Pennridge School Board Approves AP Government Textbook, Capital Bids and Appoints HR Director

The Pennridge School District board on Monday approved a slate of routine and substantive items, including a new AP Comparative Government and Politics textbook for grades 10–12, multiple capital-project bids, personnel actions and policy updates.

Curriculum: The board approved the administration’s request to adopt a textbook for AP Comparative Government and Politics that will be offered to 10th–12th graders. The curriculum team also outlined a planned review cycle for district curricula from 2026 through 2032.

Capital projects and facilities: The facilities committee recommended and the board approved three competitive bids for summer 2026 work: Hirschberg Mechanical LLC for Scope 1 (domestic hot-water and boiler-plant upgrades; amount shown in the record), BSI Electrical for Scope 2 (generator replacements) at $508,750, and Southland for Scope 4 (building management system upgrades) at $383,360. Committee members said the projects address immediate building needs and longer-term priorities.

Personnel and contracts: The board appointed Dr. Andrew Doster as director of human resources effective Jan. 26, 2026, at an annual salary of $180,000 after an extensive search process; the motion passed by voice vote. The board also granted tenure to two teachers (Sarah Boyer and Bridal Ronenberger), approved settlement agreements with employee associations related to named employee matters, and approved Inspira as the district’s flexible spending-account administrator effective July 1, 2026.

Finance and other votes: The consent calendar and a package of contracts were approved, the board approved several student-activity accounts and a repository sale of a property for $6,000. Policy committee recommendations were approved as recorded, including first reading of Policy 249 (bullying and cyberbullying) and approvals of Policy 102 (academic standards) and Policy 122 (extracurricular activities).

Board comments noted rising costs and a projected reduction in interest earnings after recent Federal Reserve moves; the president estimated a $170,000 hit to projected interest income tied to lower rates. Several items were described as the result of committee review earlier in the month and were passed by voice vote.

What’s next: The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2026. Several approved contracts and capital projects include further administrative steps (finalized scopes, vendor agreements and construction schedules) before work begins.

Source: Pennridge School District board meeting, Jan. 26, 2026 (motions and committee reports).