At the ECI meeting on October 3, 2023, two informational items were presented to the committee. 

An update on the progression of utilizing Authentic Assessment and Second Chance Learning at the high school was provided by North Penn High School Principal, Mr. Kyle Hassler. Both practices are being expanded this year. Teachers must incorporate at least one Authentic Assessment per marking period in their courses, beginning with the second marking period. 

Dr. Pamula Hart, Director of Curriculum and Equity, informed the committee members on the implementation of the newly adopted ELA curriculum for grades K-6, Wit and Wisdom. During the summer, professional development on this curriculum was offered to teachers, 250 of whom participated. Teachers are continuing with their professional development and collaboration to ensure that all students are successful with Wit & Wisdom. 

The Facilities and Operations Committee met on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in a virtual format.

The Committee reviewed the following item to be moved to this evening’s action meeting for the Board’s consideration.

• A deduct change order for the Healthcare Center project.
• An amendment to a change order previously approved on August 8, 2023.

The Committee was presented and discussed informational items, including:

• Compliance Series: A presentation regarding North Penn School District's required compliance with Act 39, lead in drinking water, was presented by Dan Linski, Coordinator of Environmental & Custodial Operations
• The High School project update with detailed documentation outlining recent and future activities
• Update on the 10-year Capital Project Plan

At the October 10, 2023 Finance Committee meeting, the financial reports were reviewed in addition to the following items:

1. PA State Representative Joseph Ciresi presented information regarding cyber school reform without impacting school choice. Representative Ciresi introduced charter school reform legislation in HB 1422 which would save North Penn taxpayers approximately $2.5 million per year. The proposed legislation was passed by the House of Representatives in July by a vote of 122-81 and now resides in the Senate. Representative Steve Malagri also participated in the discussion and indicated his support for the reform.
2. Mr. Skrocki reviewed the certified Act One index for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The index is 5.3%. Last month Mr. Skrocki recommended consideration of a resolution not to exceed the Act One index for the next fiscal year. The resolution appeared on the Action meeting agenda.
3. Mr. Skrocki reviewed the current contract with First Student and recommended conducting an RFP to consider other options starting in July, 2024. This item appeared on the Action meeting agenda.
4. Mr. Linke provided an audit update while Mr. Skrocki provided a preliminary estimate of the financial results from the 2022-23 fiscal year. A transfer of $8.0 million to the Capital Reserve Fund was recommended due to the funding needs detailed in the 10-year capital plan. This item appeared on the Action meeting agenda.

The Foundation last met on September 19th at the ESC, at which time Dr. Bauer gave a presentation to Trustees about renovations at North Penn High School. Other topics discussed included the annual golf outing, the U-Knight to Inspire Staff Giving Campaign, and the first Equity in Action Grant which is being given to Gwynedd Square Elementary School. Gwynedd Square has been approved to purchase recess tables and games/activities that will help provide opportunities for students who are unable to physically participate on the playground due to injury or other considerations.

I am happy to report that the golf outing was held last week and it was a great success. I want to thank our volunteers, sponsors and 115 golfers for their participation. It was a beautiful fall day spend raising money for innovative projects in our schools.

The Foundation is currently accepting grant proposals. I encourage all North Penn staff to apply.

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 met on September 26, 2023 and began to address policies in the 600 series, which pertains to finances and budgets. Many of these are procedural in nature. Policies #601 - Fiscal Objectives, #602 - Budget Planning, and #622 - GASB Statement 34 were reviewed. In addition, existing Policy 251 - Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care and Other Educational Instability, which has been slightly revised in accordance with recommendations from PSBA, was also reviewed at the meeting.

The Safe Schools Committee met on September 26, 2023 at 5:45 in a virtual format. During the meeting, Safe Schools Coordinator Brandon Rhone provided an update to the committee on Halo detection units, District camera system and Youth Aid Panel. Brandon Rhone reported that the Halo units are with the vendor for configuration and programming and should be delivered to the district within two weeks. Install will take about 30-45 days across the district. Youth Aid panelist conducted training on September 30th with the DA's office to learn the roles and responsibility of the YAP panel. Finally, Brandon Rhone updated the committee on the addition of 60 cameras that were added across the district to reduce blind spots in buildings.