The Bulletin Board Newsletter
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A monthly e-newsletter highlighting the discussions, decisions and business of the North Penn School District Board of School Directors.
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The North Penn School Board (NPSB) welcomes questions and feedback from the community. To that end, community members may email the entire board at _npschoolboard@npenn.org.
If you would like to contact a specific board member via email or phone, please visit our website to find contact information.
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Board Members
Tina Stoll, President
Christian D. Fusco, Vice President
Dr. Elisha K. Gee
Jonathan M. Kassa
Dr. Wanda Lewis-Campbell
Timothy MacBain
Juliane Ramić
Al Roesch
Cathy Wesley
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Tina Stoll, President
Term Expiration: 2021
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Dear Community,
I am sure I can speak for everyone to say that we were all happy to put 2020 behind us and welcome in 2021! Last January, when NPSB Vice President, Mr. Christian Fusco wrote the letter to the community on behalf of the NPSB of Directors, we were discussing the merits of building the ninth grade center at North Penn High School (NPHS). The COVID-19 virus wasn’t even on our radar yet. To say the pandemic changed things for all of us last year would be an understatement. I am so hopeful that with the vaccination process coming online, that 2021 will be the year we can regain some semblance of normalcy.
It will, however, take some time for the vaccination process to roll out completely, so we must continue to do our part to contain the spread of the virus in our North Penn community.
To that end, the NPSB had voted at our December 17 action meeting to have our schools revert to virtual instruction for the week following our winter break with hybrid instruction resuming on Monday January 11. It was our goal to be proactive rather than reactive in mitigating the potential transmission of the virus in our schools, especially as we saw the number of cases in our community rise. It appears from the most recent update that the positivity rate in our district municipalities is declining, so that is good news! We thank everyone for their cooperation during that time.
Unfortunately, even with these measures that were put in place, we have been faced with an unprecedented level of substitute shortage required to cover all the positions that need to be covered in the district. The substitute shortage has been an ongoing issue for all districts in the state even before the pandemic hit. It has now been exacerbated to the point that individual buildings could face “functional shutdowns” if they do not have the staff to cover the building for the day.
It is our hope that by continuing to be vigilant, we can prevent any functional shutdowns and keep our buildings open.
As you may have heard by now, our superintendent Dr. Dietrich has been working with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to be part of their pilot program which gives NPSD access to rapid testing in our schools. The additional week of virtual instruction that followed the winter break allowed our nursing staff and building leaders to get trained on the implementation of this innovative program. Special thanks to Dr. Dietrich for his efforts to ensure that the North Penn School District (NPSD) was one of the districts selected to participate!
As the ability to get vaccinated improves (currently educators are in the Phase 1B group and the county is still in Phase 1A) and with the assurance testing program implemented in our district, we are in the position of possibly allowing more students to attend school five days per week in person. The district sent out a NON-BINDING survey to see how much potential interest there would be. We also recognize that there are many families that will prefer to keep their students virtual for now and that option will remain.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has been all-consuming, other work is still being done! Here are some updates on what the various NPSB committees are working on.
The Finance Committee once again expanded our Real Estate Tax and Rent Rebate Program for qualifying senior citizens. We are actually down in the number of applicants this year, however. In prior years, board directors were able to go out into the community and host forums, providing senior citizens with this valuable information. Unfortunately, as with everything else, COVID-19 has limited our ability to do so this year, so if you can help us spread the word on this valuable program to eligible senior citizens, we would greatly appreciate it! Please note that it was also expanded to include renters.
The Finance Committee is also beginning the budget process for the 2021-2022 school year. This is a challenging task, especially this year since it will be difficult to predict just how much damage the pandemic will do to our federal and state funding.
Our Policy Committee continues to review and update all district policies in accordance with guidance from the Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA). This month we are particularly proud to announce approval of our new Equity Policy - Policy 832. In July of 2020, the board passed an anti-racism resolution, where we committed to “recognize, respond and speak out against injustice and racial inequity in our school community. In support of this goal, the Board of Directors of the NPSD commits to the following action steps: Passage of an Equity Statement, Equity Policy and Equity Action Plan.” This was step two, and we look forward to working on step three, the Action Plan.
