The ECI Committee met on January 10, 2024. Agenda items included the 2024-25 school calendar, overnight student travel, and the proposed change to the middle school class schedule. 

Next year's school calendar is reflective of the current year's calendar. A calendar change this year with an additional three days off for students during Thanksgiving week to allow flexibility for scheduling parent conferences was incorporated next year as well. Families and staff members provided positive feedback about setting aside this time for conferences during that week. The committee also reviewed a presentation regarding changing from a block schedule to an eight-period per day schedule at the middle schools. This schedule change will provide more instructional time per subject area, better accommodate 9th grade schedules, and allow more collaboration time for teachers.

The Facilities and Operations Committee met on Monday, December 18, 2023, in a virtual format.

There were no action items discussed at the meeting.

The Committee was presented an abridged version of the December 5th High School Public Forum's presentation. Mr. Skrocki, Mr. Nicholson, and Mr. Schneider presented the information and also answered a variety of questions that have been received since the December 5th forum.

At the January 9 Finance Committee meeting, the financial reports were reviewed in addition to the following items:

Dr. Jacqueline O'Beirne presented an Extended School Care program overview, a recommendation for tuition and camp fees for 2024-25, and a budget overview. This item appeared on the action meeting agenda.

Mr. Linke, Mr. Ryan, and Mr. Skrocki reviewed the results of the recent transportation RFP. Further review of the proposals will occur and a recommendation will be made in February.

Mr. Skrocki reviewed the 2024-25 Montgomery County Intermediate Unit budget.  North Penn's total share for 2024-25 is $214,198 which represents a $1,351 or 0.63%, decrease. This item will appear on the February Action Meeting agenda.

Mr. Skrocki reviewed a proposed letter to the Senate Education Committee supporting HB1422, which would provide cyber school reform.

Mr. Skrocki reviewed the 2024-25 PSERS (retirement) rate.  On December 15, 2023, the PSERS Board of Trustees certified the employer contribution rate at 33.90% for the fiscal year 2024-25, down from the current 34.00%. This is only the second decrease since the 2008-09 fiscal year. The net impact on the 2024-25 General Fund due to the rate decrease is approximately $75,000 in savings.

Mr. Linke reviewed the results of the recent telephony audit which resulted in savings for the district.

Mr. Skrocki announced that the business office received the ASBO Meritorious Budget Award for its 2023-24 budget book.  This is the 9th consecutive year the business office has received this award.  North Penn is one of only seven school districts in PA to receive the Meritorious Budget Award and is the only one in Montgomery County.

Mr. Skrocki reported that the district was recently notified that it received a 5% premium discount for the renewal of its Safety Committee Certification. The initiative to establish and maintain a certified safety committee demonstrates the district's strong commitment to workplace safety and the proactive protection of its employees.  The premium discount was for $45,506.

The Foundation met last on December 19th.  

Trustees were saddened to accept the resignation of Danielle Blanchard, development manager, who left for a full-time position with a nonprofit social service organization. We wish Danielle success and are grateful for her hard work for the Foundation in strengthening our fundraising and development efforts. Trustees are discussing next steps in finding a new development manager. 

December was busy with our end of year appeal and staff tribute initiative. Final numbers will be available soon. Last month also saw two more EITC donations from Waste Management and First Citizens Community Bank, a first time donor. Thank you to both organizations for their generous support. 

Next up is planning for our annual online auction which will take place in the beginning of May. Over the next couple of months we will be soliciting the community for donations. 

We meet next February 20th. Any questions related to the Foundation can be directed to Christine Liberaski at the ESC or you can learn more at npennedfoundation.org.

The Policy Committee did not meet in December. 

The Safe Schools Committee did not meet in December 2023.