LANSDALE- April’s action meeting was held at the North Penn School District Educational Services Center on Thursday, April 24. The board started the meeting with a North Penn news update video. They highlighted moments of charity, community service, diversity, and accomplishments carried out by students throughout the district within the last month.
Before continuing with the agenda, the board recognized the Mentorship Program between students from North Penn High School, Pennbrook Middle School, and Knapp Elementary School as this month’s student spotlight. Led by Mrs. Grunmier and Dr. Johnson, the Peer Connections Mentorship Program allows for elementary and middle school students to connect with and learn from high school mentors.
“The Peer Connections Mentorship Program brings together high school students enrolled in a leadership course along with elementary students to foster positive social development and meaningful relationships,” Advisor Mrs. Katie Grunmier explained. “Through bimonthly sessions, high school students serve as role models, guiding middle and elementary school students in building confidence, improving social skills, and developing positive peer and adult interactions. By promoting empathy, responsibility, and connection across age groups, the program cultivates a school culture rooted in respect, support, and community growth.”
This year the program was expanded to include more grades with the goal of allowing more students the opportunity to reap the benefits from this program.
“After seeing positive outcomes, we were very excited to expand the program to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at Knapp Elementary. We are also piloting the program at Pennbrook Middle School with seventh and eighth graders,” North Penn Learning Coach and Behavioral Analyst Dr. Kristy Johnson continued.
“During times when you are struggling or just don’t know what decisions to make, it is nice to have someone there to answer your questions,” North Penn junior and Pennbrook Middle School mentor Sophia Tubertini said. “I enjoy being able to help my mentee in whatever way she needs and help her achieve her goals, big and small. Seeing her growth and determination to achieve these goals is very inspiring.”
“The program has helped me keep up with my work and my schedule. It has helped me become more respectful towards peers. Instead of reacting with anger, I am more calm. I like the activities we do in the program,” an eighth grade mentee expressed.
“[As mentors], it gives us a responsibility and we are seen by these students as a role model and a person to look up to when they don’t have that in their life,” North Penn Senior and two year mentor Merryame Hameg explained.
During the audience of citizens, district residents expressed the need for cameras in classrooms based on recent events in the Central Bucks School District, as well as the need for better education for special education students and the need for more information on long term renovation plans across the district.
This wasn’t the first time the implementation of cameras was mentioned at a school board meeting. For the duration of the investigation taking place at CB regarding the abuse incident at Jamison Elementary School, parents have been voicing their concerns about the lack of emergency steps if this were to happen at North Penn. Dr. Todd Bauer addressed these concerns and assured the residents that estimates are in the works, meetings are being held with parents and employees on the subject, and more information will be shared when it is finalized.
For any concerns about renovations and improvements in the district, President McMurtrie suggested for residents to refer to the 10 year Capital Project Plan and to attend or stream the Facilities and Operations Meetings, the next one taking place on Monday April 28th 2025.
Several North Penn Students from the North Montco Technical Career Center competed at the State Skills USA Competition earlier in April. Two students placed first in HVAC and Baking and Pastry, four students placed second as part of the Entrepreneurship team and Cosmetology, and one student placed third as part of the crime scene investigative team, specifically in protective services. All first place winners have advanced to compete at Nationals on June 23rd-24th in Atlanta, Georgia. The NMTCC initial placement process for the 2025-2026 school year is being completed now. 402 students have been admitted so far, and there are still many on the waitlist. Skills USA Signing Day will take place on May 6th and NMTCC Orientation is scheduled for May 8th.
The Educational Foundation’s online auction is on May 1st with prizes ranging from Phillies tickets to unique experiences. Staff grant applications for the 2025-2026 school year were due last week and are being processed. For any questions or concerns regarding this, contact Christine Liberaski at liberacd@npenn.org.
As part of the Superintendent’s report, Bauer notified the board of the sudden passing of North Penn Technology Support Employee, Rachel Hering, who has been a member of the district since January of 2020.
Bauer presented the intent to award bids for Phase 1 of the demolition of ⅘ of the radio towers located near the Snyder entrance of the high school. This is one of the beginning stages of the renovation that is occurring over the coming years. The towers being removed are no longer in use, therefore this will have no effect on the functionality of the radio station, and the remaining one will eventually be replaced with a self-standing tower. Along with that, the cell phone tower will still remain.
North Penn has reached an agreement with Hatboro-Horsham School District which allows for the use of the swimming pool at Simmons Elementary School during the North Penn High School natatorium renovation project. This location will be used for all swim team and water polo practices during this time, and transportation after morning practice and before afternoon practice will be available to athletes.
All meeting minutes, committee reports, Solicitors reports, Superintendent reports, and finance reports were approved.
Superintendent Todd Bauer concluded the meeting by honoring administrative professionals day. All upcoming meeting information can be found on BoardDocs.