001Good evening. [laughter] We'll call this meeting to order and I believe that we are starting with a video. >> Hello and welcome to this North Penn news update. As we all take time this season to appreciate the people and moments that fill our plates with gratitude, we are thankful for a school community overflowing with achievement, creativity, and heart. This week, in honor of American Education Week, we've been showcasing the classes, students, and staff who make North Penn such an amazing place to learn and grow. From sewing labs to science projects, circus to culinary creations, we are truly thankful for the incredible work happening in every corner of our district. You can catch all these segments on our North Pan School District Facebook and YouTube channels. Perfect to savor like your favorite holiday leftovers. A huge
002congratulations to our North Penn boys cross country team who served up a championship performance last weekend by winning the PIAA 3A state title in Hershey. They edged out State College 115 to 123, bringing home the trophy for the fourth time in program history. And yes, they received a full firetruck escort back home. Congratulations to coach Mike Wernern who was named PA Coach of the Year and Justin Landis who was named all state. On Veterans Day, our school board of directors honored community veterans who left high school early to serve in the military. These heroes were awarded their North Penn High School diploma in a heartfelt ceremony. We proudly congratulate our newest graduates. Walter Joseph Drelling Jr., Donald Love, and Howard Bourne, Joseph Volunteer, and a Frederick Bruner were honored postumously. Thank you for your service
003and welcome to the class of 2025. After an impressive performance at the national championships at Metife Stadium, our Northpen drum line had a moment to be thankful for as well. They were invited to perform live on 933 WMR as the station's pep band. Another awesome example of our talented students sharing their energy and spirit with the wider community. Scholarship, service, leadership, and character. These four pillars were celebrated as new members were inducted into the North Penn High School Honor Society. Becoming an NHS member requires a competitive application and a demonstrated commitment to serving others. Congratulations to all our new inductees for embodying the best of what North Penn stands for. Looking for weekend plans? The North Penn High School Theater opens tonight with their fall production of The Crucible. Tickets are now available at npen.org/theater.
004Shows run Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Don't miss this powerful performance. As we head into the holiday, we've reached another major milestone in the North Penn High School renovation project. Something we can definitely add to our Thanksgiving gratitude list. In just one week, the third floor KPOD chemistry rooms and the newly refreshed Rick Carol Natitorium will be open for business when we return from Thanksgiving break. A huge thank you to our facilities team who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to move classroom materials, clean and wax the new floors for our teachers and students before they enter their new space. Congratulations to assistant principal Dr. Marjgerie Die for being named a 4E award recipient to ensure belonging in the North Penn school district. Dr. Bower surprised her on the
005monthly edition of North Penn right now. Marjorie has been with North Penn for 17 years, creating a culture of welcoming and belonging at Penddale, ensuring that each student who walks through the doors feels seen and heard. And finally, as we reflect on gratitude this season, we extend a heartfelt thank you to three members of our school board of directors presiding over their final action meeting tonight. Mrs. Tina Stole, Mr. Christian Fusco, and Mr. Jonathan Cassa. For the past eight years, they have dedicated countless hours to the students, staff, and families of North Penn. Nothing in education is easy and our community is stronger because of their service. That's it for this North Penn news update. From our North Pen family to yours, have a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season. Welcome to our regularly scheduled
006action meeting. This meeting is being videotaped for community cable channels and streamed live. Individuals attending this meeting and intending to speak to the board should be aware that they are being videotaped. In order to meet the requirements of Pennsylvania Sunshine Law, it is necessary to record the names of all citizens who speak to the board during the meeting. To assure compliance with this requirement, it is essential that those planning to address the board state their name and municipality. Members of the audience will limit their questions and comments to three minutes. And now, please stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of our country. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for
007all. Thank you, Mr. Slaughter. All right. Good evening, everyone. Thanks so much for joining us. Uh before we get started, I'd like to offer a few remarks this evening. On behalf of the entire North Penn School District, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to three members of the North Penn School District board of school directors who decided to not run for reelection and are concluding their service here this evening. Tina Stole, Jonathan Casa, and Christian Fusco. Each of them has made a lasting impact on our district and is important that we pause to acknowledge their commitment, leadership, and countless contributions to our students, staff, and community over the past eight years. Jonathan Kasa brought a strong voice for student well-being and safety, consistently championing initiatives that support the entire child. His work has
008enhanced our systems, our programs, and our capacity to serve every learner in a safe and supportive environment. He emphasized data, transparency, and a multifaceted approach to school safety. He understands that is not just about hardware, tools, and fortification, but it's also about programs, education, professional develop, professional development, excuse me, relationships, and kindness. Mr. Casa encouraged engagement, and was always willing to speak to those with differing opinions than his. Mr. Fusco has been a passionate advocate for equity, access, and exceptional educational experiences across our district. His perspective and commitment to ensuring that all students thrive have influenced policy practice and the culture of our schools. Under his leadership, we initiated a comprehensive policy review process that took years. We implemented new programs such as American Sign Language and our new STEM shield special at the elementary
