SB Title

 

April 2016 Issue
NPSD Board Members
Meetings in Review
Upcoming Meetings

May 9, 5:45 p.m.
Safe Schools Committee Meeting

May 9, 6:30 p.m.
Education/Community/Policy (ECP) Committee Meeting

May 10, 7:30 p.m.
School Board Worksession Meeting

May 19, 7:30 p.m.
School Board Action Meeting

May 31, 6:00 p.m.
Support Services Committee Meeting

May 31, 6:30 p.m.
Finance Committee Meeting


School Nutrition Services Update

School Nutrition Services (SNS) is an enterprise fund. SNS sets meal prices based upon budgetary needs and comparable pricing in Montgomery County. North Penn SNS offers nutritional meals comparable with the price charged by other Montgomery County schools.

SNS is not making any price changes for the 2016-2017 school year.

Therefore, lunch prices for the 2016-2017 school year will remain as follows:

School Breakfast: $1.75
Elementary School Lunch: $2.80
Middle School Lunch: $3.00
High School Lunch: $3.25


NPHS Synthetic Turf Field Project Update

As many may know, the synthetic turf field at North Penn High School has seen better days. The turf is over 10 years old and is used almost everyday by over a dozen different sports teams. That being said, the district along with the North Penn Board of School Directors have decided to replace and renew the existing turf.

Bids were opened on April 5, 2016 for the synthetic turf work for the Synthetic Turf Athletic Field Replacement Project at the North Penn High School. The base bid of the low bidder for the project is Sprinturf at $427,000.00.

The project will begin as soon as spring sports at the high school end and will be finished by the end of July.


 

 

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 President's Letter to the Community                     
SherpinskyNPSB
Dear Community,
 
I am pleased to report that the North Penn School District and the North Penn Education Association (NPEA) have agreed to extend the teachers contract through June 2017. The contract would have expired on June 30th. It is always a benefit to those involved when we can come to an agreement before the end of a contract. 
 
The school board members, administrators and teachers tasked with negotiating the extension are to be commended for their work. The terms reached maintain NPSD's financial security, quality educational programs and fiscally responsible approach to labor issues. It took several months of hard work and collaboration but success was achieved.
 
There are more than 975 employees who are represented by NPEA including classroom teachers, special area teachers, speech clinicians, school nurses and special education teachers. The one-year agreement provides for an average salary increase of 0.5% effective the beginning of the school year for all members of the bargaining unit.
 
The contract calls for no changes to the school district's core health care plan. As NPSD continues to balance cost containment of health care expenses with providing quality benefits, the contract does call for the formation of a health care exploratory committee. Comprised of NPEA members and district administration, the committee will explore cost savings strategies and third-party health care administration options.
 
The formation of this committee and the teachers' commitment to work with us to explore affordable health care options is a very important point of the contract extension. NPSD, as well as other school districts and businesses too, must continue to examine options in the health care market. As costs continue to rise, together we need to look at how to control our costs while continuing to provide quality care.
 
There were no other major change to the contract. Everyone involved is to be congratulated for the collaboration which resulted in the contract extension.

 

Sincerely,
 
Vincent Sherpinsky
President
NPSD Board of School Directors
 
Student Proclamations


At the recent worksession and action meetings in the month of April, the School Board recognized North Penn High School students for their outstanding achievements with proclamation awards.
 
The North Penn High School Girls' Swimming and Diving Team members were honored on Tuesday, April 12th for placing 1st at the 2016 PIAA State Girls' Swimming and Diving Championships and also at the PIAA District 1 Swimming and Diving Championships. (Click to see photos)

The North Penn High School Girls' Indoor Track Team members were honored on Thursday, April 21st for placing 2nd at the 2016 PTFCA State Indoor Championships.

Congratulations to these excellent students for their impressive accomplishments!

NPSD Student Summer Program Offerings

The North Penn School District is proud to offer a wide variety of programs to students of all ages throughout the summer months.

