001$95,000 pickup truck. Very nice. >> I don't care how long it takes. >> I consider it. >> My daughter's taking a house over. Give her no furniture. She's going to take the house over. No transfer tax. >> Yeah, we're going to try to get out of here by June. She graduated. She's over. Wait, wait, wait, wait. [Music] Good evening everyone. I'd like to call the September action meeting to order and I understand we will start with a video this evening. We're fully charged and wrapping up the first month of the 2025 2026 school year. The halls are just buzzing with student energy. A powerful start takes teamwork. We thank all of our incredible support staff for powering the first day, keeping our schools clean, buses running on schedule, and everything wired so learning could begin
002smoothly. 13,000 students surged into our 18 schools on day one. The current of excitement flowed through every hallway as Dr. Bower sparked the morning with high fives and North Penn bracelets for our earliest arrivals. Our newest staff members have joined the grid. With more than 100 new teachers and support staff, North Penn is fully charged with fresh new talent and ideas. We work hard to recruit the best and we're thrilled that the new class of professionals chose to plug in with us. Thanks to our web and link crew orientation program, seventh and 10th graders were grounded in their new school culture and ready to power up for the first day ahead in their new schools. The class of 2026 flipped the switch on their senior year. Their senior sunrise was the first spark in a
003year-long circuit of traditions and memories. Safety drills keep our circuit strong. From fire drills to bus safety to evacuation practices, North Penn makes sure students are wired with the knowledge they need in any emergency at our North Pen schools. The North Penn High School renovation project is right on schedule. Temporary classrooms are open. Both the third floor chemistry labs and the pool are on target to be completed as part of phase one and slated to open at Thanksgiving. Positive behavior generates positive energy. The first PBIS assembly recognize students for being bright sparks in their school community, giving them the tools they need to shine all year long. One month down and the current is only growing stronger. Here's to keeping the energy flowing all year long at North Penn. Too bad we can't harness that
004energy to electrify our buildings. That's it for this North Penn news update. As always, check youtube.com/nptv for the latest news and updates from the North Penn School District. Welcome to our regularly scheduled action 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 asssure 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
005flag 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 all. Okay, once again an epic video from Bob Gilmer and his team. So, thank you so much. Um, so first up will be audience of citizens. Um, would anyone like to make public comment this evening? >> Get myself organized here. >> Good evening. >> My name is uh William Patchel and I've resided in Montgomery Township. Don't start the numbers yet. Okay. Uh I reside in uh M Montgomery uh Township, probably listed in uh uh Zeil and Redfin as an upperly mobile, highly soughtafter community. And uh they only go up $12,000 a month. So I asked uh well, how is Montgomery Montgomery
006Elementary doing? Oh, well, you know, those those stinks and those people that just have a dog. You know, there's a shortage. There's the there's students population is crumbling. But then again, we have the other end of the spectrum. The lowest performing, which I assume correlates to uh Oh, gee, they're hardly getting by. Oh, really? Yeah. The rents are going up $300 a month. And uh you know, 50% of the school district, Wait a minute, I can't look there. Uh 50% of the schools. Oh, 27. I'm doing really good. Yeah, this is a mile and a half. I'm running good. So, uh um what the problem is, you have a disparity here. Now, we had a new hire. I was fortunate to get 30 minutes. Yes, I was very impressed. I got a plethora of information
007and uh you know, it was an initial account or like an army. You just want to find out where the enemy is. don't have contact and report back with what's going on. So I found out that the last salary uh the contract was over in 27 but somehow they jump ship and uh come over comes over with us. Wow. What do we got now? 240. Mr. Shari, he was making 250 after 11 years. Wow. What happened there? Okay. So pretty fast and loose. It's like, you know, Dodge City, James R. Nest, they're shooting from the hip around here with money. I don't like it. Now, I've already told you a thousand times over here, stop spending money you don't have. That person told me, gee. Oh, yeah. It's going to be 4% on act one.