009level. He was a huge champion for full day kindergarten and he was an integral part in a boundary realignment that actually impacted him him and his neighbors. I mentioned this in the last ECI meeting, but most impressive to me with Mr. Fusco's leadership is his evolution as a leader. He has really developed into at times a bit of a calming presence and is able to maintain perspective and decisions on the big picture. Lastly, Tina Stole has been a steady, thoughtful, and fearless leader during her many years on the board, including her impactful service as board president for seven years. Tina guided North Penn through some of the most challenging moments in recent history, particularly throughout the pandemic. Her calm presence, her strength, and unwavering focus on students and staff helped to anchor this district in
010uncertain times, and her leadership will be remembered with deep gratitude. With Tina as president, we added air conditioning to several buildings. We did a complete renovation of Nap Elementary. We made Crawford Stadium accessible for our entire community and turned it into a venue that is used daily instead of eight times per year. And we finally got underway on a high school renovation that was long, long overdue. I had the honor of working with Tina for four years as assistant superintendent and then two years as superintendent. And I can say without hesitation that Tina was always worried about the people. Whether it was students, staff, or the community, she values the people over anything else. Whenever Tina's name comes up in a meeting with the senior leadership here in the district, I will quote two of
011my colleagues, Dr. McKenna and Dr. Waters. Mike always says, "Tina's the best." And Deanna goes, "She really is." They are absolutely right. Together, these three volunteers, let me emphasize, volunteers have given countless hours over the last eight years. They've made difficult decisions and led with purpose and with heart. Their service has helped shaped the direction of North Penn at a critical time in public education and we are truly grateful for the legacy that you leave behind. On behalf of the administration, our staff and the entire North Pen community, I want to thank Jonathan, Christian, and Tina for their leadership and dedication. We wish each of you the very best in your future endeavors, and you will always remain part of the North Pen family. And since gratitude is truly music to our ears, it feels
012only right to end this moment >> on a high note. [laughter] [applause] You're a palid [singing] [music and singing] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] invit. >> [singing] >> attach. [singing] [music] [singing] Tonight we gather to honor three North Penn school board directors who eight years of extraordinary service come to a close. Tina Stole, Jonathan Kasa, and Christian Fusco. How y'all doing? Their impact isn't just written in minutes and motions. It's built into the very heartbeat of North Penn. Under your leadership, North Penn launched full day kindergarten, expanded mental health supports, brought in school climate coordinators, added therapy dogs, and assured internet access and Chromebooks for all students. Thank you. You helped guide us through the storm of CO 19, creating hybrid, virtual, and in-person options that gave families flexibility when it mattered most. You championed major
013facility improvements, Montgomery and NAP renovations, Crawford Stadium, and air conditioning, and multiple schools. Thank God. You supported one of the cleanest and most economic propane bus fleets in the state. You established a healthcare clinic that decreased absences, reduced primary care costs, and improved access to important services to keep our staff happy and healthy. Your leadership brought the re-imagine North High School decision to the community, respected the voters's voice, and set our high school renovation in motion, keeping Northbend High School a 10 through 12 campus, and guiding us through construction. You approved a tax rebate program for seniors and first responders, strengthened security, invested in communications, and even expanded opportunities with American Sign Language, community internships through CHIP, and a fifth special in science, technology, engineering, and math at the elementary level. And through it all,
014you led with heart, courage, and a belief that every student deserves the best North Penn can offer. So tonight, on behalf of the entire district, we thank Miss Tina Stole, Mr. Mr. Jonathan Kasa and Mr. Christian Fusco for your vision, your dedication, and your legacy that will echo across this community for years to come. And on that note, I think we should take it home, guys. What do you say? [music] [singing] Thank you for being a friend. >> [applause] [applause] >> My goodness, you guys have really been paying attention these last eight years. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. >> Very welcome. And with that, Mrs. Ramich, this meeting is yours. >> Great. And thank you to our students for coming out. That was um really an incredible treat. Um and thank you, Tina, Jonathan, and
015Christian for your years of service. So, we will move on now to the audience of citizens. Um >> before they before they go, I do want to acknowledge the fact we have some family members in the back here. you don't want to sit through this meeting, especially with the little ones. Tina did say to me, she showed me a picture and she said, "When I first came on the board, I didn't have any grandchildren and there are three back there now, which is pretty cool." Um, we recognize the sacrifice you all made on behalf of the school district. It's not easy spending all these hours and you lent them to us. Uh, so we're appreciative to you as well. Go home, have a happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for everything. >> Thank you. And there's
