| NPSD Board Members |
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President
Vincent Sherpinsky
Vice President
Josie Charnock
Members
Edward Diasio
Timothy Kerr
Suzan Leonard
Carolyn Murphy
Frank O'Donnell
Theresa Prykowski
John T. Schilling
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| Meetings in Review |
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NPSD Board of School Directors Meeting
meeting dates scheduled for 2016, please click
here.
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| Upcoming Meetings |
October 11, 7:30 PM, ESC
Board Worksession
Meeting
-CANCELED-
October 20, 7:30 PM, ESC
Board Action Meeting
October 10, 6:30 PM, ESC ECP Committee Meeting
October 31, 6:30 PM, ESC Finance Committee Meeting
October 31, 6:00 PM, ESC Support Services Meeting
November 14, 5:45 PM, ESC Safe Schools Committee Meeting
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| NPSD Mobile App |
The North Penn School District recently launched their new mobile application for smart phones and handheld devices.
The NPSD Mobile App is available to students, staff, families and community members. The app is compatible with Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded for free by searching "North Penn School District" in your device's application store.
The objective of the NPSD Mobile App is to serve as a one-stop resource for families of students in the district. The app provides instant, mobile access to the Home Access Center, district calendar, breakfast and lunch menus, the Community Bulletin Board, MyPayments+ school lunch account site, parent and student resources, daily notifications, student information including attendance, contact information to each of our 18 schools and district office and much more.
Important news and top stories circulate throughout the app to keep students, staff, families and community members updated while highlighting all of the wonderful things going on throughout the North Penn School District.
An additional unique feature of the NPSD Mobile App is the Comment Line - a section which allows users to provide feedback to the district in real time. While this section includes traditional categories like "Kudos" and "Suggestions," a unique section for "Facilities" has also been included. This feature is designed to let the school district know if there is a facility issue at one of our buildings, as the Comment Line allows users to include GPS location as well as a photo that can be taken at the time of submission or loaded from camera roll.
At this time, the section of the Comment Line which the district asks users to focus on is the category of "App Feedback." As the launch of the NPSD Mobile App is in its initial stage, the district welcomes user suggestions and concerns. NPSD encourages students, staff, families and community members to utilize this section to offer feedback about their experience with the mobile app.
The North Penn School District is eager and excited to take this next step in the direction of an innovative, digital future. By providing a seamless and simple communication and resource center, the district hopes that the mobile app will strengthen the understanding and interface between school and families which is vital to the success of our students.
Scan to download or search "North Penn School District"
in your App Store or Google Play.
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Dear Community,
I'd like to welcome you back to another great year at North Penn. The 2016-2017 school year marks an exciting time for our district.
As I watch our students, staff and families settle back into the routine of the school year, I am reminded that we are truly a remarkable school district. Our hardworking students, determined staff members and involved families propel the North Penn School District to remain as one of the best public school systems in the state.
The district would not be where it is today without the support of our families and local community partners. Programs like the North Penn Athletic Association, Home and School Associations, student clubs, Booster Clubs and so many more are what sets North Penn apart. At the last school board meeting, we accepted generous gifts from Nash Elementary School's 6th Grade Classes of 2014 and 2015, The Merck Foundation and the United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley for things like welcome mats, outdoor bulletin boards and general supplies for our students. And this is the normal from our community. Each month at our board meetings we accept similar items and monetary donations.
In addition, the NPSD Educational Foundation is supporting the district's Digital Age Learning Initiative by helping fund internet access for families in the district in need. Costing over $18,000, the monetary support they are providing the school district and our families is greatly appreciated.
And the list goes on and on thanks to the support and commitment from our community. It truly demonstrates the pride we all have for our students, staff, and schools.
On behalf of the district and the NPSD Board of School Directors, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your continued generosity and support. Here's to another great year at North Penn.
Sincerely,
Vincent Sherpinsky
President
NPSD Board of School Directors
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The North Penn School District Educational Foundation met on September 7 at the Educational Services Center and several items of importance were discussed.
The Foundation is very proud to announce that at this meeting, the Foundation unanimously approved supporting the school district's Chromebook initiative by funding both the devices needed for needy families to have internet access at home, as well as the data needed. To that end, the Foundation issued a check for more than $18,000 for this purpose. The Foundation is honored to step up to the plate and truly make a difference in the lives of our children.
The Foundation also discussed the request from a NPHS teacher to begin a speakers series to that school with a focus on writers and careers in writing. Plans are being finalized by the Foundation tentatively agreed to fund this new project.
A final golf outing report was given and the Foundation was thrilled to learn that the August event netted more than $27,000. The closest they have ever come to this amount was nearly 10 years ago, and that was $24,000. The Foundation would like to once again thank their sponsors for helping to make this their best fundraiser ever.
Upcoming efforts include supporting the North Penn/Lansdale Catholic Alumni Flag Football Game on Thanksgiving, working with student liaisons, who are both seniors, to find their replacements and asking NPSD teachers to submit mid-year grants.
If you have any questions about the Foundation, you can contact Christine Liberaski at the ESC. Information can also be found online at www.npenn.org/foundation.
The next NPSD Educational Foundation meeting will be held on October 5, 2016 at 7:45 a.m. at the ESC.
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The ECP Committee met on September 12. At the meeting, the committee reviewed two policies and received informational updates as well.
Board Policies #4316 - Personnel - Harassment and #2510 - Administration - Compensation were updated to reflect current administrative titles and contact information for harassment complaints. Another item that was presented concerned advertising. A proposal was posed to the committee that the fence around the baseball field be used as a vehicle to sell advertising with the profits supporting the proposed capital improvements to the baseball field infrastructure. Meetings to discuss and refine this proposal will continue to take place.