008No, it isn't. I think it's two. I threw out the low ball number. Well, then go ahead and check it. You got all that technology. Oh, yeah. That's 3.2. Well, that's down. So, that's a maximum. You know what? That's the leash on a pitbull. It m makes sure that uh nobody gets bitten. Now I got 38 seconds. I got to hurry up now. Okay. You got a problem around here. You know what it is? Your eyes are bigger than your mouth. You ought to be up at Shady Maple eating off the uh off the dinner plate. You know, eat all you can. So 22 20 Stop spending money. 17 15 sounds like a national launch. Oh, they're not any good anymore. It's a SpaceX has got the whole thing covered down there down in Texas
009at Padre Island, you know. Four, three, two, and thank you for your attentive listening. >> Thank you. Would anyone else like to make public comment this evening? >> No one else. Oh, okay. Good evening. Good evening, Jason Laneir, uh, Lansdale. Um, I wanted to talk about the the spending that you guys are continue on this this path. The the spending that you guys like to say is um, you know, efficient spending of the taxpayers money. Just a couple of things that we haven't ever got a good resolution on, and we'll see if this makes a lot of sense. Um, and then I'm going to circle back to one thing in particular there. there. The current high school project is $41 million more than what option the option two would have roped out to be when
010you consider we didn't do any uh we didn't have to move for a transportation center and we're not doing mods there. So we're 41 million over no res no understanding of what that 41 million for. We're just over. We got 17 million from COVID relief and not one dollar went into AC for the middle schools, which is odd because everybody here on this board ran saying that they were going to get AC in the middle schools, but not one dollar was spent for that. I don't know why. And then you right now, the latest thing, we're spending $500,000 fighting two judge judge orders on uh releasing right to know information. two judges, two separate judges that said, "You need to to release the information, and instead you're spending $500,000 on not releasing that information." How
011much money is putting into AC for middle schools? That's zero dollars. Zero dollars. Why? Why? What are we spending the money on? So, one of the things you guys were going to do is sell the movie lots. And there's a timeline issue with the movie lots. Meaning that in March of 24, you said you wanted to sell it. Great. You want to sell the movie lots? Fantastic. Use the money for the high school. Except the negotiations for the movie lots began prior to that. I mentioned it last meeting. And I have a letter from between Sharaki and the uh uh the investment group of of Pluty for uh in January of 2024. Why would they be discussing selling movie lots prior to you guys deciding to sell movie lots? What's going on? >> Is there
012I mean I'm not saying there is corruption. It's either corruption or incompetence. So you guys tell me what's going on there. How is it that the these deals that get get hammered out ahead of time and you accept not the highest bid in order to assure one builder? The does everybody in in the audience I don't realize what happened? You didn't take the highest offer. you took the second or third highest offer and the offers came in after there seemed to be some preg groundwork laid with one of the uh the developers. So, what's going on there? And why not release the right to know information? Two judges have said you needed to do that and now you're on your third appeal trying to prevent it from happening. What's going on? It does seem pretty
013shady. So, if you could speak to that, I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Would anyone else like to make public comment? >> Good evening. >> Hello. >> Good evening. My name is Victor Montgomery Township. Um, I'd just like to expand on the whole AC issue that's going on. >> You said Victor, is that your first name? >> Victor Minnick. Yes. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Um, I'd like to expand on the whole AC issue that the middle schools are having. Um, last meeting we were at, Yanni had asked that question and if I'm not mistaken, there had been something discussed um, where they had AC at one shot one time um, but no longer do. Uh, that they do have duct work. I believe it was you, Julianne, that had made mention that at one time
014that they did have some kind of AC going on um, in there. Um, but just to let you guys know, this is this doesn't take a rocket scientist that there are other options out there for AC for these students. I I see you guys sitting there and um sorry, I'm a little nervous, but I see you guys sitting there and we all want the same thing for our kids. We we all want the comfort for our kids. Um there's been made mention of uh the power washing on the outside of Penddale by Yanni. Well, there there was some backlash for that because of some caulking that needs to be done there. Um they're afraid of the caulking or stucco going bad, running down the building or whatever you have it. Um, this has been going
015on since my 22-year-old has been in Penddale almost nine years ago. It's the same condition as it was nine years ago. How do you expect kids to go inside these schools looking the way they do? Like, this is what's important to this community, not all this glamorous stuff going on at the high school um to make it better for the students. Yes, there's renovations that need to happen, but this is not the correct way to do it. Um, the other thing I like to talk about is being in the construction field, uh, there was made mention of, uh, excavation in the sum of 20,000 extra dollars to remove some rocks. The last meeting we were at, how come that wasn't in in the original bid? I mean, the these plans have been going on for
