[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6220057,"mediaKeyId","3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c","parentId",3619193,"title","Board confirms personnel slate; Stephanie Petrie named director of teaching and learning, long-serving administrator Scott Shields resigns","audioSeconds",98,"startMs",3418000,"endMs",3516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c&start=3418&end=3516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c/thumbnail_3418000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6220057/Pennsylvania/Board-confirms-personnel-slate-Stephanie-Petrie-named-director-of-teaching-and-learning-long-serving-administrator-Scott-Shields-resigns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220057-a9325b5ed35904263d82a94c77c7a0d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775466392&Signature=EMrA~Rr5Cig5lD7eoo43fIf5B~labyo6FO-O7TU3JfqCkhpQWjggxQh2ci1RP13jFZBNPPINKtH68E1ubl9dY-kT3BOgUhGgLebe-rF72gwFOOJzea07o2qNjWkoWNaAKuVvtTFqbxqGzfUIf24u0Rh8qulie9QgBbDYxZeDcxfMcRKpCel0pGPpaZ3m5-1PxUo81dfeO2X7lxrpXc9GXxBP4ve7pY47T2VXGBeY15H5nZ47x8UqLJHi3xPInjuDInhYSTff42x8lF8A0up4LIzoOyeA-ygqjVSNU96zSVoO3-7MQ6z~-mf6pcllEfUQTeoTApQPRwjY7G3X3PRKEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Boyertown Area School District","date","2025-05-30T01:00:24Z","article","The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors approved the personnel agenda, appointing Stephanie Petrie to become director of the Office of Teaching and Learning effective July 1 and accepting the resignation of administrator Scott Shields, who the board said served 23 years with the district.

During the meeting, administration introduced Stephanie Petrie, currently principal at Gilbertsville Elementary, and noted she will replace Mrs. Landis, who is retiring June 30. Administrators said there will be transition work between now and July 1 to prepare Petrie for her new duties.

The board also publicly recognized Scott Shields and thanked him for his service. In remarks to the meeting, board members praised Shields’ long tenure and responsiveness to district needs. One board member said Shields’ departure represented a “huge loss” and thanked him for answering the district’s calls over the years.

Separately the board approved procedural appointments: Patricia Danicola as board secretary effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, and Carrie Fox as board treasurer for the 2025-26 fiscal year. All personnel and appointment items carried by roll call vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Boyertown Area School Board Meeting: 5/27/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a slate of personnel actions, including the appointment of Stephanie Petrie as director of the Office of Teaching and Learning effective July 1 and accepted the resignation of longtime administrator Scott Shields, who served 23 years.","taxTitle","Boyertown Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",50827,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6220062,"Board approves Middle School East auditorium sound system upgrade at about $22,460 amid warranty questions",202,2758000,2960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c&start=2758&end=2960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c/thumbnail_2758000.jpg","/articles/6220062/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-Middle-School-East-auditorium-sound-system-upgrade-at-about-22460-amid-warranty-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220062-87da8341b70c17fbb79d2697536c3bae/orig.mp4?Expires=1775466392&Signature=Q5li90huKbQWxscJhAVylPosmW0U76olp9v1RhUcdg6-bpI8VppqYQjiZtEt9bXBuFLFOzrlLNvtvzHYiRyyUsfzk3FTL51d4nDoIys-EGjq1~Z-jRyQGqCW226MRqvoi4TSKm765xogMOee1FCqIoU~ORkEOoAOjcsckyMioGoQCcA6lEumZW68nc-P~gpTZ2cuJuefaPyFi~EKmDVBOMy5ASv7lJQxBsMw68IBW-ZZnoPt5xKiVu-OrWVdcwXowoyCY4MGRdNE5JAz4YluQra5mqOLLdKuxz1zREu0vz7d3Lbi74qUqvMlw~HjWXmoos2aKhV03n0kA3GiwI6kew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors approved a $22,460.19 project to replace the Middle School East auditorium sound system, including a digital soundboard, amplifier upgrades, hanging and choral microphones and a new monitor system.

Administration said the current equipment is more than 15 years old, with some pieces over 20 years old and not part of the 2005 renovation. The recommended upgrade converts analog programming to a digital soundboard, updates amplification and wireless-microphone connectivity, replaces worn hanging and choral microphones, and adds a monitor system for choral and musical productions. Administration noted a roughly $5,500 cost increase since an April quote because of manufacturer price changes.

One board member asked about product warranty, noting the project price and limited coverage. Administration confirmed the standard full warranty included with the vendor quote covered 90 days. Additional service blocks are available for purchase: 15 hours for $2,200; 24 hours for $3,500; and 40 hours for $5,400. One board member said the three-month warranty was insufficient and voted no; the motion carried by majority vote.