The Facilities and Operations Committee continues their work on the Knapp Elementary School and the Crawford Stadium renovation projects. Both projects are on schedule and within budget.
Our Educational, Curriculum and Instruction (ECI) Committee continues its work on cultural proficiency. One of results of that work has been to update our 2021-2022 school calendar to recognize the Diwali holiday for our Hindu students and the Eid al-Fitr holiday for our Muslim students. The ECI committee continues to focus on the social and emotional well-being of our students as well, by reviewing supports that are available to our students and their families.
And finally, an update from the School Nutrition Services (SNS) Department – In the spring of 2020 with the COVID-19 relief bill passed at the time, you could apply for EBT Cards for free and reduced meals and funds were then transferred into families accounts. The most recent COVID-19 relief package included numerous additional benefits for families financially impacted by the pandemic. If you think that your school-age child or children may qualify for free or reduced meals, please submit an application at www.schoolcafe.com. Please note that applying for free and reduced-price meals does not impact the free meals being received at school currently. These applications will be used to see which additional benefits your children might be eligible for.
In closing, one of the few bright spots to come from this pandemic has been the increased viewership of our committee and school board meetings, since they have also been either virtual or hybrid format. We encourage continued community participation at all of our meetings. It is always helpful for us as school board directors to be able to hear community feedback and we thank those who have taken the time to tune in!
Sincerely,
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Tina Stoll
President, NPSD Board of School Directors
Term Expiration: 2021
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School Board Virtual Meeting Information
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In consideration of the health and safety of the school community, notice is hereby given that the NPSD Board of School Directors shall convene all meetings virtually until further notice.
How to Watch Meetings
A recording of this meeting will be available at on the district website, the NPTV YouTube Channel, and will air on North Penn Television Comcast Cable Channel 28 and Verizon FIOS-TV Channel 29 for the next three business days at 12:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
How to View Meeting Agendas
Meeting agendas are published the week of the meeting and can be viewed online on BoardDocs. To view meeting agendas, visit BoardDocs and select the "Meetings" tab in the top right corner. From there, find and select the meeting, and then click "view agenda".
How to Participate in Meetings
Public comment will be available using Zoom. For privacy purposes, a link to make public comment will be available on our website 30 minutes prior to the start of the meeting.
When it is time for public comment, please use the “raise your hand” feature in the zoom webinar. We will take public comment in order that hands were raised. Please listen for your name when called upon for comment and unmute your microphone.
If you do not have access to zoom, please email your comments to _npschoolboard@npenn.org and it will be included in the board minutes.
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Meetings in Review
Action
January 21, 7:00 pm
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Upcoming Meetings
Worksession
February 9, 6:00 pm
Action
February 18, 7:00 pm
ECI Committee
February 2, 6:00 pm
Facilities & Operations Committee
February 22, 6:30 pm
Finance Committee
February 9, 7:00 pm
February 16, 6:00 pm - Special Meeting for Budget Development
Policy Committee
February 9, 5:00 pm
Safe Schools Committee
February 22, 6:00 pm, ESC
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You Could Save Up to $487 through NPSD Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program
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Are you eligible? Do you know someone who is? Learn more and help us spread the word about this program!
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Education/Curriculum/Instruction (ECI) Committee
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The ECI Committee met virtually on January 5, 2021.
School Calendar 2021-2022
NPSD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer presented the proposed school calendar for the 2021-2022 academic year which included the holidays of Diwali and Eid al-Fitr. With the addition of these holidays to those traditionally in the calendar, the school calendar is more reflective of the diversity of the North Penn school district community.
Summer Program Update
NPSD Curriculum Supervisor Nina Fenstermaker presented the results of the Virtual Summer Enrichment program that was conducted in 2020. During the six week program, 1200 students and 21 NPSD teachers participated. The program was aligned to a central theme to engage the students and their families. This program, as well as the modified in-person Summer Program, will be conducted during 2021.
Cultural Proficiency & Equity Professional Development Update
Despite the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district was able to engage in various endeavors toward furthering the cultural proficiency of its staff. These endeavors included meetings of the Cultural Proficiency & Equity teams and Executive Committee, participation in DVCEE sponsored events, an administrators’ book study, North Penn Parents in Equity, ongoing collaborations with consultants, and professional development for instructional and support staff professionals.
