UPPER PERKIOMEN SCHOOL DISTRICT 2229 East Buck Road Pennsburg PA 18073

April 8, 2021

CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Upper Perkiomen School District was called to order by President Melanie Cunningham, at 7:00 p.m. as a virtual and in-person meeting at the Upper Perkiomen Education Center. The following Board members attended: Stephen Cunningham, Melanie Cunningham, Mike Elliott, Dana Hipszer, Raeann Hofkin, Judy Maginnis, Keith McCarrick, and Peg Pennepacker. Absent member was: Kerry Drake. Administration in attendance were: Allyn J. Roche, EdD., Andrea Farina, EdD., Sandra M. Kassel, Kimberly Bast and Georgiann Fisher. Others in attendance were: Kyle Somers, Doug Kenwood, Jim Roth, J.P. Prego, Jennifer Hartzell, Carmina Taylor, Judy Sledgen, Mary Cannon, Linda Davidheiser, and Gene Dolloff.

BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT President Cunningham reported that she was very happy about school being back in session four days a week. Mrs. Cunningham had sent out an email to staff beforehand and said she received great feedback from many excited teachers and she hoped there were many excited students as well. Many comments that she received after school started were about how well everything was going.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Dr. Roche gave an update on increased in-person instruction. He reported that there were smiles all around from students to teachers to parents to support staff. Dr. Roche said overall there was a smooth transition with a few bumps that will get better and shared pictures of the students back in the different schools. Dr. Roche reported that the high school graduation is being planned for an outdoor ceremony on Thursday June 10, 2021. He talked about K-12 Learning Opportunities that will be held, a Power-Up Camp and a Ready to Learn Camp. He stated that there are many job opportunities due to these camps and the UPSD website has them listed. Dr. Roche added that in looking ahead to the 2021-22 school year the plan is to return to five days in-person instruction but Administration will be exploring the need/interest in virtual options. A questionnaire will be sent to families later in April for planning purposes, not a commitment at this time. Dr. Roche said there is a tentative ribbon cutting ceremony planned for the new Marlborough playground on April 16th. He added that QNB gave a donation to the Education Foundation and reminded everyone about purchasing graduation signs from the Education Foundation.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD REPORT Ethan Wambold reported on many events and happenings at the high school. The spring sports season is underway, a senior prom is scheduled for April 30th at a tent at the YMCA, the junior class held a Tosco’s fundraiser, and plans are being worked on for an outdoor graduation ceremony. Enoc Padilla reported that the UP Chamber of Commerce will be holding a job fair on April 27th, and the Western Center students will be taking their NOCTI exams for certifications in their fields. Enoc shared that he is glad to be playing tennis and said there has not been a problem with the testing.

SOLICITOR’S REPORT/SUNSHINE ACT ANNOUNCEMENTS Mr. Somers reported that the Board met in an Executive session prior to the meeting for the purpose of discussing a matter of litigation involving a tax assessment appeal, and will meet immediately following the meeting to discuss a personnel matter involving an administrative position. Page 2 Upper Perkiomen School District Board Meeting, April 8, 2021

APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Stephen Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve the agenda. Motion carried; all voted aye.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ACTION ITEMS None

MINUTES Motion by Keith McCarrick, seconded by Judy Maginnis, to approve the March 11, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes (Attachment A). Motion carried; all voted aye.

OLD BUSINESS A. Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center Transportation Discussion Dr. Roche talked about the transportation and the bussing changes that have taken place due to the different instructional models at Upper Perkiomen. When the students returned to hybrid, then four days, the need for busses for all the students has increased. There has been discussions on the instructional options, and currently if any students remain virtual for the next school year the busses will be picking up and dropping off students at the high school. There will be a location at the high school for virtual students if needed before or after their Western Center classes.

NEW BUSINESS A. PERSONNEL REPORT Motion by Keith McCarrick, seconded by Stephen Cunningham, to approve the Personnel Report: i. RETIREMENT 1. James McFadden, submitted his intent to retire from the District, effective July 1, 2021.

ii. RESIGNATIONS 1. Lori Groff, Health Suite Administrative Assistant submitted her resignation from the District, effective April 16, 2021.

iii. APPOINTMENTS 1. SUPPLEMENTAL POSITIONS Area Position Name Schedule Salary

Track Assistant Coach Fallon Heddings A $3480.00

Motion carried; all voted aye.