016no better meeting than having students perform and grandchildren, future students of North Penn um in the room at the same time. So we will move on to the audience of citizens. And if I remember correctly, this statement was already read in the video. Um and so would anybody like to make public comment? >> Good evening, Mr. Lineer. Uh good evening. Um gonna kind of rain on the parade here a little bit uh because that's just my nature. I think there's a there's some you know a lot of a lot of accomplishments so to speak uh that were mentioned but there are a couple of glaring problems and one of them's with the violence in the schools and this is something that the the the your replacements are going to have to deal with because you
017guys haven't seem to be able to tackle it. This is just sort of I don't know if the camera can see this or you guys can see here but over here is 2025 according to the PA safe schools. This is the violence rate. Uh the green is Penrook, the blue is Pendale. And if you can't see those numbers because they're awfully small, unless you're holding it, we're at eight and a half times the violence rate of the county average at Pemrook and 7.1% uh at Pemrook or Pendale. Penfield has gone down uh since last year from s or 3.5 to about 1.3 times as much violence. My question is what are we doing about this? What what is what is the the the approach? Now, we we we talked last time at the uh safe
018school committee about the eval system, which I guess it's still up in the air whether or not the Alval system is as good as it it's been marketed. And I brought up the point that uh Cass's company has a relationship with Evolve. Now, are we being pushed into Evolve because his company gets money or is he or are we doing it because it's the best metal detecting system? It seems if he said he they got $5,000 from from Evolve. So, and that in and to quote him exactly, it was uh you could look up and maybe it was $5,000. I think that if I uh I would sell out, it would be for a lot more. Well, I don't know what that means, but it seems like there's a price here. So, how much how
019much is the right amount to be taking from a company? And and Mr. Mr. Summers, isn't there an ethical problem when you're taking money from a company that you're pushing onto the taxpayers's bill? And is it just stop it just stop it uh evolve or was there past issues with Cassa pushing uh from pushing uh ideas on from companies that he was representing? And I'm looking at Margolus Healey and it looks it looks a little suspicious. Maybe you could you could address it how much money you got from Margolus Healey while pushing their uh their payments. Did did you ever recuse yourself? Because this is a problem. I don't This is going to overshadow everybody who remains on the board because if you guys knowingly allowed him to vote knowing that he worked for these
020companies and giving them hundreds of thousands of dollars, it's going to shine on you pretty poorly. I'll leave it there. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Lineer. Anyone else like to make public comment this evening? Hello, my name is Lesley Napoli and I live in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. And if he brings rain, I bring sunshine. All right. I want to thank everybody on the North Pen School Board because you sit up here every day, but I also want to point to the people in the audience that support all of you because it is the nonvolunteers who are volunteering their time because they have to give up time for you to be able to make our community a better place. And they're here to support you and they give you and they give all of us your
021time. So, I want to thank the families. I want to thank all of you. I want to thank the administration and the community for making North Penn a better place. My children didn't benefit from anything that this board has accomplished in the e full day kindergarten ele uh air conditioning at the elementary schools and my community has. And I want to say thank you. So I'm bringing sunshine and I want to say thank you. That's all. Thank you. Any other public comment? Good evening. I'm Dr. Durstein or Carolyn McGerty Durstein from uh Lance Del Barrow. Um and I am here not to bring rain or shine, just ask some questions. Um so um with the approval of the budget for the state of Pennsylvania uh there was another year of payments towards uh ensuring equitable
022funding in the state of Pennsylvania. And so whether our constituents understand it or not, but there is a constitutional right to access of public education. And we have had a bipartisan effort to finally make good on ensuring that the tax burden for education access doesn't fall on local citizens and local districts, but is uh managed at the uh state level. And so last um what on the November 11th meeting, uh Dr. Gee brought up some concerning statistics and what I would like to understand as a constituent, as a member of North Penn School District is if moving forward as we are moving towards a more equitable funding, could we have more transparency around personnel because there's a lot of concern around where the money goes and I think that there are some issues within understanding
023what's happening because unlike the other um meetings that exist and and work groups that exist. Personnel doesn't have much transparency. It functions privately. And I understand that there is a need for privacy, right? There's personnel decisions. However, when it comes to essential personnel, uh, such as BCBAS, so BCBA is an individual who evaluates behavior in a school. And prior to Penrook, I think the whole district had eight, which is remarkably low for a district of 13,000 kids. So Dr. Gee acknowledged that we only have two social workers at the high school. So if we only have two social workers and we're now getting millions of dollars from the state, is there a way for us as community members to better understand that this money is going towards essential resources and essential personnel? Because I think
024that it's that as a community there would be bipartisan support of understanding where our state funding is going where right now I think there's some misunderstandings and lack of transparency I know that's a hot button word everyone hates right but there needs to be better transparency around personnel decisions and plans to address uh issues specifically in the areas of mental health there are real mental health situations there's our kids are in crisis and our kids are watching us as a society and they're internalizing it and they don't have the skills appropriate to manage what you know we say in education as big feelings right and those big feelings are manifesting in really harmful ways so maybe as a community we can do better thank you Dr. sign. >> So I I think kind of two
