LANSDALE- The North Penn School District Board of School Directors began their regularly scheduled action meeting on Thursday night by recognizing two members from the North Penn High School boys cross country team as well as the boys and girls water polo state championship teams. Cross country runners Brendan O’Toole and Noah Demis were recognized by the Board for their achievements at the PIAA State Championships and for their overall season.

“He is a fantastic leader,” commented Coach Michael Werner about senior runner Brendan O’Toole.

Both the boys and girls water polo teams recently captured state championships and the teams, along with their coaches, were celebrated by the Board.

“This girls team in front of you is probably one of the most decorated girls teams in our school’s history. They were the first team to win four state championship titles,” stated Coach Jason Grubb.

Before moving forward with the agenda, Dr. Curt Dietrich honored the five residing Board members who will be vacating their Board positions at the end of this month. Members Patrick McGee Jr., Josephine Charnock, Timothy Kerr, Frank O’Donnell, and Vincent Sherpinsky were all presented with plaques commending them on their service and dedication to the school district.

“These five unpaid volunteers have given a great service to the North Penn School District. They have made difficult decisions to ensure our students are well educated and that our schools are safe. On behalf of the North Penn School District Administration, I would like to thank them for their long hours spent at meetings and in preparation for those meetings. I thank them for every child, everyday,” expressed Dietrich.

Transitioning to the audience of citizens, several community members went up to the podium and voiced their concerns on a variety of issues including a concern regarding buses and apartment buildings and confusion about the rationale for new administrative positions.

Following the audience of citizens was the committee reports. After each committee shared an update, the agenda progressed to the superintendent’s report where all items were approved. Items included amended Board policies on suspension and expulsion, discipline and punishment, and weapons on school property, the 2018-2019 calendar, changes to the Program of Studies for grades 9-12, deduct change order to Winchester Roofing Corp. for the Bridle Path, North Wales and York Avenue roofing projects, payment and settlement agreement with Winchester Roofing Corp. for the Bridle Path, North Wales, and York Avenue Roofing Projects, and a change order to Lobar Construction, Inc. for the Montgomery Elementary School Addition & Renovation Project at a change of contract amount of $37,745.13. In addition, the Board approved the acceptance of gifts to General Nash, Gwynedd Square, and Inglewood elementary schools as well as all personnel and student travel items.

For the finance report, Mr. Stephen Skrocki reported that there is a state budget for the first time in the past five months and that the local audit is being completed.

The next Board of School Directors meeting is scheduled as a work session for December 4th at 7:30pm at the Educational Services Center.