The ECI Committee met on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. During that meeting, Mrs. Megan McGee-Heim, Director of Special Education, presented a more in-depth description of the Special Education Plan for 2021 through 2024 than that which was reviewed at the committee's July meeting. The plan is aligned to the Vision for the district as well as to IDEA. In addition to supporting students in the least restrictive environment, the plan also focuses on inclusive practices, alternative and relevant discipline practices, partnering with parents and families, and professional development objectives. There are specific targets to be achieved during each year of the plan. 

The committee also reviewed two student trips.

The Facilities and Operations Committee met on Monday, August 29, 2022, in a virtual format.

The Committee reviewed the following items to be moved to this evening’s action meeting for the Board’s consideration.

• One change order for the Knapp Elementary School project

The Committee was presented and discussed informational items, including:

• The High School ENACT Club presented their ideas of sustainable features for future renovations
• Knapp Elementary project update

At the September 6, 2022, Finance Committee meeting, which was an in-person meeting, the financial reports were reviewed in addition to the following items:

1.  Governor Wolf successfully championed for a one-time 70% enhancement of the PA property tax and rent rebate program for individuals applying in 2022. Funding for the $140 million enhancement is coming from Federal stimulus funds. North Penn's award-winning rebate program provides a 75% rebate match of the state rebate amount up to certain limits. For homeowners, the rebate maximum, as authorized by a Board resolution in February, is $731.25 and for renters, the maximum is $487.50. Homeowners may not receive rebates from the State and the District that would exceed the total real estate taxes paid. The Committee recommended amending the resolution to provide for a 75% match of the one-time enhanced rebates at the state. This item appears on tonight's agenda.

2. Kristin Johnson provided the quarterly update on the various sources and uses of the Federal stimulus funding.

3. Steve Skrocki discussed the Act 1 index for the 2023-24 fiscal year which is 4.1%.

4. Steve Skrocki discussed a possible transfer to the Capital Reserve Fund and fund balance commitments. This topic will be discussed in more detail at the October Finance Committee meeting.

5. Lauren Yoo will be joining the Finance Committee as the student representative for the school year.

The Foundation met last on August 17th and at that time enjoyed a presentation in the NPHS planetarium. In the spring, the planetarium received much needed technology upgrades that the Foundation helped to fund. 

That same week, the Foundation also greeted NPSD's new teachers and treated them to Rita's water ice. This annual tradition is a time to tell our new staff about the Foundation and to encourage them to apply for grants. 

The week ended with packing and delivering close to 300 backpacks thanks to the Build-A-Bag drive. Thank you to district administration who helped this year and to everyone who donated items. 

October will be busy. First the annual U-Knight to Inspire staff giving campaign will begin. Those who donate can win awesome prizes including Eagles tickets and paddle boards. Then, on Tuesday, October 11th we will hold our 21st annual Golf Classic at Talamore Country Club. We are looking for players, sponsors and volunteers for this popular event which fills up quickly. I would also like to thank Univest Bank for pledging to be a premier sponsor again this year. 

Speaking of Univest, the Foundation accepted the resignation of Morgan Cooper, a vice president at Univest. We thank Morgan for her time on the Board of Trustees. 

Finally, the Foundation will be accepting mid-year grant applications. Staff can look for an email by the end of the month with more information.

To learn more about all things Foundation related, please visit npennedfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

The Policy Committee met on September 13, 2022. Its ongoing review of policies for the district has progressed to the 700 series. This series concerns varying types of property in the district's possession. At the committee's meeting this week, five policies were reviewed and discussed. Those policies are:

#702 - Gifts, Grants, Donations

#702.1 - Crowdfunding

#708 - Lending of Equipment and Books

#709 - Building Security

#717 - Cellular Phones

These policies were sent for a first reading before the full board. 

The Safe Schools Committee met on August 25th.

Mr. Doerr summarized the Bus Patrol automated stop arm enforcement system which was presented in detail at the July Safe Schools committee meeting. The contract agreement between North Penn and Bus Patrol, which is required to begin implementation of the system, is in the final stages of review by the solicitor's office. Once complete it will appear on a future action agenda for full Board consideration.