New Democrat-Led Pennridge School Board Promises Sweeping Changes

John Worthington | The Reporter•

The newly elected Pennridge school board members are sworn in at Monday’s reorganization meeting.

Democrats officially took control of the Pennridge School Board Monday evening, with promises to reverse several of the previous board’s controversial decisions.

The brief reorganization meeting began with the swearing in of new members Chris Kaufman, Bradley Merkl-Gump, Leah Rash and Carolyn Sciarrino. Incumbent Ron Wurz was also sworn in after winning re-election.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the board elected Wurz and Christine Batycki as president and vice president, respectively, by a vote of 6-3, with board members Wurz, Batycki, Kaufman, Merkl-Gump, Rash and Sciarrino voting in the majority and board members Jordan Blomgren, Ricki Chaikin and Bob Cormack voting in the minority.

Upon taking his seat, board president Wurz outlined the board’s agenda for the upcoming year, including "a revised and unbiased” social studies and Reading and English Language Arts (RELA) curriculum, the reinstatement of the fourth high school social studies credit requirement and the reintroduction of surveys on student health and well-being.

Wurz also vowed to improve staff morale by fostering a more respectful, collaborative work environment, enhance transparency with website improvements and returned emails, launch a legal review of the school’s current policies to avoid more costly lawsuits and install air conditioning in the elementary schools.

Wurz concluded with a message of unity.

"It is clear that we must be a board that focuses on the entire community. It is important now more than ever to include all viewpoints in our decision-making. We do not want to make the mistake of only listening to our supporters,” said Wurz. "We take this responsibility very seriously, and we will work hard to make sure that the board is successful, respectful and listens to our staff, our community and our students.”

The next Pennridge school board meeting is on January 22 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit pennridge.org.

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