LANSDALE- Beginning their regularly scheduled action meeting on Thursday, December 15^th, the NPSD Board of School Directors opened the meeting with an informational video for the public, which highlighted some accomplishments made throughout the district. Following the video, Dr. Curt Dietrich, Superintendent, took the time to read a statement about Carolyn Murphy, a former NPHS German teacher and School Board member who passed away over the weekend due to cancer.

“She is already deeply missed by her fellow Board members, North Penn staff and students, alumni, community members, and her devoted family. And when I think of Carolyn, I think of a strong, passionate woman, educator, and public servant, who did everything with class. She had a charming way about her, which would win people over easily. She truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of those she served in public education in general, and although she repeatedly accomplished this, she was never finished,” stated Dietrich.

Several other Board members, including Suzan Leonard, Josephine Charnock, Theresa Prykowski, and John Schilling, took the time to speak to honor Murphy.

For a more in-depth article about Murphy and her dedication to education, please refer to the following link: https://www.knightcrier.org/news/2016/12/13/charm-and-passion-remembering-carolyn-murphy/

Before approving the minutes from the previous two meetings, the Board recognized the 2016 Girls’ and Boys’ Water Polo teams for their accomplishments throughout the season. Jason Grubb, Head Coach, began by acknowledging the Girls’ team, explaining that they finished first in their conference and first in the state, which is their third straight state championship. After that, Grubb recognized the Boys’ team for being first in their conference and making the state championship game for the third year in a row, coming in second place in the state.

Grubb was also recognized by the Board for being named the 2016 Pennsylvania Girls’ Water Polo Coach of the Year and the 2016 Pennsylvania Boys’ Water Polo Co-Coach of the Year.

After the proclamations, community members were given the opportunity to address the Board, and Mr. William Patchell, who regularly attends the School Board meetings and addresses the Board, advised the Board that he would be applying for the vacant seat.

“I feel that I could make a contribution to the Board, to what they are trying to accomplish, to the values that we’re trying to bring, [and] to the district for all the stakeholders, the taxpayers, students, [and] faculty,” explained Patchell, as he discussed how he could bring perspective to the Board.

Once a few committee reports were given, Dietrich began his Superintendent’s Report, which gained an approval for all twelve items listed on the agenda. One approved item included the authorization of $41,500,000 to be evidenced by General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2017, in the maximum amount of $20,000,000 to finance and reimburse the General Fund for the Montgomery Elementary School project and other improvements to school buildings and $21,500,000 for advance refunding the General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2011.

The Board received an in-depth presentation regarding this item of bond financing. However, Board member Frank O’Donnell expressed his concern during the presentation, because last month the estimated savings were around $950,000, while they currently stand around $560,000. Increasing interest rates are what have caused the savings estimate to nearly divide itself.

Other approved items include the nomination of Timothy Kerr, whose term is set to expire in December 2016, to the North Montco Technical Career Center Joint Operating Committee, a $37, 512.41 change in contract amount to Lobar, Inc. for the Montgomery Elementary School project, the acceptance of six gifts to the district, student travel, and more.

The next meeting of the Board of School Directors is scheduled at the Educational Services Center for January 9^th, 2017 as a Work Session, followed by a Special Action Meeting at 7:30pm.