Equity Policy Update
Dr. Bauer updated the committee on the Equity in Education policy development process. The policy was presented to the Policy Committee this month as well.
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Chair:
Dr. Elisha K. Gee
Members:
Christian Fusco, Tim MacBain
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The next ECI Committee meeting will be held on February 2, 2021 at 6:00 pm.
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Facilities and Operations Committee
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The Facilities and Operations Committee did not meet in December. Updates from the meeting held on January 25, 2021 will be shared in next month's newsletter. The next Facilities and Operations Committee meeting will be held on February 22, 2020 at 6:30 pm.
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Chair:
Jonathan Kassa
Vice Chair:
Cathy Wesley
Members:
Juliane Ramić,
Tina Stoll
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The Finance Committee met virtually on January 12, 2021.
Tax Collector Compensation
Steve Skrocki, NPSD Chief Financial Officer reviewed the tax collector compensation process. Compensation for tax collectors, who are elected every four years, may be established by school boards once every four years but no later than February 15 of the election year. Compensation may not be changed until four years thereafter. The comparative county data was reviewed. This item appears on tonight's agenda.
2021-2022 Budget
Skrocki provided an update on the first draft of next fiscal year's budget. Department presentations will start in February.
ASBO Meritorious Budget Award
Federal Stimulus
Skrocki provided an overview of the latest round of stimulus funding the district will be receiving. Subsequent to the meeting the district learned the final total for this round of funding is $4.6 million.
Financial Reports
Skrocki provided highlights of the monthly financial reports.
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Chair:
Christian Fusco
Vice Chair:
Al Roesch
Members:
Committee of the Whole
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The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on February 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Please note that the NPSB Worksession meeting and the Finance Committee meeting will swap time slots.
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NPSD Educational Foundation
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The NPSD Educational Foundation Board of Trustees met virtually on January 6, 2021.
The Foundation is very pleased to announce a prosperous December in terms of fundraising. The organization's annual appeal raised $7,000 while their staff tribute program received $6,000 in donations. For both campaigns, this is the most amount of money raised in the history of the Foundation. Their success is a testament to the hard work of the Foundation this past year to strengthen the board and their development efforts. Part of this strategy involved hiring a development professional, North Penn resident Danielle Blanchard. Many thanks to Danielle and the NPSD Office of School and Community Engagement who assisted her.
The Foundation also discussed whether the organization should hold its annual online auction. They are happy to report that they will! The auction will run from April 28 to May 4. The auction is always popular among families, staff and community and offers everything from lunch with the superintendent to gift cards. This year they are focusing on local experiences and products. You will be hearing more in the coming weeks on how you can help.
The Foundation would also like to recognize the Philadelphia Marathi Mandal organization out of North Wales who donated $800 to the Foundation to support the North Penn Strong internet access program at home. Their generosity is greatly appreciated!
The Foundation also approved 13 mid-year grants for the year, ranging from STEM projects to supporting the social emotional health of students. Totaling just over $16,000, these projects will be implemented now through the end of the year.
The next NPSD Educational Foundation Board of Trustees meeting will be held on February 2, 2021 at 3:00 pm.
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Board of Trustees Member:
Juliane Ramić
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The Policy Committee met on November 10, 2020.
Continuing with review of the 200 Policy Series, which is student focused, the committee considered and discussed seven (7) policies. This is the third group of policies from the 200 series that has been reviewed. The content of these is drawn from the PA School Code as well as the policies, guidelines, and practices in place within NPSD. Also, the committee was given notice of intent to repeal policies that will be replaced by new policies.
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Chair:
Christian Fusco
Members:
Al Roesch,
Tina Stoll
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The next Policy Committee meeting will be held on December 7, 2020 at 5:00 pm.
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The Safe Schools Committee did not meet in December. Updates from the meeting held on January 25, 2021 will be shared in next month's newsletter. The next Safe Schools Committee meeting will be held on February 29, 2021 at 6:00 pm.
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Chair:
Jonathan Kassa
Members:
Dr. Wanda Lewis-Campbell,
Cathy Wesley
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