ACTION ITEMS A. Motion by Melanie Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve Mrs. Judy Maginnis to serve as the Upper Perkiomen School District school director representative on the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors for a term commencing July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. Motion carried; all voted aye.

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Motion by Keith McCarrick, seconded by Stephen Cunningham, to approve Action Items B and C:

B. Motion to approve the recommendation from the Extra-Curricular Committee to install a camera in the Upper Perkiomen High School Pool Complex in partnership with the NFHS Network, not to exceed $5,000.

C. Motion to approve the attached three year agreement with Gorman & Associates, P.C. to perform the audit requirements for years ending June 30, 2021, 2022 and 2023. This audit would include every fund of the district along with a review of internal controls, GASB requirements, and the compliance audit required by the Single Audit Act. (Attachment B)

Motion carried; all voted aye.

D. Motion by Keith McCarrick, seconded by Judy Maginnis, to approve the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center budget for 2021-2022 in the amount of $7,198,144. The budget increase is 5.37%. The cost to Upper Perkiomen School District is $1,903,817 which represents an increase of $87,399 or 4.81%. (Attachment C)

Motion by Keith McCarrick, seconded by Mike Elliott, to approve Action Items e, f, and g:

E. Motion to approve the 2021-2022 School based ACCESS program services contract with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit #23 (Attachment D)

F. Motion to approve for submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Education PlanCon Part K: Project Refinancing documents for the General Obligation Note, Series of 2021. (Attachment E)

G. Motion to approve Muhlenberg Greene Architects to develop permit drawings required for the construction of an interior storefront partition at Hereford Elementary school on a Time and Expense basis. The estimated cost is $2,750 which will include the permit application and a preliminary cost estimate for the project.

Motion carried; all voted aye.

H. Motion by Judy Maginnis, seconded by Stephen Cunningham, to approve the Compensation Plan for Act 93 Administrators effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. VOTE: S. Cunningham – yes, Drake – absent, Elliott – yes, Hipszer – yes, Hofkin – no, Maginnis – yes, McCarrick – yes, Pennepacker – yes, M. Cunningham – yes. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORTS Motion by Stephen Cunningham, seconded by Keith McCarrick, to approve the payment of bills, in the amount of $1,439,352.85 from the General Fund. Motion carried; all voted aye.

Motion by Stephen Cunningham, seconded by Melanie Cunningham, to approve the attached payment of bills in the amount of $311,960.11 for Capital Reserve & Projects Account. Motion carried; all voted aye.

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NEW FOLLOW UP ITEMS Mrs. Hofkin asked for the cost of the Act 93 Agreement.

PUBLIC COMMENTS J.P. Prego, Upper Hanover Township, complimented the teachers and staff and said the community supports them. He urged patience and physical safety. He also reminded everyone to not lose sight of mental issues and to reach out to make sure everyone is doing okay. Jennifer Hartzel, East Greenville, asked to hear the explanation for the Western Center transportation for next year again. Carmina Taylor, thanked Mrs. Cunningham for providing a statement and engaging with her. Judy Sledgen, Hereford Township, said that mask wearing under sports equipment is dangerous and asked if that could be reconsidered for the outdoor sports. Mary Cannon, Hereford Township, commented how great it was that Dr. Roche was out at the schools. Linda Davidheiser, Hereford Township, asked why it is necessary for the masks to be worn at practice if the students are being tested weekly. Gene Dolloff, Upper Hanover Township, was happy to see students back in school four days a week, asked if and when Board members are in person that they could distance themselves so they could speak without masks, and said the board needs to proceed carefully when it comes to dealing with controversial matters.

BOARD COMMENTS Keith McCarrick, reported that Dr. Roche is now on the Board of Directors for the 21st Century Cyber Charter School. Dr. Roche said he took the invite as a learning opportunity.

ADJOURNMENT Motion by Keith McCarrick, seconded by Stephen Cunningham, that the meeting be adjourned at 7:49 p.m. Motion carried; all voted aye.

Sandra M. Kassel, Board Secretary