William Penn School District names new superintendent
LANSDOWNE » Dr. Eric Becoats officially took the reins of the William Penn School District this week, becoming its new superintendent.
Becoats began working in the district on May 18, after a transition period with retiring Superintendent Jane Ann Harbert, whose last day was June 30. During the transition, Becoats took the opportunity to collaborate with Harbert on some administrative matters and to become familiar with the William Penn community. He introduced himself to the community with the Superintendent’s Entry Plan, entitled “Focus Forward: Listen, Learn, and Lead,” during which time he met with staff, individuals, borough officials, and community groups who have a vested interest in the well-being and success of the William Penn School District.
The school board unanimously voted to appoint Becoats at the business meeting on Feb. 24, after an extensive search process that began in August 2019.
Becoats was administered the oath of office by county President Judge Kevin Kelly on June 11 at the Media Courthouse. Becoats brings to William Penn more than 28 years of experience in education, most recently serving as assistant superintendent in the School District of Philadelphia. Some of his most notable achievements there include developing a school equity turnaround model for 19 schools serving more than 9,000 students in grades K12, developing and implementing instructional data protocols for 19 network schools in grades K-12, successfully training 19 principals on research based data-drive instructional practices, and increasing the number of Network Schools showing improvement in student achievement by 80 percent within one year. He has also worked in Jackson Middle School in Rockport, Illinois, and Durham Public Schools in North Carolina. Becoats earned a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2001, Master of Science Degree in Finance from Johns Hopkins University in 1992, and Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Lincoln University in 1988.
Becoats will continue to focus on building community relationships in the upcoming months. However, his primary focus is planning for the reopening of school. He formed the William Penn School District Pandemic Committee to develop a plan for reopening schools in September, entitled “The Framework for Learning: William Penn School District’s Response to COVID-19.”
The committee is comprised of principals, teachers, central office staff, and other school district-based staff members. The final document will be reviewed by an Advisory Team of community members. The - 3 - framework will contain the district’s plan for health and safety, cleaning and sanitizing protocols, and providing for an adequate, comprehensive plan for curriculum and instruction, and social and emotional learning. The community will be invited to review the final plan for reopening school, and also given opportunities to attend forums to hear details. Becoats will provide updates to the plan as reminders of the procedures and practices that will be observed as students return to school. In August students, parents, and staff will have the opportunity to participate in professional development activities to address social emotional concerns that may have surfaced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help with the transition back to an in-school setting.
Folcroft kids invited to pick up crafts
Folcroft Borough is holding a Summer Craft program for the borough’s children this year, that began this week. Each week, for six weeks, Folcroft families can stop in Borough Hall to get a pre-made craft bag.
The bags will contain almost everything a child needs for that week’s craft. Some weeks, crafters may need to recycle items from home or head outdoors and find supplies in nature. Children will be able to log on to the borough’s YouTube channel and hear a special guest read a story that corresponds with the craft, and get step-by- step instructions on that week’s craft.
Crafts cam be picked up at borough hall in the lobby from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays until 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Folcroft Borough Facebook page.
Community Action accepts lead paint hazard applications
Community Action Agency of Delaware County Inc. is now accepting applications for the LeadBased Paint Hazard Control Program. In this program, qualifying families who have a child age five or under may qualify for new windows and other repairs to help remediate lead paint hazards. Income eligibility guidelines do apply.
Once an application is received, CAADC staff meets with the applicant to explain the program in detail and discuss the hazard of lead-based paint in the home. Next, a lead audit is performed by a licensed firm. A report is prepared showing where lead paint exists in the home.
CAADC then prepares a Scope of Work detailing the steps that will be taken to remove or reduce the lead to acceptable levels. This may include replacing doors and windows, installing new drywall, replacing trim and moldings and more. When the renovations are complete, another lead audit is performed to be sure that all lead has been removed or reduced to acceptable levels.
A copy of the final report, along with educational materials relating to lead hazards, is then given to the family. All of the services are free if the family is determined eligible.
For more information or to receive an application, call 610.833.4442. This program is funded by the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development and Lawrence County. For more information on CAADC, visit www.caadc.org.
Delco resumes passport services
Delaware County will be resuming passport services on Monday, July 6.
Passport services will be available Monday- Friday from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m –
12 noon, with the exception of holiday weekends. There is a $10 fee for a passport photo.
Masks are required for entry and only the applicant and family members applying for passports will be permitted to enter the office. Appointments are not being taken.
The passport division is located in the Office of Judicial Support, Room 126 of the Government Center,
201 W. Front St., Media, For more information, call 610891-4967.