025pieces to that. Um I think one is the state budget. Um I think Miss Hower, we kind of talked about possibility take possibly using an upcoming finance committee meeting to really understand and digest what that means for North Penn. So I think that's kind of one opportunity. And then we are also working on a plan for the budget process and how we're going to as a board address the budget. and there might be opportunities to focus things on topic areas and staffing. Um, we can so we can I think follow up on that. So, thank you. Anyone else like to make public comment >> and my name is Don Gallagher from Lansdale. Um uh I I want to say I I fully support the idea of the school police being uh created or whatever. Um
026I have no experience in how that might be implemented, but uh uh I don't know if I should say fortunately or unfortunately. It's it it I believe it's a necessary thing in this day and age and I hope that that goes through. And um I'm going to repeat because I know it's been said in these meetings before. I want to applaud the efforts of uh the school security and the staff, whoever was involved in resolving so quickly the gun incident in the school, the recent gun incident in the school. How the gun got there to me is another issue. I'm hoping and this may have already been done but but if not I hope it does get done is a real hard look at at how that occurred and what can change to prevent that
027from occurring again fully realize you can't you know it's impossible to prevent every situation but uh look at what happened and and make changes that uh [clears throat] that that could prevent it from again I'm emotional because the reason I'm here, the main reason I'm here is my granddaughter is a school is a student and will eventually probably go to North Penn High School. So, u that's my priority. I also want to uh see uh the evolved system put in place in every school. I know that's expensive. Um, but I really would like to see if it exists or if it could be created a line item of the school the whole school district budget and take a look at and see um uh with it looking at it with the goal of we're going
028to have that evolved system everywhere and what needs to be taken out or or reduced in order to get that. Um again I don't have any experience in doing that but uh uh I believe I do have common sense and if uh something can be eliminated or reduced in order to pay for uh the uh evolved system everywhere I think that's a a good sacrifice to make. Thanks. >> Thank you Mr. Gallagher. >> Any other questions or comments? Hello, Yanni Lamrose Slow. Uh, congratulations to Mrs. Soul, Mr. Fusco, and Mr. Casa. Thank you for your service over the years. Um, I don't want to come up here and disrespect anybody. I get it. Though we've had our disagreements in the past, it is what it is. I also want to congratulate um my opponents in
029Northbend Neighbors for Progress. Um not a sore loser, but I'm here because I care. I was tuning into the last meeting. I heard some students speak about again things that we've talked about transparency, um getting more of the community involved. So, I hope the whole board and um the new members who will be joining all take that into consideration. Um it's nice to see something tabled for a change instead of a unanimous vote when it came down to the whole policing thing. I think there is a proper and logical way to do things. Um just a friendly suggestion. Maybe think about, you know, one female police officer, one male police officer at each school, but they belong to the townships or districts that those schools are within. Maybe even a possible rotation could be worked
030out so that they could act as more of a deterrent, not as security itself, but in case of a true crisis, a police officer could be on scene. And at the same time, the school district would not have its own police force and transparency would be less of a concern to the community. Um, I hope that all the changes that I heard were going to be made will be made uh during the campaign. And I hope it's not just another round of let's sound good and push it off under the rug to the public. I hope things get released. I hope that the children can feel safe again. And I think that as long as those things can be done, you know, we can all be in agreement. But if they're not, I promise I'll
031be back and I'll be a pain. I don't care who likes me and I don't care who hates me. It's truth, transparency, and keeping kids safe. That's what it's got to be about. That's why I'm not coming at anybody over anything else. But we got to, you know, do a little bit better. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public comment? Okay, we'll move on to um the MA meeting minutes. Do I have a motion and a second to approve the minutes from the October 23rd action meeting and from the November 11th work session? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Fusco, seconded by Dr. G. All those in favor say I. >> I. Any opposed? Motion carries. Our committee reports for our committees that have met um in a virtual format. Those
032reports and the recordings are online. So, we will move on to the update for the North Monco Technical Career Center. >> Thank you, Mrs. Ramage. The North Monco Joocc met in person on Monday, November 17th, 2025. Last week, the North Monco Tech students participated in the annual student leadership conference. This conference is designed to be highly student focused, featuring team building activities, leadership development sessions, and collaborative opportunities. Our students had the chance to connect and work alongside peers from other [snorts] career and tech centers in the region. For many, this conference remains a highlight of their North Monco experience. On Sunday, November 16th, the county hosted an open house at the training campus for prospective future first responders of MC Monco, which is a new initiative for 12th grade students in in the public safety
033program. current 10th and 11th grade students and their families toured the facilities and received detailed information about the program. We would love to encourage um future 12th graders to really consider this because we know that um we do have a shortage of uh both first responders and firefighters. On Thursday, December 4th at 6 p.m. the North the National Technical Honor Society induction ceremony will be held and we congratulate all our inductees. We also continued our discussions on the 7-year facility and maintenance plan which is progressing very well. Finally, we recognized two long-standing GOC members who concluded their term following the November meeting. Don Fountain from Procurement Valley and Bill Bron from Sudatin. Uh, Bill was appointed to the GOC in 2006 and served as chair for 15 years. Both Don and Bill have been tremendous
