HATFIELD- Days after the recent announcement of Superintendent Dr. Curt Dietrich’s retirement after twelve years of holding his position, the Board’s February action meeting celebrated his many years of dedication and service to the North Penn School District. 

The official announcement can be found here on the North Penn School District website, stating Dietrich will be retiring at the end of his contract on June 30, 2022. 

“It was more than 40 years ago that I began my service in public education and I’ve had the privilege to work with many, many, many fine individuals throughout those years,” Dietrich expressed. “I look forward to the remaining four and a half months here as the Superintendent and then for whatever awaits me thereafter.”

Taking place at Pennfield Middle School, the audience turnout for the meeting was significant and many people went to the podium to speak during the Audience of Citizens. 

Some community members expressed their recurring concerns about masking and vaccines with requests to make masks optional. However, others expressed their appreciation for all the work the board is doing and that the current Health and Safety plan is working for the wellbeing of everyone in the district. 

After the first public comment, the Board quickly ran through their committee reports, the finance report, and the superintendent’s report, where it then came to the second audience of citizens to close the night. 

The sentiments were similar to those in the first public comment with opinions from both sides being shared, some more aggressive than others. With Covid cases going down, but still high, various community members are looking to the board to consider changing restrictions like masking in schools. 

The next Board meeting will be a worksession held on March 8, 2022, at 7 pm.