The committee also received an update concerning enrollment for 2016-2017. As of September 12th, actual elementary enrollment exceeded the projected elementary enrollment by 57 students across 13 schools. Capping of kindergarten was needed at Inglewood and resulted in approximately 30 students being moved to Nash or North Wales. The overall net enrollment increase did not necessitate an increase in the number of contracted teacher positions.
Information regarding 2016 PSSA and Keystone test scores was shared with the committee. When compared with the state average for PSSA and Keystone tests, the scores for NPSD students surpassed the state average scores in all areas. Strategies to increase student learning and improve test scores include curriculum review and alignment to PA Core standards, continued development of higher order thinking and analysis skills, shift to inquiry based instruction in science and use of intervention processes for struggling students. School Performance Profile scores are anticipated to be available in October
Three overnight student trips were reviewed as well.
The next ECP Committee meeting will be held on October 10th at 6:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Center.
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The Finance Committee met on
August 29, 2016. The monthly financial reports were received with additional discussion on the following items.
Northbridge Presentation
Todd Bauer, Pete Nicholson and Kyle Hassler presented on the feasibility of a potential move of the Northbridge program to the high school. They discussed pros and cons, required modifications to the facility, potential costs and other considerations. Also discussed was the program's evolution into a program that provides at-risk students an opportunity to recover credits.
Sale of Obsolete School Buses
Steve Skrocki reviewed the background regarding the seven buses that are recommended for sale for a total of $14,700.
Transfer to Capital Reserve Fund
Steve Skrocki presented the current 2015-2016 end of year projections which are still subject to final audit. Through the end of August it appears the district spent about $2.27 million less than budgeted. A portion of this positive variance will be recommended for transfer to the Capital Reserve fund. A final recommendation will be made once the audit is finalized.
2017-2018 Proposed Budget Calendar
Steve Skrocki presented a budget timeline that complies with PDE requirements. Further discussion will occur at the September Finance Committee meeting regarding recommending passing a resolution not to exceed the Act 1 index, which would necessitate a revised budget calendar.
State Budget Update
Steve Skrocki presented the final 2016-2017 state allocations compared to budgeted amounts. There is a $400,919 positive variance, meaning we will bring in more money than expected in basic education funding, special education and the Ready to Learn Block Grant.
Refinancing of Bonds
Steve Skrocki presented information on an opportunity to refinance the 2011 bonds which may result in savings close to $1 million. PFM will give a presentation in December and the transaction will occur in January 2017.
The next Finance Committee meeting will be held on September 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Center.
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The Support Services Committee met on Monday, August 29
and discussed the projects that took place over the summer.
These projects included the NPHS fire restoration, the security and camera upgrades at NPHS and the ESC, the four elementary schools' surveillance camera sever upgrade, carpet and vinyl tile installation district-wide, Penndale carpet and Vinyl Asbestos Tile abatement, the synthetic turf replacement at NPHS and the North Wales canopy repairs. All of these projects have been fully completed or completed to an acceptable state for the start of school.
An update on the Montgomery Elementary School renovations and addition project was provided. Montgomery Elementary received the necessary approvals for the school to open and accept students for the start of classes. There was one change order to Bristol Environmental, Inc. discussed.
In addition to the project updates, David Horn, Architerra, provided a presentation outlining the findings of the Athletic Field Master Plan. The presentation included information covering:
- A review of the current conditions of NPHS and Middle School athletic fields.
- A review of the current use of each field.
- A review of soil conditions and provided suggested maintenance practices to improve the playing surfaces.
- Reviewed all district owned equipment and made suggestions of the district needs to improve the surfaces.
- Provided suggested future expansion, and relocations of the fields to improve and upgrade to athletic fields.
The next Support Services Committee meeting was held on Monday, September 26th at 6:00 PM at the Educational Services Center.
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The Safe Schools Committee met on September 12 and discussed the following items.
Safe School Activities
Ray Wilson provided an update on intruder drills, internet safety presentations and run-hide-fight guidelines.
Elementary School Camera Server Upgrade
Ray Wilson reported that elementary schools have all been upgraded to the digital Milestone Surveillance system. The remaining elementary buildings will be upgraded in the summer of 2017. All secondary schools are on the Milestone system.
North Penn
High School and ESC Security Upgrades
These projects are about 95% complete. Additional doors and a secured entrance were added to NPHS, and the ESC added cameras, secured doors and a buzz-in system.
Building Emergency Plans
An all-hazards plan for the district is being finalized. Each building has been distributed a template and the final plans should be finalized in the coming months.
The next Safe Schools Committee meeting will be held on November 14, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Services Center.
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The MCIU met on August 24, 2016 at North Penn High School for NPSD's all staff Convocation.
The IU is so appreciative to Dr. Curt Dietrich and the North Penn District for allowing them to convene in such a lovely atmosphere. The "kick off" went very well.
That evening, the Board Meeting was held at their Norristown offices. The IU had more dues paying members than ever before. The Anderson School has 41 students, a 55% increase over any other year. This is such a good way to start the year.
All budgets were approved for the 2016-2017 school year.
Thirty new teachers were hired for the 2016-2017 school year. Twenty-six contracts were approved for the fall for both public and nonpublic districts. North Penn will be involved with an Internet Agreement, eRate Service Agreement and Discovery Education Streaming Packages.
The next MCIU Meeting will be on September 28 in Norristown at the IU.
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