During the summer of 2016, a summer literacy educational program will be held for Oak Park students. It will be held concurrently with a free meal program that is funded by a federal grant and run by the North Penn School District School Nutrition Services.

The program will provide literacy instruction to five grade levels - Kindergarten through fourth grades. In addition, breakfast and lunch will be served to all students. By providing increased learning opportunities through summer reading and language arts instruction as well as healthy meals during the summer months when the school meal program is not operating, the district will seek to close the academic achievement gap in reading proficiency and make nutritious meals available to students.

The NPSD is also proud of a new program it will be offering called the Summer Writing Academy, which will be for students of the North Penn School District entering grades 8, 9 and 10. This is an opportunity for our students to receive enriched instruction in writing. Students will receive instruction on PSSA Text-Dependent Analysis writing, Keystone Literature Constructed Response writing and formal essay writing. The summer writing academy will allow students to receive more individualized feedback.

Another beneficial program that is available through the North Penn School District is our SAT course. This course is available for anyone to take and is not limited to just students in the NPSD. The SAT program will be conducted Monday through Thursday, July 11 through July 21.

Since 1984, the district has operated a very successful summer library program. Use of these libraries during the summer has been an excellent way to continue a strong, independent reading program that provides opportunities for students to read for pleasure and practice their reading strategies and skills when school is not in session. This summer program continues to support the independent reading that is encouraged and practiced during the school term.

During the summer of 2016, Keystone Intervention classes will also be offered. These classes will be focused in the areas of in Literature, Algebra I and Biology to students who have previously tested at the BASIC level on the Keystone exam in the specific subject area. These are non-credit bearing courses.

The district will also continue to conduct the Elementary Summer Reading/Language Arts Program. The program will service students completing kindergarten, first and second grade who are recommended for reading intervention through our RtII data analysis process. Reading/language arts instruction will be comprehensive to include components of reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, phonics, fluency and writing. Mathematical activities will be included to support the literacy needed to be successful in math.

A program for elementary English Language Learners (ELL) was included in the Title III application and was developed for the purpose of reinforcing and strengthening newly acquired English language skills. The program provides opportunities for students to use language in a variety of settings to help them maintain proficiency levels. Students entering kindergarten in the fall, and beginner ELLs from kindergarten through 6th grade, will be invited.

As a part of the Title III application, the district developed a secondary summer English Language Acquisition Program for English Language Learners in grades 7 - 12. The focus of the summer ELL program emphasizes curriculum and intervention strategies that support language acquisition, reading and mathematical skills.

As always, NPSD will continue to offer summer camps through its Extended School Care program and the Community Education program. From school-age day camp to activity-based camps like theater, sports, art and robotics, programs are offered throughout the June, July and the beginning of August.

The NPSD is proud to offer such a wide variety of summer enrichment programs for our students. To view our offerings click here.

North Penn School District Educational Foundation Report


The North Penn School District Educational Foundation met on April 6, 2016 when several items of importance were discussed. 
 
The Foundation's annual online auction began on Monday, April 25th and boy do they have some great items up for grabs. From a week's vacation stay anywhere in the world to a birthday party in the NPHS pool to a limo ride and lunch for a lucky North Penn Student and his or her principal, the third annual auction's list of more than 80 items offers something for everyone.
 
The "Oh the Places You May Go" online auctions runs this week through Sunday, May 1st at 8 p.m. Last year the Foundation raised more than $8,000 and this year they are hoping to hit $10,000. It's easy to participate, just log in and view the fabulous offerings. When you see something you like, make a bid. It's that easy to support the Foundation and all of the North Penn schools.  Click here to start bidding!
 
At the Foundation's last meeting held on April 6th, trustees discussed its Financial Review recently compiled by an outside accounting firm. The Foundation is happy to report that all financials are in good order, and is also proud to report that more than 99 percent of their revenues are used for the Foundation's mission of providing innovative classroom experiences to our students.
 
The Foundation is currently accepting applications for these innovative grants to be implemented in the 2016-2017 school year. All North Penn educators are strongly encouraged to consider submitting an idea. The Foundation has more than 20 applications already to review in May.
 
