(The following is part of a series of monthly submissions from the North Penn School District Board of School Directors. This submission was authored by North Penn School Board Director Juliane Ramic. The views expressed within are her own.)
Dear North Penn,
Here we are in October with the school year well underway. We are in that fantastic place in fall where student activities are in full swing that enable us to begin seeing and recognizing the tremendous effort, dedication, and talents of our North Penn students. Not sure if you have heard but…
During the October action meeting, the Board of School Directors voted to move forward with a special election referendum regarding high school renovations. On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the North Penn community will have the opportunity to vote on the following question:
"Shall debt in the sum of $97,318,376 for the purpose of financing new construction that includes space for ninth grade students to be educated on campus and renovations of NPHS be authorized to be incurred as debt approved by the voters?”
This question will determine the future of North Penn High School and this district. It is now time to focus our sights on the tremendous efforts and talents of our North Penn community. There is much to do, much information to share and learn, and many questions for us all to ponder.
But this, like the efforts and talents we have seen on full display by our North Penn students this school year, is our moment to shine as a community! This is our opportunity to come together, do the work, make the time, and in January, cast our vote for the future of North Penn High School. We would welcome your engagement! Please consider joining a tour, check out the Reimagine website, tune into a school board meeting where updates about the effort are almost always on the agenda, or join a Community Conversation with Dr. Bauer but above all, take a moment to speak with your friends and neighbors. It is through these discussions and your engagement that we will ensure that the vision for North Penn High School will serve our community for the next generation.
In reviewing experiences of moving major renovation projects through to a referendum, I recently learned that the most challenging segment of our population to reach are parents whose youngest child is in high school right now. Well, that is me! As a mom of two daughters, with my youngest being a current 10th grade student, my husband and I are in a place where we recognize that our time as engaged school parents is coming to an end and we are ready to do all we can to enjoy the next 3 school years. Our youngest daughter was also part of the last 6th grade class who wrapped up their time at Knapp before renovation efforts began. We are a family whose kids have missed out on the benefits that newly renovated buildings can bring. Despite this, we know the value and benefits these efforts have for our North Penn community that we have grown to love so deeply.
Planning for a project the size of North Penn High School is not an easy task and there will be literally thousands of decisions to be made. We welcome both your engagement and your patience as the incredible team we have working on this project continue to work through the details. As of right now, we are still working to finalize plans that will help us determine things like the final square footage of learning space, the paint colors that will replace the current 1970s pallet, the final total number of parking spots, the status, number, and materials to be used for sports fields, and the plans for ensuring that the NPHS campus includes elements of environmental sustainability - just to name a few!
Despite all that we must work through before we can even get to a place where we can break ground, know that you will be welcomed on tours, at School Board meetings, and community conversations with the Superintendent. Because we know the hectic schedules you all are juggling, we will continue to bring information to you through the Reimaging website and televised meetings housed on the NPTV YouTube channel.
At the end of the day, after your vote has been cast in January and the renovation of North Penn High School has been completed, let’s ensure that all of the time, effort, and investment keeps the needs of our students at the forefront and that while we are engaging in Reimaging North Penn High School, let’s continue to come together to recognize, support, and celebrate the progress and good that our students are doing. Go North Penn!
Signed,
Juliane Ramic
NPSD Board of School Directors
Term Expiration: 2023