016years. and they weren't in the original bid. Now all of a sudden we got to worry about rocks for an extra excess amount of $20,000. I know excavation this sort of seems kind of like fluff money to me. It it doesn't like I don't know where that money is really going, but $20,000 being such a low amount that should have initially been in their original bid. But I appreciate your time. Thank you guys. Have a good night. >> Would anyone else like to make public comment this evening? >> Good evening. >> Hello. Uh Yanni Lamrose Lanzo. So came here tonight with a message of peace. To be honest, I think a lot of people are aware what recently happened in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I think that everyone needs to tone the political fighting
017down a notch. I do not think that violence is the right thing for either side. But I also must call out some hypocrisy because and like I said, I have nothing against anybody up there. I'm not trying to fight you guys. I hope you're not trying to fight me. But facts are facts. So example, there's been previous instances where Republican um officials have done something, let's say, just not intelligent, say not polite, not correct, not good. You have been very quick on all your social medias, many board members up here to call for resignations, to call for, you know, condemn this or that, whatever the situation was in the moment. Sometimes justifiably, sometimes possibly not. But at the same time now, I didn't hear anything. One thing I personally can say about myself, I don't
018care if it's a Democrat, Republican, or someone who doesn't care about politics. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. In this situation, there's a lot of wrong. I also see things on social media, people very upset, you know, losing their jobs over celebrating um the murder of Charlie Kirk. And yes, I do believe in freedom of speech. I believe people have the right to say nasty things, but at the same time, a lot of people were not complaining when a lot of good people were losing their jobs over claiming that a experimental vaccine was not for them, claiming that they didn't want to wear a mask. No one cared then. So, all I'm asking for is to be fair to the situation. Again, I'm not coming here on some big political rant. I'm coming here
019as a human being speaking and connecting with other human beings. We need to work together better. We need to stop fighting. Politics is not the NFL. So that's the main point I wanted to make. And yes, I again I do not hold anything personal or against anybody up here. But at the same time, I do firmly disagree with many of your policies. a lot of the logic that or lack thereof I should say logic that you put into certain projects and I do think that the board over the years has been pretty political leaning one side on certain stance and again let's bring it back to >> thank you would anyone else like to make public comment this evening >> okay hearing none we'll continue with our agenda next on the agenda will be approval
020of the meeting minutes for our August 14th and September 9th um I'm sorry I'll be clear August 14th action meeting I'll do it separate because they're two different types of meetings so may I have a motion please >> so moved >> second >> all right that is Mr. Fusco and Mrs. Ramich there any comments or questions all right hearing none all in favor say I >> there are no opposed motion passes >> real quick mcmerchie I failed to mention that Dr. G, I believe, is joining us virtually. Dr. G, just checking in with you. >> Yes, I'm here. >> Okay. I thought I heard you chime in on that vote. So, thank you. >> Sorry, Dr. G. All righty. Next will be approval of the meeting minutes for the September 9th work session. May I
021please have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Mrs. Mr. Fusco and Mrs. Stole, first and second. Any comments or questions? >> Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. No opposed. Motion passes. Thanks you. Thank you. So, I'll turn it over to myself. >> Okay. But sorry. All right. So, I'll turn it to Mr. Rush for uh Mon. Yeah. The tech center update, please. Thanks. >> We've we completed a number of studies. Uh when I took over chair, we didn't have a 7-year maintenance plan for or for the tech center. So, we've been working on putting together a seven-year uh maintenance plan for the tech center. So to get that done, we uh um had a couple of uh companies come in and look at our facilities and determine what needs to
022be fixed immediately and what uh can uh be fixed over the long term. So uh we brought in GKO architects, PHM Associates and Site Logic U to do the things that they did and are going to do at North Penn themselves. Um we've also uh hired the planning commission to come in and do a study of uh growth since the tech center is made up of five different school districts. uh we wanted to make sure that our buildings uh could withstand any population increase or decrease that was taking place. So the planning commission was very helpful in that. We're also trying to uh determine what kind of new programs need to be uh run at the uh tech center. So, the planning commission also took a look at uh um what kind of jobs are
023prevalent in Pennsylvania and gave us an update on what kind of jobs are prevalent in Pennsylvania. Um, so at the meeting the JOC agreed that we need to maintain the North Monco Technical Career Center property and serve more students, especially in the health sciences field, but that the projects need to be done at a reasonable cost. We ask that when PHM finishes its report that we will discuss each school district's cost and a timeline. We also discussed that we would like to know what an addition to the building would cost. Um, another thing that happened is Jim Lent, the fire chief of Lower Providence Fire Department shared his plan to create a pilot program where North Monco Technical Career Center Protective Services students can attend a safety training campus and earn three highly prized and
