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Public commenters accuse Pennridge partner school and board of mishandling safety concerns; some call for outside review
Summary
Speakers at public comment accused the outgoing board of harming queer students and alleged the tech school allowed a staffer named Ian Wiley to work despite predator concerns; board members said an internal investigation and solicitor review occurred but several attendees called for third-party investigation and a letter to the JOC.
At the Nov. 17 board meeting, several public commenters used their allotted public-comment time to deliver sharp criticisms of the outgoing board and to raise safety and transparency concerns related to a partner tech school.
Laura Foster, speaking during public comment, said board actions had "treated our queer students as abstractions" and accused the district of enabling harm to students. Foster also named an individual, Ian Wiley, and alleged the person had been permitted to work at the tech school despite what she characterized as predator concerns in January and July; she asked the board to investigate and be transparent with the public.
Board members and other commenters replied that an internal investigation had taken place and that the tech school—s solicitor had been consulted. Several board members said they were not satisfied with the level of public reporting and pushed for stronger corrective steps: suggestions included asking the Joint Operating Committee (JOC) to reopen the custodial-services RFP, seeking a third-party investigation, preparing a letter from the board to the JOC, and, if appropriate, meeting in executive session to explore legal options.
No formal disciplinary action, vote, or concluded finding was recorded during the meeting; the allegation that a named individual had been allowed to work was presented as public testimony and remained unresolved in the meeting record. Board members agreed to review options and pursue additional clarity with the administration and the JOC.