034supporters of North Monco. We thank them for their dedication, leadership, and long-standing commitment to the North Monco community. They will be missed. And that ends my report. I'm sorry. I thought my microphone was on. Um, the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit did not meet in the month of October, so there is no report. I'll move on to the North Penn Educational Foundation for its report. It is mid-grant review time for the foundation, and we received more than 40 applications. We are excited to review and fund these innovative projects that help our students and staff. Supporting grants like these takes resources and the foundation is hard at work raising funds to make them possible. Our unite to inspire staff giving campaign raised $13,000 in October. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Next, we'll be reaching out beyond
035the district as our annual giving campaign launches soon. Watch your mailbox in the coming weeks and know that your continued support makes a difference. If you have any questions about the foundation, please contract contact Christine Liberals at the ESC or visit us at npenfoundation.org. End of report. Mr. McBra, Mr. McBain, sorry. Moving on to the Mr. >> It might be an upgrade. I [laughter] don't know. Thank you very much. So, here's good news. news. The federal government reopened and Pennsylvania has a new budget. That budget will bring $900 million more to public schools with 565 million increasing through the adequacy for formula that came about as a result of previous uh litigation uh in Pennsylvania. This should bring a little more than $1 million to North Penn in new funding. It should, we hope, while
036Senate Bill 315 will reform cyber charter school funding formulas to begin to relieve public school districts. There is also a $125 million investment in school infrastructure and $120 million towards mental health and school safety across the Commonwealth. The budget also attempts to bring more people into the field of education by increasing funding for student teacher stipens and allowing new temporary experience-based teaching certifications for professionals looking to switch to teaching in the field related to their work. Uh also uh good news uh especially on a on a topic near and dear to our hearts here in North Penn. Universal free breakfast will also continue to be funded. End of report. >> Thank you for those exciting updates. We're pleased to have budgets. This is good. Um Mr. Summers solicitor's report. >> I have no report this
037evening. >> Okay. Dr. Bower. >> Thank you Mrs. Ramage. Good evening everyone. Uh first I recommend the items listed under the consent agenda. That is items A through J. Adoption of policies. Adoption of policies for a first read the 2026 secondary program of studies. Approval to advertise for bid. Approval to participate in McGomery County IU line item bid for the 2627 fiscal year. Student travel contracts gifts to the district. Alternative placements and student agreements. >> Do I have a motion and a second for the items as listed? >> So moved. Second >> motion by Mr. Fusco, seconded by Mr. Casa. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed. >> Motion carries. >> Of note. Each of those items was discussed at the committee level. So, uh, next on to the non-consent agenda.
038First, I recommend the personnel items as per the attached. >> So, moved. >> Motion by Mrs. Stole, seconded by Mr. Rash. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. >> So, it's not typical when you have someone resigning that they are in the room. Uh, but I do feel compelled. Mr. Nich, Dr. Nicholson, excuse me, is standing back there in the back of the room. Um, when I came to Northpan as high school principal, Dr. Nicholson was an assistant principal and immediately um, someone I could rely upon. He has served this community as an assistant principal, the high school principal, and most recently as our administrator of secondary ed and renovation. Um, we're very sad to lose Pete, but he's going to be the assistant superintendent in Perk Valley where
039he will take what he learned here in North Penn and share his talents uh with the Perk Valley community. So, I'm excited for him to learn with Dr. Russell and to lead that community. So, congratulations, PETE. [applause] >> Congratulations on your new position, but we you will certainly be missed and we are very grateful for your service. >> Okay. Next, I recommend board approval of uh bidpack 1 pen builders Incorporated for multiple change orders totaling in the amount of 36,2519. Um, as we've said with change orders, there's an allowance in the budget. Um, and this would um leave a balance in that allowance of $43,13827. So, it is a costneutral, no change in the budget, but the cost of the actual change order is $36,251. >> Do I have a motion and a second? >>
040Some moved. >> Second. Mo motion by Mr. Casa, seconded by Dr. G. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Similarly with the allowances here, I recommend the [snorts] board approval of BP1 EC contract for Burough Construction Incorporated for multiple change orders totaling in the amount of $9,1778. Again, this is a zerocost change order. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Do I have a motion and a second? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Mrs. Stole, seconded by Mr. Casa. All those in favor say I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. That concludes my report. >> Great. We'll turn it over to Mrs. Hower. Thank you very much. Um the first item I have for you guys to consider this evening is approval of our letter of credit um with Univvest
041Bank for um site and improvement work um for with Talmenson Township for the high school project. Um as part of our site work, they require us to hold in escrow funds that total the cost of that site work. Um and the we have to pay for that letter of credit which is 1% of the of the expected cost of the improvements which is $7.4 million. So um the credit the letter of credit will cost 74,000 um and they will hold that in ASCRO for us um during the course of the site work and release it as funds are needed and approved by the township. >> Do I have a motion and a second? >> So moved. >> Motion by Mrs. Second by Mr. Fusco. Any comments or questions? >> All those in favor say I.
