayers and the future of the proposed middle school.

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#PA #PublicSchoolReform #CitizenPortal #EducationFunding
Abington board adopts $216 million preliminary budget, authorizes referendum-exception advertisement
The Abington Board of School Directors voted Feb. 10 to adopt a $216,004,564 preliminary general fund budget for 2026–27 and to authorize the administration to advertise for a referendum-exception related to middle-school debt. The budget assumes a 3.5% Act 1 index and includes a projected 33.59% PSERS contribution rate.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 5:18 PM