Chester schools get ‘distressed’ designation

State education officials have declared a Philadelphia-area school district financially distressed a few months after it needed an emergency infusion of state money to keep its doors open.

Education Secretary Ron Tomalis issued his declaration Tuesday on the Chester Upland School District. Tomalis says the district is “plagued by serious, systemic, and aggregating financial problems” and lacks a plan to address them.

The declaration gives the state the power to appoint a recovery officer to recommend changes. Tomalis could also seek appointment of a receiver with broader powers.

 

Acting Assistant Superintendent Thomas Persing tells The Philadelphia Inquirer it’s too early to say what the designation means for the district.

Chester Upland saw its budget reduced from $114 million to $96 million this year partly due to state budget cuts.