042>> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. >> Um item number or I'm sorry, item letter B is the treasures report for the month just detailing our receipts and dispersements for the month of October. >> Approval. >> I recommend approval of the treasures report. Do I have a motion and a second? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Mrs. Stole seconded by Mr. Casa. Any comments or questions. >> All those in favor say I. Any any opposed? >> Motion carries. >> And approval of of invoices. [snorts] >> Uh yeah. Uh seeking ratification of the dispersements for the month of October um in the amount of 38 million. >> Do I have a motion and a second? [clears throat] >> Second. >> Motion by Mr. Fusco, seconded by Mr. Casa. Any comments or questions? All those
043in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Um and then letter D is just theformational reports uh from our revenue, expenditure, and investment reports as well as the other funds for your >> Thank you for those. Any questions about the finance reports? >> Okay, move on to other business. Um, under other business, uh, we are in receipt of a resignation letter from President Kathy Mc Merry. So, I recommend that the board accept the resignation of Kathy McMerry from the district's board of school directors, effective immediately. >> Do I have a motion and a second? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by Mrs. Rdnick, second by Mr. Casa. Any comments or questions? Um, I will just say and I will keep my remarks brief because I know that's what President McMerry would
044like. Um, I have sincerely enjoyed working alongside of Kathy the last six years, in particular in the last year as she and I have worked and grown together in her role as board president. Um, this was a sudden resignation. Uh, but I wish Kathy nothing but the best. I appreciate her commitment to the students and staff of this community and more than anything I appreciate her friendship. So, um I look forward to seeing Kathy again and I hope she gets all the things she wants in her true retirement now. So, thank you Kathy, >> which she definitely deserves. Um I too have um really grown to appreciate and value the opportunity to be able to work with Kathy, especially over the last year. Um it was really an incredible experience where she would always point
045out our differences um and how that created balance and greater synergy. So, um I think Kathy has taught us all to ask a lot of questions and to dig deep into details. Um and I think we can certainly honor honor that in in her um what we've learned from her and moving forward. Okay. So, we have a motion and a second on the table. Um all those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? >> Motion passes. >> Okay. >> So, can we can I just um >> Yeah. under other business. So, I just wanted to say thank you to everybody tonight for this um for this evening and um it has been my honor to work with all of you guys and I um I'm I'm going to miss it. And I
046didn't think I would get all um emotional, but I just wanted to say this has been the best schoolboard team that I could have ever hoped to work with and the best admin team. And um I know that the three people coming on and taking our place will do a great job. And you guys are all in good hands. And again, it's been my honor and my privilege to serve you guys. And thank you for everything. And I also wanted to shout out to the families because you, you know, without your guys' support, we wouldn't have been able to do it. So um thank you for all you guys did too to help us get through the eight years that we served together. Thank you. >> [clears throat] >> I'm trying not to get emotional
047like I did at uh ECI the other day. Um I think it's very appropriate that um we heard us thank you for being a friend to us tonight. >> My greatest takeaway from this experience is the relationships that I've made not just with my fellow board directors although you all are have a special place for me. um the administration that we have grown together, many of us. Um the community, the folks that have always been so um willing to express support um privately um in public, at a supermarket or at the the gym. uh the students who are the reason why I have done these past eight years, my my fervent belief in public education and the shining example that I believe North Penn to be of a public school that should be emulated by
048other districts. Um and this has been the privilege of my lifetime. It really has. I grew up in Horscham. We always looked at North Penn like a behemoth, you know, to to imagine somebody told 16-year-old me that I'd be sitting here someday in this district. I would not have believed it. Um, so thank you to everyone for giving me this opportunity. Thank you for the community for trusting me. And finally, thank you to my wife Melissa who did all the heavy lifting when I was here. You know, we we this group likes to talk, so we have some long meetings. Um, and that put an extra burden on her for sure. um not just in picking up the slack when I wasn't there, but emotionally as well. This has not always been the easiest eight
049years. It's been a bit of a wild ride. And um I know I couldn't have done this without her. So, I just want to say thank you to everyone. And and I love you all, even you, Lenir. [laughter] Uh [clears throat] beautiful. Um and and just having reinforced tonight what our students were able to demonstrate uh the joy of what it means um in public education uh what it means to serve and that honor and privilege that it is. Um I remember right our first graduation through to the last there probably thousands of students that we've seen and their families just the most joyous time. Um, that's what it's all about in getting our students to that that level of excellence where then they take over and lead. Um, and we've seen that in public
050comment and our student journalists, those who uh are dedicated to helping film and cover these meetings. It's just remarkable what this community is able to accomplish. And when we had veterans, war veterans last week come and get their degrees from North Penn and I'm I'm gonna cry because they were choked up and they had their parents fly from out of state just to to get a degree. That's what public education means. That's what a North Penn education means. being a knight. And our students that go to the Penddale Memorial each year, the Key Club, JOTC, all the students who organize the chorus, they carry forward the respect, the values of this community and what it means so that we never do forget, but we continue to create a legacy of what it means to be
051at North Penn. And I I'll just uh sign off with an an exchange. I always fall back on on some literature or sometimes what the only RFK ever uh has has read or or said that inspires me. Um the senior one, but there there was a party given by a billionaire on Staten Island. This is recalled here and and it was on Shelter Island. This is a true story. Um those of you who do internet research can look this up. Um it's a lot more truthful than some things you hear in public comment. Now, Kurt Vonagget informs his pal, Joseph Heler, that the host, he's a hedge fund manager, had made more money in a single day than Heler had earned from his uh wildly popular catch22. Great, right? Uh mid 20th century postmodern literature.
