Submission: North Penn School Board is the Definition of a ‘Political Monopoly’

(Editor’s note: the following is a submission from Vince Altieri for North Penn School Board. The submission was edited for formatting and AP style purposes only. The views expressed within are his own.)

A monopoly is defined as the exclusive possession or control of a commodity or service. What makes the North Penn School Board (NPSB) most dangerous, is their political monopoly silences its own taxpayers that fuels its own existence. Why would the Board of Directors (BODs) take part in such despicable acts? – because they can, and nobody on this monopoly has the leadership courage to challenge others’ perceived power. While religiously attending school board meetings, this parent has seen firsthand how political agendas have impacted decisions and fueled this political machine.

Here are some examples, along with remedies, for this school board to start acting like members of the community:

• The option for in-school learning was delayed even after the BODs surveyed parents and learned that a majority preferred this option. This topic was discussed on several occasions and can be referenced during a virtual meeting held on 7/15/20.

Remedy: Make decisions based on what parents feel is proper for their child’s pursuit of academic excellence and their ability to be sociably whole. 

• In fact, the BODs allowed the former superintendent to make the following unproven statement: “As a school district, we have proven that students can learn and that teachers can instruct virtually.” This statement was made by the superintendent via email on 12/7/21 in a communication titled, “NPSD Inclement Weather Notification Reminders 12-7-21”

Remedy: Elect BODs that will hold themselves and administrators accountable to truth as opposed to opinion.

• Masks were deemed mandatory long after the Supreme Court decided that the CDC overstepped its authority.

Remedy: Instead of blindly following a political agenda, have the common sense to pivot when it is practical.

• Since 2020, and as evident by action meeting after meetings that are televised on YouTube, there have been a total of four “No, dissenting votes.”

Remedy: Elect a diverse group of thinkers that will discuss and debate as opposed to virtually agreeing on everything.

• The BODs intend on putting out a voting referendum that will ask taxpayers to vote on a $94,640,440 ninth grade addition to the North Penn High School. During this same presentation, it was noted that if approved, this addition would lead to a complete high school renovation project that would ultimately cost $800 million dollars. Based on the high school stadium being $1.7 million over budget and the health care clinic being nearly four times over budget, as disclosed at the 4/11/23 NPSD finance meeting, it is my opinion that a conservative cost for the new high school will be well over $1 billion. Another reason why I believe in excess of $1 billion is likely, is because not once has my opinion been challenged by the BODs when I call them out on this scary figure. Simply put: this is fuzzy math and DC politics.

Remedy: Tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

While disregard for common law, parents’ choice, and fiscal responsibility is unethical at best, here is how a political monopoly not only impacts taxpayers — this is how a monopoly stifles free speech:

• When current BODs — which had and still have political aspirations — stood exactly where parents like myself,stand today during public comment, they were allowed to speak without limit. Fast forward now to how a monopoly is run by people that we the people elected, parents like myself are now told to sit down after three minutes. The president of the monopoly then famously states, “Your time is up.” By definition, this is hypocrisy!

Remedy: Allow taxpayers the opportunity to express their opinion or concern within a reasonable amount of time.

Sadly, I have not yet spoken towards the most disturbing consequence that this ignominious BODs actions have on our children — a decline in academic excellence. And while I believe in my heart that this consequence was unintended, elections have consequences, not only for the taxpayer, but unfortunately to the children who are the future to what I believe is the greatest country in the world!

While there are several points of reference to the undeniable decline in academic excellence in our public schools, I point towards an article that was initially published in the Reading Eagle and then shared on April 17 on the front page of The Reporter. This article sadly states: “Poor Grades.”

Furthermore, when I moved to Lansdale more than 15 years ago, NPSD’s ranking was just outside the top ten. Since then, NPSD has been surpassed by many private schools in the area without a brand-new football stadium or a health care clinic. I can only imagine the outrage of taxpayers that are not only funding NPSD but are also paying for their child’s private education.

This BODs needs to stop acting like a monopoly and start acting like reasonable members of the community, because at the end of the day, poor grades are the result of poor leadership.

In closing, the BODs must focus on academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and empathy — a commitment to these core values will restore trust!

Signed,

Vince Altieri
Person of common sense
North Penn School Board candidate

"It has been brought to my attention that my assessment of the Health Care Clinic being four times over budget was an inaccurate statement. I would like to correct myself by noting that during the March 7 finance meeting, it was noted that $800,000 was being moved from two separate accounts (tobacco surcharge and internal service funds) because three grants were not approved. Again, the purpose of moving these funds into the Health Care project was to offset the construction costs because previously applied grants were not approved.  

I would like to thank Mr. Skrocki for taking the time to read my submission and for correcting my oversight."