Speaking of grants, in May the Foundation is funding a wonderful evetn in which Holocaust survivor Ilse Lindemeyer, who wrote a book about her life, will be working with Walton Farm students and speaking to the community. This event, which was postponed from a date in April, was also held last year. It is an incredible educational experience not only for students but for adults as well and the Foundation is happy to be once again supporting it.
 
Next up for the Foundation is its annual golf outing that will be held on Monday, August 15th at PineCrest Country Club. Because it is the Foundation Golf Outing's 15th anniversary, we will have the special theme of a Quincea�era this year. It will be a lot of fun and the Foundation is looking for both golfers and sponsors.
 
If you have any questions about the Foundation, you can contact Christine Liberaski at the ESC.

The next NPSD Educational Foundation meeting will be held on May 4, 2016 at 7:30 a.m. at the Educational Services Center.
Education/Community/Policy (ECP) Committee Report

The ECP Committee met on April 11th, 2016. Topics concerning summer programs in the district, textbook adoptions, and a new Board Policy were on the agenda that evening. 
 
During the summer of 2016, a total of nine programs will be offered. This year the summer school remedial program for grades 7-12 will include a cyber-school option. Another new option is a Summer Writing Academy that will be funded by the Keystone to Opportunity Grant. Students entering grades 8, 9 and 10 can request to participate in this enrichment program.

Also returning this year after its successful debut in 2015 is the summer literacy educational program at Oak Park for students attending that school. Included with this offering is a free meal program providing breakfast and lunch that is funded by a federal grant and administered by the North Penn School District School Nutrition Services. 

Other summer programs include reading/language arts for students completing grades K-2, an English Language Learners (ELL) program for elementary and secondary students, SAT preparation classes, Keystone exam intervention classes and the Summer Library program. Most summer programs are funded by grant money and tuition payments.
 
Several textbook and supplemental resources adoptions were presented to the committee. These recommendations are the result of implementing new courses and the curriculum review cycle. Subject areas for which these adoptions are recommended are Social Studies, French, Japanese, Secondary English and Secondary Reading. The textbooks are currently available for public review until the May 19th Board Action meeting. 
 
The proposed Board Policy is #3730 - Workers' Compensation.  The policy establishes the guidelines for workers compensation including maintaining job availability and benefits for a period of two years following the onset of the absence.    
 
In addition to the topics on the agenda, the committee also discussed conducting a feasibility study of the adoption of all-day kindergarten.
 
The next ECP Committee meeting will be held on May 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Educational Services Center. 

Finance Committee Report
The Finance Committee met on March 29, 2016 and also held a special meeting on April 7, 2016. The monthly financial reports were reviewed with additional discussion on the following items.
  

2016-2017 School Nutrition Services Budget

Pamela Gallagher presented the budget and an executive summary. Meal prices will remain the same in 2016-2017.


 

2016-17 Extended School Care Budget

Marjie Scott presented the budget and an executive summary.  Tuition rates for 2016-2017 were previously approved by the Board. Steve Skrocki highlighted the increasing fund balance showing that the program is in good financial position.

 

2016-2017 North Montco Technical Career Center Budget

Steve Skrocki discussed NPSD's share of the budget. North Penn's share of tuition is increasing by 0.67% or $23,244 over the current year. Debt service is increasing by 68% or $128,380 over the current year. This is due to savings from the bond refunding no longer being available.

 

Meritorious Budget Award Plaque Presentation

Doug Peters from Voya Financial presented the award plaque to the business office. The Meritorious Budget Award is designed to recognize excellence in school budget presentation. 

 
Bidding Presentation
Brian Pawling presented information regarding bidding requirements for public school districts.
 
2016-2017 Budget Update
Mr. Skrocki reviewed the status of the 2016-2017 budget. A special meeting was held on April 7th with discussions about the potential adjustments, multi-year budget forecasts and the use of PSERS rate stabilization fund balance.
 
