Bulletin Board May 2025
Dear North Penn Community,
At North Penn High School and the North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC), we believe that access to high-quality STEM education is essential to prepare students for success in a rapidly advancing world. From the classrooms and labs of NPHS to the industry-aligned programs at NMTCC, we are equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experiences they need to thrive in college, careers, and life. Together, NPSD and NMTCC are not only responding to the demands of the future—we are shaping it.
One of my first memories as a member of the School Board was touring NPHS and seeing robots that students built and programmed racing through an obstacle course. Being an engineer myself, I knew then that NPSD was and is committed to technical excellence.
Another example of technical excellence is our NPHS Engineering Academy which offers hands-on, project-based learning. A few years ago, we added a Spatial Computing lab to our Engineering Academy, thanks to a partnership with the NPSD Educational Foundation. Spatial Computing is a technology that allows students to create digital content that can understand and interact with the real-world environment. It uses technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. NPHS is the first high school in North America to offer this program, and many universities don’t offer this course yet.
Additionally, in another partnership with the Foundation, the district is funding a scanning electron microscope for NPHS so students can research and develop solutions to global challenges in the energy, materials, environment, and healthcare sectors. Again, NPHS is the only high school in North America to have a scanning electron microscope on hand for students to engage in collegiate-level research. This sets our graduates apart when applying for colleges or entering the workforce and makes NPHS a destination for quality STEM education.
NMTCC is also dedicated to delivering quality technical education and training programs that meet the needs of our students and local employers. In addition to North Penn, NMTCC serves Souderton, Wissahickon, Perkiomen Valley and Methacton school districts. What many of us may have known as “tech school” or “trade school," North Montco is much more than that. NMTCC currently offers 24 state-of-the art programs for high school students, with four of these programs beginning last year including Social Media Marketing, Property Maintenance and Renovation, Service Occupations, and Sports Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.
One of my favorite programs from an engineering perspective is the Mechatronics program, which provides a hands-on approach to understanding engineering principles. The students design, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair sophisticated automated equipment.
NPSD and NMTCC are committed to educating students in a wide range of skills, preparing them for the workforce, higher education, and more. Whether students pursue traditional academics, hands-on technical training, or a blend of both, each school’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is clear. Thank you for your support of these programs.
Sincerely,
Al Roesch
NPSD Board of School Directors
Education/Curriculum/Instruction Committee
At the ECI Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the committee received updates from the Curriculum and Special Education departments. The curriculum team presented information about the Pennsylvania's new science standards - Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) which must be completely integrated for the 2025-26 school year. In addition, updates about the district's special education were shared at the meeting. Dr. Bolden and Dr. Kuchler discussed the Special Education Plan, the increased collaboration with the curriculum team, and expansions and enhancements to the program.
Facilities and Operations Committee
The Facilities and Operations Committee met on Monday, April 28, 2025, in a virtual format.
The Committee reviewed the following items:
- Client consent letter for Schrader Group Architects
- T & M Associates Act 2 Continuance proposal
- Lead Testing of Water for schools RFQ
- IT Network HVAC Replacement proposal Graybar
- Pennbrook MS Transportation Office Replacement Unit
- Amended Contract to Cowan and Assoc. for additional services rendered
- Multiple Chiller Repairs at multiple Buildings for Johnson Controls, Inc. Capitol Projects
The Committee presented and discussed informational items, including:
- CHA project Update for High School Project Phase 1
- Update on the 10 year Capital Project Plan
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met on May 6th, 2025 in person. Mr. Linderman reviewed the proposed final budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The board asked for a slide showing additional levels of possible tax increases between 3.50% and 4.00%.
In addition the following items were reviewed:
- Financial Reports for the month
- Gaming funds distribution for 2025-2026
- Review of installment payments for real estate taxes
- Budget transfers for the month
- Liquid propane bid results
Policy Committee
On April 28, 2025, the Policy Committee met and reviewed three revised policies that were moved to the action meeting for a first reading. Those policies are Policy #234 - Pregnant/Parenting/Married Students, Policy #247 - Hazing, Policy #252 - Dating Violence.
Safe Schools Committee
NPSD Educational Foundation
The Foundation held its annual online auction and once again met its goal of raising more than $10,000. Thank you to everyone who bid on the exciting items up for bid and those who donated them too.
Foundation trustees also reviewed grants for the 2025-2026 school year. More than $35,000 in innovative projects have been approved. Letters will go out to recipients by the end of this school year.
Also, the Foundation welcomed a new Trustee in April, Lansdale resident and Knapp parent Mr. Mark Teoh. We look forward to working with Mark.
Any questions related to the Foundation can be directed to Christine Liberaski at the ESC, or you can learn more at npennedfoundation.org.