The upgrade is intended to restore reliable audio support for school performances and curricular activities; administration said the new system will support the district’s wireless microphone systems and replace equipment deemed beyond repair.","The board approved replacement of the Middle School East auditorium sound system for $22,460.19, citing aging equipment and recent price increases; board members questioned the 90-day full warranty and optional service blocks.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6220067,"Board selects Pennsylvania Economy League for district enrollment study; competing vendor's bid fails",492,1625000,2117000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c&start=1625&end=2117","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c/thumbnail_1625000.jpg","/articles/6220067/Pennsylvania/Board-selects-Pennsylvania-Economy-League-for-district-enrollment-study-competing-vendors-bid-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220067-e0c78f57ce5e568441d3e9406f83a750/orig.mp4?Expires=1775466392&Signature=IFHOIdRQ95J8KEqTd3Ac8PYAtq9vjVEjQZXna7jTjpFskkBcuDdlw9sJSFbXAxV-NJEuv0wp8wTmzROnBTF1ZlNzeFkyhsADbbxGUwvqX4avaYBXdznsWXhIjJxQLWAn5HLn9Hs1o6eV1MBE18LFbKAXDtG1LFUh4IOIxtwxLUXkh0j2EVghOcl4DSIHJUvV1oHbzpA5xKqOdmvdH9C0iaGfSf2yzvh4YIh3xXdNqMw2uJiNU85A56QUbbqsv4pPBAAlZmXV3fdcigYrGlKzjVw6IMdjdFLeWalfJG0EVcQ4Cn3kbPuLZuP3CzUWzwQHLXYkbKAC2SBORo-vKTaGwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors approved a contract with the Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) to conduct a demographics, community growth and enrollment projection study for the district at an adjusted cost of $30,000.

Administration presented two vendors that had met the scope of services requested and interviewed them; the administration recommended PEL. Board members raised concerns about the quality of PEL’s earlier presentation and asked whether the vendor could return with a clearer demonstration of what would be delivered. An administration official said reference checks supported PEL’s capacity to complete the work to the district’s satisfaction.

The board then proceeded to a separate vote on Steps to Achieve, the other interviewed vendor. The motion to contract with Steps to Achieve for a $24,950 study failed on a separate roll call vote; several board members said they wanted Steps to Achieve to return with a stronger presentation before considering that vendor.

Ultimately the board approved the Pennsylvania Economy League contract by roll call, authorizing the study to proceed under the terms presented. Board members and administration said that if future dissatisfaction arises, the district could reissue the request for proposals or revisit other bidders from the original pool.","The board voted to hire the Pennsylvania Economy League for a demographics and enrollment analysis at a cost of $30,000; a second vendor, Steps to Achieve, was rejected by the board when a separate motion to hire it failed.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6220072,"Board approves participation in state school-based ACCESS Medicaid reimbursement program, staff to provide rate details",1250,1254000,2504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c&start=1254&end=2504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c/thumbnail_1254000.jpg","/articles/6220072/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-participation-in-state-school-based-ACCESS-Medicaid-reimbursement-program-staff-to-provide-rate-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220072-fb383c69f6d48d3009742774b3755c31/orig.mp4?Expires=1775466392&Signature=Z-ybxEBcVdSm2X7LubCl~N68CGKAafyFrp4QzSrkirXPR6eeK2qaZrbKYAhdl8d2dZHuM97J2Zl-Uvj7QXTC851ta6hMAt7ewRPZlrCBfk9PU-uteidTxeaI7KmmXywHrrU3y1QiQTNkNrjohcu0qkGs-7jwD8fp4teo51Dqv~1yijWO-CoQ~Hvb9ywanuggHGV5xd6CmClL1u0IpgNQTmRD~7Fz4nsBfCJPvn47e06~ADm30NzE8dhl2j3y1-jfqE6nXSdQZmYGzaLjsYoeyldtpJr0xzwD8PAazjy0JouuKqScETnYLIygt9IRdCl9Twb8~Xc3NU8494oz5rwjJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors voted to participate in the Pennsylvania school-based ACCESS program, a Medicaid reimbursement cooperative involving state and federal agencies, after a staff presentation and board questions.

A staff member described the program’s purpose: \"The school based access program is a cooperative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,\" and said the program allows schools to request reimbursement for services provided to special-education students who are eligible for medical assistance.

Board members pressed for specifics during discussion. Board member Miss Nyman asked, “What is the rate that we get back? I mean, is it worth our participating in this that we're getting enough back?” Administration said the district can bill for categories including one-on-one paraprofessionals, transportation, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for students eligible for medical assistance, but that exact reimbursement dollar amounts were not available at the meeting; staff said they would provide the district’s billing and reimbursement figures for prior years after the vote.