052More money in a day than Heler earned over the whole history of that book. Hela responds, quote, this is Vonagget retelling this, yes, but that's something he will never have. the knowledge that I have enough. So while a person can never have enough humility, curiosity, compassion, and common sense, uh I leave satisfied, thankful for all of your service. Kathy, Nathan, Claire, all of our families that have supported us. Um the educators, which means all staff across North Penn, thank you. I leave satisfied uh knowing that what's next for North Penn School Board, the volunteer leaders, that next era uh era, um I leave satisfied knowing that you're helping our students attain their highest levels of excellence. And I'll see you all on the other side of that podium. Take care, friends. [applause] Go ahead. >>
053Is that okay? >> Yeah. >> All right. Um, so I do want to share and we will put something on the website tomorrow morning. Um, I do want to share that the vacant seat vacated by President Mc Merry. Um, the process is we must fill that seat. The board must vote and take action on a candidate within 30 days of the resignation. So, we are going to post to the website tomorrow. We also have a press release that we will be accepting a resume, a letter of interest, and then there's a PA ethics form that must be completed um based upon financial interests and such u due by December 1st, which is 10 days um to the board secretary, Miss Todd over here. And we will collect those letters of interest and the resumes and
054the state ethics form. And then the sitting board members at that time that will include the three newly elected board directors will review those resumes and letters of interest. And then we will interview candidates at the December 10th board meeting. Um and of course we have to make a recommendation because then the holidays come and the 30 days will pass us by very quickly. So, effective right now, uh, letters of interest and resume delivered to Miss Todd by the 1st of December, and the interviews will take place at a public meeting on December 10th in this room. >> Mr. Summers, anything to add? Okay, great. >> And we'll do everything we can to keep that process going so that nobody misses a single holiday concert. Um, I believe, are there any other board members that
055would like to make comment or have other business? >> Um, I did, but I see Mr. Fosco has his light on. Oh, no. >> Okay. All right. No worries. No worries. Uh, so I just wanted to say um thank you as well to uh Tina and I don't have to say Mrs. Stall. Uh to to Tina, Christian, and Jonathan um as one of the as up until maybe next week as the newest member on the board. Uh in fact, Mr. Patchel used to call me newbie for a long time [laughter] instead of ki which is which is great. Um but um and I miss him. So yeah. So anyways um I I do you know to do this job well to do this job well takes hours and hours of dedication as we've heard. So
056um contrary to some of the comments that we often hear about you know 9 and0 what happens really and most people know this is that we put our heart and soul into having thoughtful inform informative discussions to get us to a place where most of us can live with and it doesn't come easy. So, I do want to thank, you know, I'm gonna start with Jonathan because, uh, serving on Safe School with Jonathan, um, I I was hoping you would, it's always on my bingo card to see if you would say common sense, and you did. You just said common sense. So, um, it took me about it took me about probably three meetings to realize, oh, that's one of his words, and I'm going to bingo card this, and there a couple more. Uh,
057but you you really you really taught me a lot about how to think through the data, how to approach situations, and I sincerely appreciate that. Um, Christian, you and I haven't worked together much. So, I'll just say that since we're opposite sides of of this table, I have appreciated your your thoughtfulness and the thoughtful questions you bring up. and and Tina, I think if anyone had asked me what my biggest and people do all the time, what my biggest surprise is or was when I joined the board, it's not the, you know, 400 hours is taken out of my life. Um, that I will never get [laughter] back [clears throat] every day. It's uh it's it's it's tin stole. Um [snorts] it has been just amazing to um have you provide the history that you
058have of the district, the love that you have of the district, the dedication you have for this district, the care you put for everybody in this district. It's been so overwhelming just to watch you work because I've always thought that will never be me. and you have just done it with such grace, with so many just really hard times that people don't appreciate. And you've done it so well. And I I couldn't not say that publicly to say how much I respect you, how much I'm thankful that I got to meet you here. Uh it's been, you know, I I tease Kyle that one day I'll be sitting next to him because then I know I've been promoted. Um [laughter] it's just been uh the last year sitting next to you has just been again
059a wonder cuz I'm scribbling and asking is that right? And you've just been a wonderful wonderful um just teacher. So thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for the kind words >> and uh to my dear friend Kathy who um you know has retired for her own um for her own good. I also want to say that, you know, it's it's going to put me in a very difficult position because now I have to think of those questions first. She's always so good with the questions that she asks and I'm thinking, darn it, I was just about to say that, but she said it's so much better. Uh it is a loss for us, I know, and for the district, especially through the fact that we are in um you know, we're going
060through a a construction. Um it's uh it's her depth of knowledge is amazing. We will of course be able to get through it, but I will for sure miss just having uh Kathy there to um it just made me feel like I didn't have to work so hard. So now now I I have to I have to work a little bit harder um on top of the 400 hours. But I thank you all so much. I thank you all so much. Thank you. Thank you. >> Oh, sorry. >> Sorry. Go ahead. Thank you. >> Um [laughter] um I've been fortunate over the past eight years to have personal relationships with each one of you. I had to write it down because somehow Kumi could do it without getting choked up and I know I won't
