Pennridge school board members look on at a February meeting. (Courtesy of the Pennridge School District)
The Pennridge School Board is taking steps to improve the high school’s falling ranking, primarily through new Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
The high school is currently ranked #192 in Pennsylvania and #4,664 in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. Rankings are primarily based on AP participation and performance, with 34% of Pennridge high school students taking at least one AP exam and 28% passing at least one such exam.
At Monday’s full board meeting, board president Ron Wurz lamented the school’s current ranking, characterizing it as unreflective of the school’s educational quality. He also noted that school rankings impact population growth and property values.
To improve the school’s ranking, Wurz said, the board is currently exploring additional AP courses. He mentioned that the board recently approved a new AP Human Geography course, which currently has five full sections for the upcoming school year.
“It’s great step in the right direction,” said Wurz. “This is an example of how we are trying to improve our standings in the rankings and enhance college and career readiness.”
During his report, Wurz took the opportunity to address the board’s recently-unveiled revised bathroom policy, which would allow transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. Wurz clarified that the policy is still under consideration and that additional revisions will be publicized before the next policy committee meeting.
“It will be a policy that will make all students feel comfortable and safe in the bathrooms,” said Wurz. “Our board must be focused on helping support every single child in our district to achieve their maximum potential.”
“I want to reiterate my support for all students at Pennridge, including the LGBTQ community and all minorities,” added Wurz. “We need a united student body and not more division.”
Legal services RFP
The board issued a request for proposals (RFP) for legal services. The board’s current legal firm, Harrisburg-based Eckert Seamans, has been criticized by some community members for charging excessive fees to the district, amounting to over $1.3 million in the last three years.
However, some board members disagreed with the RFP, touting their support for Eckert Seamans and raising concerns about the potential competency of a new firm.
“I don’t think money should be the number one factor in every decision,” said board member Ricki Chaikin. “Getting a new lawyer would be a nightmare for this district. We won’t know if they’d be good or bad until we’re using them.”
“If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I’m very pleased with what we have,” said board member Jordan Blomgren, adding “It could in turn cost us more money, if you get something that’s cheaper but the quality is not there, and we won’t know until it happens.”
But board member Bradley Merkl-Gump argued that the board has a duty to Pennridge taxpayers to ensure the best possible deal.
“As a district, it’s important that we are assessing all of the contracts we have,” he said. “I’d like us to make sure that the people of Pennridge are getting the best deal.”
After some discussion, the RFP was approved by a vote of 6-3.
RELA update
The board eliminated “The Strange Cause of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” as required reading material for the 7th grade Reading, English and Language Arts course due to concerns about its age-appropriateness. The novel was added as a required text last year on the recommendation of the board’s previous consulting firm Vermilion Education.
The board also approved a renewed five-year contract with Chief Operating Officer Sean Daubert at a base salary of $195,000. While board members unanimously praised Daubert’s performance, some members criticized the contract’s free medical benefit plan.
The board additionally approved a maximum $5 million Public School Facility Improvement grant request to install upgraded LED lighting in the interior and exterior of all district buildings.
The next Pennridge School Board meeting is on May 13 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit pennridge.org.
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