📚 DASD Wins Students Back | ❄️ Township Snow Delays | 📢 Human Trafficking Crisis Awareness | 🧱 East Caln Zoning Code

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

📚 DASD Competes to Win Students Back From Charter Schools

❄️ Snow Shuts Township Offices, Delays Trash Pickup

📢 County Declares Awareness Month to Combat Hidden Trafficking Crisis

🧱 East Caln Township Begins Comprehensive Zoning Code Rewrite

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

DASD Competes to Win Students Back From Charter Schools

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Area School District brought 127 students from charter schools this year through personalized outreach, retaining an estimated $2.25 million in local classrooms. Each charter student costs the district roughly $6,700 more annually than district students due to state funding formulas. The district's academic results rank among the top three in Chester County, with students outperforming charter schools in both math and English. Despite recent state cyber charter reforms and enrollment gains from adding full-day kindergarten, the district still projects $5.4 million in charter tuition costs this year while facing ongoing financial pressures from property assessment appeals.

Snow Shuts Township Offices, Delays Trash Pickup Across Downingtown Area

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Multiple townships in the Downingtown area announced Sunday that municipal offices will remain closed Monday as winter weather impacts the region. Upper Uwchlan Township, along with other local municipalities, made the decision due to weather conditions, though the closures will not affect all operations.

While township buildings will be shuttered to the public, office staff will work remotely as conditions allow. Public works departments will maintain full operations, with crews continuing to treat, clear, and remove snow from local roadways throughout the storm.

The weather will create delays for waste management services across affected townships. Trash and recycling collection scheduled for Monday will be pushed back at least one day, with haulers expected to operate on a holiday schedule. Under this arrangement, Monday routes will run on Tuesday, Tuesday pickups will occur Wednesday, and subsequent days will follow the same pattern. However, township officials cautioned that schedules remain fluid and could change as weather conditions develop.

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local township websites and social media channels for the most current information on collection schedules and any additional service changes. Officials expressed gratitude for residents' patience and understanding during the weather event and urged everyone to remain safe and warm.

County Declares Awareness Month to Combat Hidden Trafficking Crisis

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County declared January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month as officials prepare for millions of visitors expected during 2026's 250th anniversary celebrations and major sporting events. Commissioners emphasized that trafficking happens locally, often hidden beneath everyday community life, with an estimated 50 million people worldwide living in modern slavery. Officials stressed the need for collaborative efforts among county agencies, nonprofits, and law enforcement, warning that large visitor influxes typically coincide with elevated trafficking rates. Local organizations participated in the Red Sand Project, filling sidewalk cracks with bright red sand to symbolize vulnerable community members.

East Caln Township Begins Comprehensive Zoning Code Rewrite

EAST CALN TWP — East Caln Township is rewriting its zoning ordinance in partnership with the Chester County Planning Commission through a Vision Partnership Program Grant. The Planning Commission is conducting the update during monthly public meetings, encouraging resident feedback on draft materials. Once complete, the revised ordinance will go to the Board of Supervisors for adoption consideration. Meeting materials from January and February are available for public review.

Upcoming local events…

West Chester Professionals Social Networking (West Chester) - Jan 28, 4:30pm-6:30pm

Monthly VRA Realty Investors Meetup (West Chester) - Feb 11, 6:45pm-8:30pm

WCU Live! presents the Sharpe Family Singers $ (West Chester) - Feb 13, 7pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Feb 14, 10am-12pm

Downingtown Repair Cafe (Chester Springs) - Feb 14, 10am-2pm

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Let’s make 2026 your best year yet! 🍾🥳

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