024recognized certifications. firefighter one EMT and teleun telecommunications certifications. The JOC agreed to move forward with this plan. Our next meeting is October 13th at 7 p.m. at the uh North Monco Technical Career Center. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Rash. Next up will be uh Mrs. Ramage for both the intermediate Oh, >> all good. Just an extra comment on the North Monco Center. I want to thank Al for his leadership. We've been informed here in North Penn after years and years of planning for our high school renovation uh what it's like to go about things uh in detail and you know with propriety and Al has brought that outlook to uh the tech center uh and we're very happy for his leadership in uh in these things. We already have a a lower weight list
025for so many different programs. There's a lot of students that are certified in different ways in their programs and more they're ready for the workforce because of his leadership. So, thank you, Al, for that and we look forward to working through uh that process together. >> Thank you, Tim. Could I say one more thing also? Um, another thing that we do well here at North Pan is we looked at our computer systems and we have outside companies coming in to look at our computer systems to make sure that that they uh won't fail. Uh so we're actually bringing in a company to look at the uh uh computer systems to make sure they're held to the highest standard that North Penn's computer systems are held to. That hasn't come before the board yet. Uh but
026it will come before the board this coming uh month. Thank you. >> Thank you both. All righty. So any other comments? All right. So we now will move on to Mrs. Ramage with the updates on the intermediate union and the North North Pen Educational Foundation. >> Great. The MCIU board met in August and we started off with a review of the administrative team's goals and um measurable indicators for the year. Um and that is something that as a board and a group we will review um on a regular basis and really excited to hear about the initiatives and efforts that the IU is putting together. Um we um reviewed nine policies for second read, eight for um a first read. Um there were 13 budgets passed, several contracts passed, change orders passed, and an agreement
027to provide um keynote speakers and other things to keep training and professional development going. Um the Office of Technology Service broke their record with 95 contracts for the board to approve in a single evening. Um and the next um board meeting of the IU will be on Wednesday, September 24th. That's the end of that report and I will move on to the educational foundation. The foundation welcomed Michael Michael George um Richley Penrook teacher and NPA president to our board in August per our bylaws. The association president or representative serves as a trustee. We thank Shawn Develin for his past support over the years and look forward to working with Mike. Final preparations are underway for the Golf Classic being held on August 7th at Talammore Country Club. There are a few more spots for golfers
028and sponsors. Um, and sponsors are always welcome. Thank you to all who have already donated. We are also very excited for a new partnership with Dill Dinker's Pickle Ball in Lansdale. We are hosting a fundraiser at their facility for the foundation on October 2nd. The nominal don for a nominal donation, families can participate in open play with balls and paddles included. All proceeds benefit the foundation. To learn more about that effort, contact Christine Labroski and the ESC. And we have a late breaking update that did not get added into the report. But I am so pleased to share that um the EITC um uh projects that we proposed to the state for the use of EITC funds to fund the RIFF um annual um event and elementary field trips um has been approved. So we're
029very excited that those efforts um will now be able to be supported through EITC funds. Um end of report. Madam President, >> thank you. Mrs. Rams, the children out there are disturbing the tranquility and >> um Mr. Ran, would you please? >> Mr. Ran, would you close the doors then, please? >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Mrs. Ramage. Um, next up is Mr. Are you have one? >> Yeah, sure. >> Mr. McBain has the legislative report. Thank you. Yes, we have no new updates. Uh, but a point of trivia. There are two states in the United States that do not have a budget completed for the coming year. Would you like to guess which is not Pennsylvania? >> Which is not Pennsylvania. >> Nebraska. >> There's another one. >> Yes, there's another one.
030>> Is it Nebraska? >> Also a swing state with division at the state level. Michigan. >> Michigan. Oh, >> so let's all cross our fingers >> for for state. We have to beat Michigan. >> All right, >> Mr. McBain, I will say I had my uh MCIU County Superintendent's meeting today and uh Carrie Row, the Dr. Carrie Rose, Secretary of Education for Pennsylvania. And the deputy secretary, um, her name, uh, I forget her last name, uh, deputy secretary. Um, she said that had she spoken with us last week at the same time, she would have, uh, had some promising news regarding the budget, and she said this week she's not so sure. Um, so I can tell you that there are school districts around the county that are really struggling and depend upon that money.