061be able to do that. Um uh Tatina who um is a friend, a neighbor. Um, I remember when Norm and I moved in and uh the boys were teenagers and we had little people [snorts] and Nor would be like, "I think that that little woman has three teenage boys." And I said, "I think she has like 30 teenage boys because the whole football team would be at her house most days." Um, and I just was always in awe of how like small and powerful. And I think much of what Kumbi described is what you are and have been on this board. Um, most people on the board would know that my little saying has always been, well, Tina is going to put us all back in our play pin now. Um, and tell us what
062we, you know, when we are getting out of out of hand. and um you were just [snorts] so good at listening with intention and um being student first and compassionate and um I just I'll have unique memories of many things. You ending graduation with once a night, always a night. um and uh all of the things that could be said so eloquently, but um I think for me personally, you as a woman leading this board in such a kind, compassionate way um and thoughtful way and always finding a way to pull all of us together. And for many many of us, it would mean she would have to have eight hours of conversation on every topic, an hour for each one of us. um and she would take the time to do that. And uh
063there's really not that type of leadership I've learned a lot from as well. Um Jonathan, who I um would think of as the great debater um and who can match my passions step for step sometimes on the other side, but um always in love in the at the end. um your deep care for the things that you're passionate for, the innovative thinking, the way that you have moved us forward. And my personal thought about Jonathan is um Jonathan sent uh me a video a few weeks ago when we were all reminiscing and being nostalgic. And first of all, I had a lot less gray hair. Um I felt like I've been obamified or something. [snorts] Um but I was at the podium and um I was you know talking to the board, none of us
064on the board and right after that comes Jonathan not knowing me but totally feeling like he had my back and had so many important things to say um that were all about students and then Tina and then Christian and um and so I just really have appreciated your how much you cared and how passionate you were and I could always point to you as the person that was going to be just as passionate as I was about whatever it was. Um, and then to Christian who has often been um my partner in in many things. Um, and uh I can't even imagine and this is the part where I'm definitely reading um because I already cried at ECI. I I can't personally imagine as an educator um having went through this journey of so many
065educational changes and things that we've been able to move forward in this district from expanding our internship program and dual enrollment and um just increasing access to students to for AP courses and opportunities to you know whether it's attend tech and ask really hard questions and I'd say to our curriculum people who at the ECI committee it is always to them like how many questions do te do uh the educators have tonight? Me, you, and and Tim. Um Tim and I are going to have to find another partner in crime. But um as an educator, you're a powerful advocate. You always have been for all students. Um your voice for students with disabilities has been so impactful in this district in ways that a lot of people don't know from behind the scenes. and um
066you're insightful, you make me think, and I've just grown as like a human being from being around you. So um I thank you for the opportunity to serve with all three of you um and the personal relationships with all three of you, >> Mr. McCrae. >> Thank you. >> You all know how much I love to speak in public. So the first gift is that I'm saying something in [laughter] but um in education our victories are often intangible. There are test scores and numbers and and all kinds of outcomes that we want to see but sometimes those outcomes are just intangible. We never get to see them. And I want the three of you as you move on. You know how much I care about the three of you. As we move on, I want
067you to take moments to stop and and look for those intangible moments, those tremendous goods that you have created. Whether it's a a child getting noticed for things that they need faster because they're in full day kindergarten or our sports teams winning more trophies at a safe stadium where everybody from the community can watch or where young ladies like my daughters grow up seeing a woman run a school district with poise and intelligence and tenaciousness just >> day in and day out. I want you to look for those signs in the future because those are all yours and I'm very proud to have served along with you and thank you for those gifts, >> Mr. Rash. >> And [snorts] uh it's been a great honor to serve with all three of you. uh as as
068somebody who's dyslexic and doesn't speak well, um I've always said at the end of my career that I wanted to work with the best and I I always made it my um goal in life to work with the best, but I've I've never seen a group work with a group of people like you before. We accomplish things. I can't say more than that. I'm so proud of what we've accomplished over the last uh six years I've been on the board with you people. You've taught me a lot. I'm very honored to serve with you all. Thank you. >> And I don't feel like I have anything to add because it's been so eloquently said, but you have been incredibly incredible to work with together and as individuals. So, we've enjoyed having you as part of
069this group and being able to serve together, but also get to work with you individually and having tough conversations and being part of committee and taking tours of buildings and trying to figure out things that we can do and ways that we could support. So, we're really grateful for that. So, I think there's no better way to support you in in your next journey moving beyond um than to allow you all to adjourn the meeting. So, if we could uh for all time sake, Mrs. Stole, I'm going to ask that you ask for a motion. Mr. Casa and Mr. Fusco, I think you know your parts. And Tina, I sure know you know how to hit that gavl. >> I sure do. >> Let's do it. Mr. Fusco, >> may I have a motion, please?
070>> So moved. >> Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. All right. This meeting is adjourned. Thank you. [applause]