LANSDALE- The North Penn School District Board of School Directors began their regularly scheduled action meeting Thursday evening with several sets of proclamations, recognizing notable volunteers in the community, along with accomplished student athletes. Because April is National Volunteer Month, the Board recognized five volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to district events, and have put together and led various organizations.

“I think we can all agree that without the generous volunteers in our school we would not be as successful as we are. This can be said to volunteerism in all aspects of our lives,” conveyed Dr. Curt Dietrich.

Afterwards, the Board recognized the North Penn High School Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming and Diving Teams, coached by Mr. Jeff Faikish, Mr. Brian Faikish, Ms. Selma Robinson, Mr. Kyle Goldbacher, and Mr. Kyle Kushner. The nineteen boys and twenty two girls were awarded for their accomplishments at the 2017 PIAA District 1 Swimming and Diving Champions and the 2017 PIAA State Swimming and Diving Competition.

The Board also recognized ten students from the North Penn High School Girls’ Indoor Track team, coached by Dick Swanker, for their accomplishments at the PTFCA State Indoor Track and Field Championship.

The last student athlete proclamations were awarded to two wrestlers for their accomplishments at the District East Wrestling Tournament.

“It is a great honor and it’s wonderful that [the School Board] recognizes these gentlemen,” remarked Robert Shettsline, the North Penn High School wrestling coach.

After proclamations, the Board opened the floor to the Audience of Citizens where four community members spoke out about varying issues. One parent advocated for the issue of parental alienness awareness, asking that the counselors of the district become more educated on this topic that affects a number of students in the district.

Questions about the air conditioning bids and omissions of ways the Board can save money were also raised by two citizens, and another community member stepped up to bring to light the issue of how the North Penn Athletic Department has determined that Division 1 and Division 2 students are acknowledged as committing to go on to play at the collegiate level, however Division 3 students are not acknowledged in that sense.

“All these students work extremely hard; what level of college they elect to go to should not be determined by whether or not they’re signing a National Letter of Intent. Quite honestly they’re all intending to go to college and play sports. It’s really a shame that we at North Penn, who have done a fantastic job of acknowledging a lot of great people, shortcut on quite a few individuals,” expressed community member Dave Whitman.

After Board members, presented their committee reports, the meeting transitioned to the Superintendent’s Report, where all items on the agenda were approved, including eight Summer School Programs for 2017, an amended 403(b) adoption agreement, which will allow Roth 403(b) direct rollovers from other Roth 403(b) plans, the adoption of textbooks, acceptance of seven gifts for the district, matters of personnel, and more.

The next Board of School Directors meeting is scheduled as a work session for May 9th at 7:30pm at the Educational Services Center.