031Um, we are fortunate to be in the situation we are. Financially, we're okay so far. Um, but all school districts need this budget to pass. So, >> amen to that, Dr. B. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Thank you for that. I think you should add those types of trivia questions for every month now. >> I liked it. Okay. All right. Thank you. All right. So, now we'll move to our solicitor, Mr. Summers. >> Thank you, Madam President. Uh my uh report tonight is to announce that the board did meet in an executive session on September 16th, 2025 for the purpose of discussing a matter involving the evaluation of performance of an administrative employee. Um and just to to clarify one comment uh that was shared during courtesy of the floor relative to a right to
032know dispute. There was a mention that there have been multiple judges that have issued rulings in that case. Um that I believe is incorrect that there had there was a ruling by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. There's an administrative appeals officer in that office who issued a decision. The school district appealed that decision to the McGomery County Court of Common please where one judge uh did uphold that decision and the school district has asked the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court to review that in light of the arguments and the issues in the case. Um so there's been one judge ruling, one administrative appeals officer ruling thus far in the case. Just wanted to clarify that. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Summers. >> Have a question for Mr. Summers, please. Um, Mr. Summers, is is it
033true that there's $500,000 being paid for these judges? >> I was planning on addressing that, Mr. C. >> I mean, we should know. >> Yeah. So, um, actually, I'm up next anyway, so if you wouldn't mind. >> I gladly yield. Thank you. >> Are you good? >> Yeah, your solicitor's report's done. We're good. Um, so just a couple follow-ups on public comment. when the comment was made that there has been $500,000 spent on attorney's fees regarding uh the movie lot uh right to know appeal. Uh the grand total for that process thus far is $6,056. Um so there's also uh some public comment regarding Pendale. And just for record um Pendale was renovated 1994 through 1996. Uh Northbend High School has not been renovated and it was built in 1971. Um, so the systems, um,
034whether it be electrical, HVAC, windows, plumbing, everything in North Penn High School is in far worse shape than than Pendale, not ADA compliant, doorways, windows, spaces, access, all those things. So, um, while the high school does in some areas look nice, I can uh, promise anyone that, um, the more than 24 years difference from when those buildings were touched, I think Mr. Slaughter would agree that Northbend High School's in uh far worse condition. Uh but our facilities crew does do a great job of keeping it looking clean and safe. Um it's in dire need of repair. So Pendale was renovated in the mid 90s. Um we didn't put air conditioning in at the time. Um I don't know why, but that was a decision made and respectful of that decision at that time. So >>
035and and thank you Dr. Bower and just because uh this is something I wanted to add. Um, I I try not to I always pay attention to public comment, but and close my laptop, but I made sure to open it up because I recall going back to 2018 and 19 facilities forums and public information always available. Um, also on the on our website, but through uh the reporter in particular, I do want to remind and I think it's it's really good. I have a 22 year old as as well to the one public commenter and most of many of us have had children go through these schools. So we we actually I completely understand why those questions being made. So um appreciate that and this isn't to counter that but this is why we have
036an opportunity to set the record straight so we have a a a good dialogue based on the facts. Anyone can look up the reporter or North Pen now in September 2021 in which and this has come up often um as it needs to, but it was addressed even then by director facility Schneider that in 2016 a facilities assessment was made and then it was $30 million for the high school. So $17 million was mentioned in Esser funds and and here nor there. I just wanted to make sure that we had the context that in 2016 it would be $30 million. That did not include the fact that there are modulars at Penfield as well as um uh Penbrook of 14 modulars and 22 at each of the facilities. None of that estimate included that amount.
037And if anyone goes back and looks at any of our facilities and operations meetings, I I chaired some of those and till we had the privilege now of um Chair McMerry's leadership and we go out of the way to share this information. So, we're happy when the questions are asked to be able to set the record straight because like it or not, it's a political season and we want to make sure we have the facts set straight and that there's not misinformation and disinformation. That's the best way to honor the peace of the community and to build consensus. So, just want to make sure anyone can look this information up and fact check it. Um, even those who may be laughing now in the audience. Thank you, >> Mr. Patchel. This is our time now.
