LANSDALE- November’s action meeting was held at the North Penn School District Educational Center on Thursday, November 16th. Rather than reviewing the committee reports at each action meeting, the board has chosen to post many of them online for citizens to view beforehand. The meetings can be found on the NPTV YouTube channel.
The North Penn High School JROTC class joined the board for their POW/MIA ceremony, which honored veterans, prisoners of war, and soldiers that are missing in action. A table was set with a white tablecloth, a candle, a rose, a lemon, salt, glasses, and a yellow ribbon. Everything that laid on the table was representative of those who have served for our country or their loved ones.
North Penn seniors Lance Rutto, Mia Dempsy, Natalie Rios, and Steven Ung spoke on behalf of the JROTC by leading the ceremony, as well as letting the audience in on how the program has changed their lives.
“I have been doing this program for over four years, and have to say it was probably the best decision I have ever made,” Rutto shared
At the October meeting, the North Penn Educational Foundation visited kindergarten classrooms at Gwynedd Square Elementary School where they have instituted new learning and play stations. The foundation held their annual U-Knight to Inspire Staff Giving campaign which raised over $17,000 for innovative projects. The foundation was also just presented with a $10,000 check from Peoples Security Bank and Trust.
Mr. Tim Macbain shared the legislative report, where he explained that Pennsylvania’s state budget has yet to be finished due to the $1 billion of potential funding still on the table. House Bill 1826, which states that high school students would be provided with comprehensive civics and voting rights education once they can vote, is currently in the House Education Committee for consideration.
Superintendent, Dr. Todd Bauer, shared his appreciation on behalf of North Penn for Ms. Gloria C. Riley who donated a Grand Piano to Pennfield Middle School. Bauer also reappointed the Director of Human Resources, Dr. J Mia Kim, for an additional term.
The board has the option to transfer funds from the General Fund to the Capital Reserve Fund. To not exceed the 2022-23 budget, all unspent funds will be transferred to the Capital Reserve Fund. Projected unspent funds total about $9.8 million with a positive revenue variance of $9.3 million. The recommendation was to have $1.0 million flow to the unassigned fund balance and an additional $5,058,645 million to be committed for capital projects.
Mr. Steve Skrocki, Chief Financial Officer, provided the monthly finance report. The final audit report will be presented at the December action meeting. There have been no audit findings.
The board honored Dr. Wanda Lewis-Campbell for her service during her term on the board. Lewis-Campbell was presented with a plaque, flowers, and many kind words from the members of the board.
“You have devoted your career to education and to bettering today’s youth and I believe you’ve done it with poise and grace. You are a woman of profound faith and great leadership and we are all better to have worked with you and I am fortunate to know you,” Bauer stated.
All committee reports, Solicitors report, Superintendent report, and finance report were approved. The board will meet again on Monday, December 4th, at the North Penn Educational Services Center for a reorganization meeting.
All upcoming meeting information is posted in BoardDocs.