During the public and board discussion, a staff representative said the district has received more reimbursement than the salary of the person who processes ACCESS reimbursements, noting that exact historical figures would be supplied to the board. Board member Miss Dieruff voted no on the participation item because she wanted the historical refund numbers available before voting; the motion carried with the majority voting yes.

Administrators said participation does not change or eliminate services that the district currently provides; rather, it allows the district to recover eligible costs from Medicaid. The board approved the ACCESS participation agreement and directed staff to supply specific billings and reimbursement totals from prior years and estimates of expected reimbursements for 2025-26.","The Boyertown board voted to participate in the Pennsylvania school-based ACCESS program that lets districts bill Medicaid for eligible special-education services; staff said eligible service categories exist but exact reimbursement rates were not available at the meeting.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6220077,"Boyertown Area board approves 2025-26 budget with 3% tax increase, taps $1.8M from fund balance",482,1102000,1584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c&start=1102&end=1584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619193-f58610594e9cd07fcb3e403c22f5237c/thumbnail_1102000.jpg","/articles/6220077/Pennsylvania/Boyertown-Area-board-approves-2025-26-budget-with-3-tax-increase-taps-18M-from-fund-balance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6220077-9fd49bae3270fd5d6c360b8508d33ced/orig.mp4?Expires=1775466392&Signature=VV7D6LiivduIJ~aPZ4iETjzzUGysHU2WdkPp~sKsM9YjWMSBAPOnTqL6VNw1~sLTcmE4XXvAMGA7d4frBS6XqIIVcqOsskz~PcnylgK-TkFtEirCWJI~xmIONVJ9AEk63CjhXrdLEzpo8j6~-ck6zXlj5PaCtUVqPmq6RoNO~eV3FqRl9ShrmOLmpbbnETUSNwrQjO3PSomjsqmBsPyCCA91pT34zbV3uQ~73N~0pqE4NbNH2ie-558JJh-a6tHrE6CiV3WxzYONbxdy9ggEzE11B3-2OAfnk0VNSQ3foMY46BDolRymP~ghvnxZ6TourWHFuwuXMWaqi4aqifa3RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors approved the final 2025-26 general fund budget Tuesday, adopting a 3% tax increase and authorizing a $1,800,000 draw from the district’s fund balance to balance the budget.

The vote followed public comment and discussion among board members about the district’s long-term fiscal strategy. Donnie Savage, a public commenter, urged the board to explain the long-term plan and to pursue other revenue options, saying, “Tonight, you'll be voting on the budget with a 3% tax increase and taking $1,800,000 from your fund balance to balance that.”

The budget matter drew questions from board members about costs that may be growing faster than the tax increase, including special education, and about capital projects beyond Boyertown air-conditioning, roofs and a possible turf field. Board members also discussed advocacy for state adequacy funding and limits on cyber charter costs. Board member Miss Nyman said she would vote against the budget because “the way it's presented with a lot of questions not answered.”

Administrators presented the budget as the final general fund budget for 2025-26 and asked the board to approve it as listed. When the roll call was taken, two members voted no and the motion carried. According to the roll call recorded at the meeting, Boyertown Area board members Miss Dieruff and Miss Nyman voted no; all other voting members present voted yes.

Board members and staff did not provide a detailed, line-by-line accounting of long-term projections at the meeting. Public comment and several board questions asked the district to produce more information about: the expected trajectory of special-education costs, the district’s long-term capital plan, and strategies to reduce expenditures or generate new revenue. The superintendent and finance staff said some information (for example, specific reimbursement rates for another agenda item) was not available at the meeting but could be provided afterward.

The board’s approval keeps the district’s spending plan in place for the coming school year and authorizes the identified revenue actions; no additional, new tax actions were taken beyond the adopted 3% increase. The administration and board indicated follow-up work is expected on strategic and fiscal planning and on providing the supplemental financial details requested by members and speakers.","The Boyertown Area School District Board of School Directors approved the final 2025-26 general fund budget, including a 3% tax increase and a one-time $1.8 million transfer from the fund balance, after public comment and questions from board members about long-term planning and revenue options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board confirms personnel slate; Stephanie Petrie named director of teaching and learning, long-serving administrator Scott Shields resigns

Board approves Middle School East auditorium sound system upgrade at about $22,460 amid warranty questions

Board selects Pennsylvania Economy League for district enrollment study; competing vendor's bid fails

Board approves participation in state school-based ACCESS Medicaid reimbursement program, staff to provide rate details

Boyertown Area board approves 2025-26 budget with 3% tax increase, taps $1.8M from fund balance