038You had public comment. >> I think we need a little >> No, you do not. >> All right. I will be quiet. >> Thank you so much. So, what I'd like to say is there was a public comment regarding um $20,000 for removal for additional soil. And I would offer that you'll hear about the details in change orders that are discussed in detail, reviewed and approved at facilities and operation committee meetings. So, I think it would be important um if you're bringing numbers like that to actually go back to the source and the original location of when it was discussed and possibly it was determined to be unforeseen conditions which does happen and our drawings are very very old and documentation was not very good. So, I think that speaks volumes to what we're trying
039to do and the fact that it's only 20,000 um seems pretty good at this point. Mr. Slaughter agree. >> Just say yes. No, I'm just kidding. I'm sure you'll be called to the podiums in order, Mr. SL. >> Okay. >> All right. Uh so, >> all right. We have really digressed. >> Okay. Um >> I've lost control. >> So, um All right. I would like to recommend the items listed under the consent agenda, items A through K. Those items are the adoption of policies for a first read, repeal of policy, contracts, gifts to the district, student travel, student agreements, extending an RFP contract for AI tool, extending RFP PA39 curriculum and reporting platform, future resident tuition free, approval to advertise for requests for proposal for a demographic study, and item K is approval to advertise
040for a district facility condition study to include all middle and elementary schools. district offices, stadiums, and grounds. Um, just a note here, the tuition free students were uh two siblings who were coming to us from Englewood, moving from out of district, and I believe the first 11 days of the school year. Uh, they lived outside of the district, they were moving into the school district. So, they are now here. Um, we will often do that for people who are moving in >> or out to finish the year within a certain number of days. >> All right. Thank you. May I please have a motion to approve items A through K? >> So moved. >> So Mr. Rash and Mrs. Stall, are there any comments or questions for these items? >> All right, hearing none. All
041in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Hearing none, the motion passes. Thank you. I lost. >> Okay. Next, I recommend the personnel items as per the attached. >> May I please have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. It's M. It's Mr. Fusco and Mrs. Stole. Any comments or questions? All right. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you. >> So, I'm going to pause for a moment because I forgot we have a new addition to the board this evening. We have Mrs. Jessica Todd here who is going to be the new board secretary and she's in training. And as I go through my motions and my seconds uh too quickly, I see her stressing over there. So, I'm just buying time. So keep
042working please. >> Yeah. Welcome. >> I have mine. >> All right. Next I recommend the ratification to the 81425 approval of the 202526 winter athletic supplies bid to each vendor for the amount awarded as per the bid tabulation summary now totaling $7,000 20 excuse me $7,2247. >> Okay. Thank you. May I please have a motion? >> So moved. >> Okay. Mrs. Stall first and Mr. Fusco the second. Any comments or questions? All right. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> There are any opposed? No. Motion passes. Thank you. >> All right. Next. I recommend to seek board approval of bid pack one burrow construction PCO number one for time and material change order. You can in these next couple items. You can see the details outlined there under public comment. These change
043orders were discussed at FNO meetings. Uh so you can go back to those committee meetings if you'd like to watch, but the overall cost is a Z change order. >> Okay. All right. May I please have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ramage and then Mr. McBain. Any comments or questions regarding this? >> I'm sorry. >> Microphone, please. >> I'm sorry. I quite didn't understand why there's zero. Uh um >> I promised you would come to the podium, Mr. Slaughter, so come on up. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Uh so these are zero do zero dollar change orders because we have inserted allowances into the contract. So, what we do is we take uh what would have been a regular change order and we present them against the allowance amount for
044that contract. Thus, it's a $0 change order. If we were to go through all the allowances, then they would in fact be an add or a deduct change order depending on uh what the situation is. >> That's what I thought it was. I just wanted to make sure. >> Yeah. It's used against the allowances. >> Yes. Thank you. >> And Mr. Slaughter, following up to Mr. Russia's question regarding the percent allowance uh amount that we've used to date. Is it within reason with the scope of work completed? >> Yes. >> Okay, we're on track. All right. Thank you. Any other comments or questions? Okay. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> There are no opposed. Motion passes. >> Okay. Next, I recommend approval of bid pack one, burrow construction PCO number two
