Delaware County Judge Chad Kenney on Thursday granted a petition to appoint Joseph Watkins as the Chester Upland School District's receiver.
Watkins is tasked with implementing the financial and academic recovery plan he developed while serving as the district's chief recovery officer since August.
The plan calls for school closures, staff cuts and tax increases while restoring programs, increasing achievement and attracting new students and private funding.
The district has argues that the plan would hurt special needs students and close two better performing schools.
A Department of Education spokesman said the department is pleased with the judge's decision.
