John Strobel, NPSD manager of support services, sat at the NPSD Board of School Directors table for the last time on August 12. Strobel has worked for NPSD since 1979.

A North Penn High School graduate, class of 1977. John grew up in North Wales and has been a member of the North Penn community all of his life. He started at NPSD as a custodian at the high school in 1979 and graduated with a bachelor's of arts degree from Eastern College in 1996.

During his long career with NPSD he held many positions including custodian, second shift supervisor, custodial maintenance supervisor, assistant coordinator of plant operations, interim coordinator of transportation, coordinator of facilities and manger of support services. His responsibilities over the years have included new construction, renovations, security, transportation, warehouse, use of facilities, grounds, maintenance and custodial.

"John has been a steady, constant member of the North Penn staff who will be greatly missed," said Vincent Sherpinsky, president, NPSD Board of School Directors. "I have worked on many project and issues with John over the past 17 years in his leadership position and I can tell you he lived and breathed North Penn."

"His mark on North Penn will go on for decades to come in the buildings he has built, cared for and made secure for our students," continued Sherpinsky. "His dedication and work is greatly appreciated."

Members of the 2013-2014 North Penn High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) were honored during the August 12 Action Meeting of the Board of School Directors. Students were honored for their accomplishments at the state conference and at the National FBLA conference in Nashville, TN.

Four students placed in the top 10 in the country in their event at the National Conference in Nashville, TN. Jeffrey Yang placed eighth in Database Design and Application; Matt Leung placed fifth in Database Design and Application; and Oscar Armas-Luy and Kevin Chen placed third in Hospitality Management.

Other award winners include Harrison Barclay, Sarah Bednar, Steven Blumberg, Marisa Christensen, Julia Han, Christopher Hsieh, Max Ives, Serena Jiang, Celso Leite, Angelina Maltezos, Chris Mullen, Jewel Rama, Brad Randall, Caroline Rojewski, Jason Rowland, Tyler Velez, Jeffrey Yan, Dorothee Zhang and Jerry Zhao.

Congratulations to these students and the adviser Linda Westerlund.

During the August 12 Action meeting, a 2.5 percent raise was approved for non-unionized support and administrative staff. In addition, changes to the core medical plan, effective January 1, 2015, were also approved for both groups.

Changes made to the plan impact employees' monthly contributions and include a yearly deductible. The plan design changes and premium share adjustments are still very moderate compared to other industries.

The school board approved moving funds in unspent revenues from the 2013-2014 budget. One million was moved into the PSERS rate stabilization fund and $3 million into fulfilling outstanding medical and prescription drug claims. These unused and unexpected revenues came from increased tax revenue and are important because they are being used to support the benefits of NPSD staff.