045for time and material change order. Again, as I previously said, this is resulting in a $0 change order. >> Okay. May have a motion, please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. It's Mrs. Stol and Mrs. Ramage. Any comments or questions? So could you comment about this one in terms of what happened in was it an unforeseen condition or I I don't remember our conversation at FNO. I'm being transparent. >> This was for additional work that we had them perform time and material that was not part of their original contract. Uh was not part of the original scope of work. Uh so therefore we tracked their time, did a time and material change order and uh put that against the allowances. Therefore, it's a zero dollar. And this was also at the request of
046the township upon reviewing our documents. I believe that's correct. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. Slaughter. All right. Any other comments or questions? All right. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Hearing none. Motion passes. Thank you. >> Okay. Next, I recommend the approval of the amendment of the North Penn High School Transportation Center existing features contract with Kenan Associates Incorporated by an additional $4,247.60 for additional services for feature surveys included during the course of the contract. >> Okay. May I please have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Mrs. Stolen, Mr. McBain, any comments or questions? So, of course, I have a question. So in terms of this um now does this have any impact to the NPDES permit review and approval schedule? >>
047Uh no this was actually from the first round of comments that we received from MPDS and Montgomery County Soil and Conservation. Uh they requested some additional flagging of the wetlands, some additional elevations and some uh spot elevations for a couple different items that weren't included in our first submission. So, we had those points uh documented and sent them in on resubmission. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other comments or questions? >> Okay. Hearing none, all in favor say I. >> I. >> No opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Slaughter. >> Okay. I recommend approval of the attached stipulation agreements with MEVF- Pemrook Station PL concerning the properties located at Church Road within Upper Gwinned. This is tax parcel ID number 56-0000-01327-01-2. Um, and the values, the assessment will decrease from 36,889,460 to $31,255,000 for
0482025, resulting in a refund of $177,823.11 for taxes paid in discount on 82025. Then effective July 1st uh the assessment will decrease from the 31,255,000 to 29,222,000 for sub 2026 and subsequent years. >> Okay. May I please have a motion? >> Mr. Fusco, is there a second? >> Mrs. Stole, any comments or questions? Mrs. Hower, could I please ask um when these when folks ask for a reassessment, are there specific parameters that keep coming up as a a reason for a reassessment and let's say a decrease in the tax assessment? >> Um we're seeing a a a weakening in some of the retail retail locations just in general and retail real uh uh real estate. Um and there's also some weakening in the market for um office space. Um so a lot of those locations
049are asking for reassessments. In addition, the ratio came down um the uh LCF ratio came down this year. So it you take your market your market value and there's a percentage that you apply to and that comes up with your assessed value. Well, if that ratio shifts and your market value stays the same, but the ratio goes one way or the other, it lowers your assessed value uh your computed assessed value. And so then people ask for that computed assessed value to be their real assessed value. Um in this case, we did um we went back and forth with them a little bit and then we had our own assessment done and we did come to a midpoint. Um so they were asking for significant more money to the tuna. I think it I think
050the reduction in taxes would have been over 225. Um and I think we settle like it said around 176,000. So um we try to get to somewhere between 75 and 80% of the of where we were. Um so we're not losing more than about 25%. So >> thank you for that explanation. >> C can I ask? >> Yes. Yeah. >> This an education for me. >> Yeah. Uh so um do we do we budget for these like do we expect? >> Yeah. So we we do have uh money um in the budget for tax reductions. Um there's also I think there's some assigned fund balance as well that you can that you can apply for apply against reductions in revenue and then next year we would just plan for that reduction in revenue. So the
051refund for this year would have been set aside um in in a in tax assessment appeal like an expense that we would set a line item. >> Um thank you. It's late. >> Um >> so yes, it was budgeted. I don't know if this particular case was acred for last year. We do take all of the open assessment lists like I we just worked on this this past week um anticipation was where the auditors are here this week. We take everything that's currently under assessment and we put aside a certain amount of money in this year's budget as an acrruel against those returns or um assessments and rebates. So like there's there's money acred we plan for it. >> Sometimes they're a little higher than we think but some others come in lower. >> Yeah.
