Derry Township School District is working to bring students back into a face-to-face learning environment for the 2020-21 School Year. With the well-being of students and staff at the forefront and taking into consideration PA Departments of Education and Health guidelines related to COVID-19, the district is planning for multiple contingencies that will allow it to continue with a robust educational experience. As planning progresses, updates and related information for the community will be posted here; click the headline for more information.
To help homeowners the Derry Township School District has joined Dauphin County and the Township of Derry in waiving penalties on 2020 School Real Estate Taxes until 12/31/2020. School District Real Estate tax bills will be issued on July 1, 2020. The bills will still include the ability to receive a 2% discount if the bill is paid in full prior to August 31, 2020. If not paid prior to August 31, 2020 the amount listed on the tax bill will be payable through 12/31/2020. Please note this only applies to Real Estate Tax bills issued on July 1, 2020, the penalties are still due on the Occupation Taxes and Interim Real Estate tax bills.
At its June 22, 2020 business meeting, the DTSD Board of School Directors voted to approve the $65.8 million budget for the 2020-2021 school year that freezes property taxes. This 2020-2021 Budget will continue the financial support for all current educational and co-curricular/athletics programs.
In a move to save taxpayer dollars by reducing utility costs, Derry Township School District has established special summer hours. Normal public office hours will remain in effect Monday โ Thursday; all buildings (schools and the district office) will be closed Friday through Sunday. Due to construction projects and COVID-19 mitigation efforts, it is strongly recommended that those needing to conduct business in person with the district during the summer establish an appointment. Please also note: visitors to all district building are required to wear an appropriate face mask. Click the headline for more information.
Based on a growing body of research on adolescent sleep patterns and the impacts to student achievement, the DTSD Board of School Directors voted at its May 26, 2020 business meeting to revamp the districtโs school day starting with the 2021-2022 school year. Consistent with a constituent steering committee recommendation, the board adopted an 8 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. school day for elementary students and an 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. school day for secondary (middle school and high school) students.