Workers' Comp Draft Policy
Steve Skrocki discussed the draft policy. The policy was subsequently presented to the ECP committee on April 11th.
 
2016-2017 Health Care Rates
Steve Skrocki presented information on the revised 2016-2017 rates for medical and prescription. The composite increase is 6.5%.
 
The next Finance Committee meeting was held on Monday, April 25, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at the ESC and a special meeting will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. at the ESC.

Support Services Committee Report
The Support Services Committee met on March 29, 2016 and discussed the following.

A request has been made from McMahon Transportation Engineers & Planners for North Penn School District to authorize a 34' sidewalk extension on the Pennfield Middle School Property located adjacent to Forty Foot Road. The sidewalk extension is the result of road and sidewalk improvements being made by Clemens Business Center, LLC. There will be no cost to the district for this sidewalk.

A list of service and repair contracts were presented including:
  • Sprinkler Service and Maintenance - 3 year contract
  • Fire Alarm Maintenance - 3 year contract
  • Integrated Pest Management - 3 year contract
  • Water Testing and Treatment - 3 year contract
  • Asphalt Repairs - 1 year contract
  • Concrete Repairs - 1 year contract
  • Parking Lot Striping - 1 year contract
The District has reviewed the design of the Pennbrook Basin project and met with the district's attorney and Upper Gwynedd Township's attorney and engineer to discuss the necessary easements. The review of the project is complete and acceptable.

During the discussion the engineer asked if NPSD could use approximately 19,000 cubic yards of soil. This soil could be placed at the Pennfield site to construct additional sports fields.  This work will be provided as an option to the project.

The committee was presented with an explanation of demand response and that the current contract could be renewed for three years. The revenue's would not be as great as previous years but the program benefits NPSD with energy management.

The general construction rebid for the Montgomery Elementary School Addition and Renovation Project is scheduled to be opened on Friday, April 8th with an award at the April 12th work session.  Please note that at the meeting this was reported to be awarded on April 21st.

Montgomery Township has requested that a Consultant Escrow Fee Agreement with an initial amount of $5,000.

Frank O'Donnell asked about the township charging NPSD fees and if the fees were waived. Tom Schneider explained that this agreement was for payment of the Township's consultant fees that would be charged.

Tina Stoll asked how the OCIP (Owner's Controlled Insurance Program) was bid and if an alternate price was requested. Tom Schneider explained that the project is bid without insurance costs added by the contractor and then the district requests insurance pricing from the low bidders. This is then compared to the OCIP costs. Tina. Stoll indicated that this method does not take advantage of the beneficial premium status of low risk contractors.

NPHS and ESC Security Upgrades Projects are out to bid, bid opening April 8th. The surveillance camera server upgrade will purchase through state contract. Frank O'Donnell requested that additional cameras be installed at the bus depot.

2016 Captial Project Updates:
  • Bridle Path Exterior Caulk Replacement - Will be quotes.
  • Carpet and Vinyl Tile replacements - Out to bid.
  • Penndale Carpet and VAT Abatement - Out to bid, bid opening April 12th.
  • North Wales Elementary School Canopy Repair - Out to bid, bid opening April 8th.

There was $199.08 of vandalism reported in February. This is significantly lower than previous years.

 

The Facility Use Financial Report was discussed.  The District has invoiced $90,794 in facility use fees.

 

The Committee noted that there seems to be an excessive balance from users and requested that this be looked into.

 

There was a discussion regarding the next step for the Baseball Team raising the funds for dugouts and field improvements. John Schilling asked if the administration has met with the coach to discuss next steps. Tom Schneider indicated that the administration has not met and that the coach is in the middle of his season. Tom Schneider will reach out to Coach Manero.

 

Josie Charnock asked if there is additional maintenance as the result of the planned work. Tom Schneider did not think there would be additional maintenance for this planned work. The field maintenance would remain the same and the dugouts would be constructed relatively maintenance free.

 
The next Support Services Committee meeting will be held on May 31, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at the Educational Services Center.