052>> So and then sometimes we win our own. So we we do there is a policy out there where if we think something is underassessed, we can um do a school district initiated assessment to increase the assessment and we have a few of those. >> And how often does the ratio change? >> Every year. It's it resets every year. >> Every year it resets. Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Very nice. >> Thank you, Mrs. Hower. >> Okay. Um lastly, I recommend >> Oh, we didn't take a vote. No, >> we had a motion and a second. >> Any other comments or questions? Okie do. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> There are no opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. >> And lastly, I recommend the designation of Jessica Todd as
053the open records officer for the district in accordance with the Pennsylvania right to know law. Effective immediately. >> Congratulations. Once they vote yes. >> I'm usually the one that messes up and does this stuff. >> Go ahead. No. Um, may I >> please have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. All right. Mr. Fusco and Mrs. Ramage, are there any comments or questions besides welcome to the >> district? >> All right. Hearing no other questions. All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> There are no opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. >> And that concludes my report. Thank you, President McMerry. So now uh Mrs. Howser. >> Yep. >> Thank you. >> Um I just for as every month I have for your um vote and approval the treasures report um the sanction and approval
054of invoices and the financial reports detailing um revenue expenditures, investments and the various uh other funds for the month. >> Thank you. May I please have a motion for agenda items 8A through 8 C? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All right. So we have Mr. Fusco first and Mr. Casa second. Any comments or questions. All right. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> There are no opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. All right. So, we're going to move to other business. >> We have to do a ratification of dispersements. >> You want that? She did it all. Okay. >> I did it all. >> All right. So, we'll move to other business. And under other business, the first um item is the reelection of uh Dr. Todd Bower as superintendent of schools
055for a new term of five years beginning on July 1st, 2026, and the employ the employment agreement with Dr. Bower, a copy of which is on file in the office of the chief financial officer. May I please have a motion? >> So moved. >> Okay. >> Second. Okay. Uh, Mrs. Stole first and Dr. G second. Any comments or questions? >> All right. Hearing [Laughter] >> Okay. Any any comments or questions? All right. Hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. >> There are no opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. >> Yay. [Applause] I do want to uh thank all of you very much uh for the confidence you've put in me uh with a five-year contract. This is the last year of my four-year contract. It's amazing that it's already been four years. Um so
056um that was to be finalized on June 30th and I'm pleased to serve the district. Um the district's very very important to me and um I'm very appreciative to serve alongside of you. So thank you. I think they should keep going. >> Mr. Patchel, I always appreciate your support. So, thank you. >> Okay. Next, um I have the distinct pleasure of having been nominated as the superintendent of schools for the next five years. I'd like to recommend the approval of the reelection of Dr. Dr. Deanna Waters as the assistant superintendent for a new term of 5 years beginning on July 1st, 2026 and an employment agreement with Dr. Waters, a copy of which is on file in the office of the chief financial officer. >> May I please have a motion? >> Second. >> So
057it was Mr. Fusco and Mrs. Ramage. There are any comments or questions? >> Okay, hearing none. All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> Any opposed? No, there are no opposed. Motion passes. [Applause] So I I do feel compelled to say that um many people don't know uh at least those probably who watch on YouTube and join us in public that Dr. Waters is someone who joined the school district as an assistant. Uh she was an ESL assistant, then she was a teacher, then she was a TOSA at Penddale, then she was a principal, then she was a director of curriculum, then she was an assistant superintendent, and now she's getting her second contract. Um I just think it's a remarkable feat that this is someone who worked literally worked from the bottom and
058now she's here within the school district. Um it is a song. Yeah. But um she has served so many roles in the school district and done them all with dignity and uh grace and I'm very pleased to be serving with her for the next 5 years. So congratulations. >> Thank you so very much. I love North Penn and I'm also um I just feel honored and it's a privilege to work alongside all of you. I have a great leader in Dr. Bower and I'm just um really pleased to continue on. I don't know how long I am old. I've been here a long time like he said, but I love it. So, thank you. >> Is there any other >> um Dr. Patchel? Dr. >> Mr. Patchel, you are not helping me get control. Mr.
059Poel, I need help tonight staying control of this meeting. So, zip it. Um, >> heart failure and I have many bills. Sometimes I have a medical on the floor and would have to close up. >> All right. Okay. Is there any other business? >> I I did have one question that I wanted to ask tonight. Um, so we have a new cell phone policy and I wanted to know how that was going. Can we uh have an update on cell phone policy? >> Yes. Mrs. stole reached out to me yesterday and asked how the cell phone uh policy was working this year. Last year we had dramatic improvements on cell phone use at the middle and high school. Um and so she asked me yesterday I said honestly I haven't heard a word which I
060consider to be a good sign. Uh so yesterday we actually had all of district administrators together. We have a meeting once a month where everyone comes together and in the afternoon all the principles and special ed supervisors and curriculum department were together and we asked the question and u I'm very pleased to say that um in particular the middle school principles were absolutely glowing. Mrs. Stole um Dr. Mueller at Pendale chimed in and said he looked at this time last year there were 80 conduct referrals for cell phones. Granted there's 1,200 kids at Pendale um but he said this year there's 20. Um he said it is it's just not a thing. Uh they don't see them and teachers and staff address it when they do and kids are respectful and it has absolutely helped
061to change the culture. So >> that's great to hear. Thank you for that. >> Y >> thanks for asking Mrs. Sto. All right. Is there anyone else with other business? >> All righty. With that um can I I do not have on this agenda when our next meeting is. I'm sorry. Does anybody Yep. >> just like to let people know. 23rd action. >> All right. Thank you. Next action meeting will be October 23rd as Dr. Bower said. So I'd like a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. >> All right, Mr. Fusco. Thank you. Meeting is adjourned. Thanks everyone.