North Penn SD board approves personnel moves, supply bids and RFPs; honors retiring drama teacher

At a Jan. 7, 2025 work session, the North Penn School District Board of School Directors approved personnel actions, several procurement steps and requests for proposals and recognized the impending retirement of district drama teacher Andrea Roni.

The board approved the personnel list as presented, including the planned retirement of Andrea Roni, who directs the district’s theater productions and Thespian Troop 5464. “She is absolutely, a giant,” board member Mr. Fusco said, praising Roni’s contributions. President McMurtry and other board members offered similar well-wishes during the superintendent’s report.

Superintendent Dr. Bauer recommended and the board approved the appointment of Kristen Johnson as part-time interim assistant director of business administration for a term beginning Dec. 4, 2024, and ending no later than June 30, 2025. Dr. Bauer noted Johnson previously served as the district’s assistant business administrator and that she will fill the role part time during Mr. Linky’s absence.

The board approved spring athletic supply awards to vendors as listed on the bid tabulation summary, totaling $11,419.23. The board also authorized advertising bids for two Mount (MPHS) auditorium items — an audio console and an intercom for 2024–25 — and for PE supplies, PE uniforms and science supplies for the 2025–26 school year. Mr. Gilmer confirmed the two auditorium items were budgeted in the current fiscal year and that the funds will be preserved through the renovation.

The board authorized issuance of a request for proposals for a medical director and for an online special-education data-management software system. In response to a board question about the software, Dr. Bauer said she believed the RFP is intended for IEP-management functions. Dr. Bauer said staff would provide additional information to Mr. Fusco before the RFP proceeds.

The board approved the contracts listed for Jan. 7, 2025, the community education program fee schedule for spring 2025 (with fees unchanged aside from prorated adjustments for camp length), and the student agreements on file with the Office of Special Education. Several approvals were taken by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the public transcript.

The superintendent’s report began after the board’s earlier executive session, which the solicitor, Mr. Summers, said had covered a personnel matter related to an administrative vacancy and consultation about a right-to-know request.

Votes at a glance - Approval of personnel items (as presented): moved by Mr. Fusco; second Mr. Costa; outcome: approved. - Approval of Kristen Johnson, part-time interim assistant director of business administration (term Dec. 4, 2024–June 30, 2025) and employment agreement: moved by Mr. Fusco; second Mrs. Romick; outcome: approved. - Approval of 2024–25 spring athletic supplies awards, total $11,419.23: mover/second not specified in transcript; outcome: approved. - Authorization to advertise bids for MPHS auditorium audio console and intercom (2024–25) and bids for PE supplies, PE uniforms, science supplies (2025–26): mover/second not specified; outcome: approved. - Authorization to advertise RFPs for medical director and special-education data-management software: mover/second not specified; outcome: approved. - Approval of district contracts listed for Jan. 7, 2025 (copies on file in business office): mover/second not specified; outcome: approved. - Approval of community education program fee schedule, spring 2025 (fees unchanged except prorations for camp length): mover/second not specified; outcome: approved. - Approval of student agreements (copies on file in the Office of Special Education): moved; second Mrs. Stone; outcome: approved.

The meeting adjourned the work session after the superintendent’s report concluded.