North Penn School Board Director Dr. Elisha Gee at the Nov. 20, 2025 meeting (Credit: YouTube)
Departure of Dr. Elisha Gee comes two weeks after board president Cathy McMurtrie resigned, creating a second vacancy
The North Penn School Board is facing a second sudden vacancy in as many weeks after Director Dr. Elisha Gee announced her immediate resignation during Monday night’s reorganization meeting, telling colleagues and the public she needed to recommit herself to “important professional and personal responsibilities.”
The announcement caught board leadership and the administration off guard.
Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer told the room he received an unexpected phone call earlier that day.
“This morning I received an unexpected phone call from Dr. Gee stating that she intends to resign from the board of directors,” he said. “This was a surprise today.”
Gee, a director for eight years and a 27-year veteran of public education, delivered an emotional farewell to colleagues and the district.
“After eight years of volunteer service on the North Penn School Board, I share tonight with gratitude and a full heart that I will be stepping down from my role,” Gee said. “This decision comes from a need to recommit myself to important professional and personal responsibilities and to give those aspects of my life the attention they now require.”
Gee, who is principal at Blair Mill Elementary in Hatboro-Horsham, thanked North Penn’s teachers and staff, calling them “the heartbeat of this district.” She also praised Dr. Bauer’s leadership “in the wake of COVID,” telling him, “You stepped into that moment with courage, dignity, and deep care.”
She closed by thanking her husband, Norman, and her adult children, all North Penn graduates.
“Thank you for giving me the time, the space, and the support to serve,” she said.
Colleagues reflect on Gee’s service
Newly-elected board President Juliane Ramic thanked Gee for helping newer members understand the complexities of public education policy.
“You spoke so eloquently of these being some of the most challenging times,” Ramic said. “It was the insight that you shared and the lessons that you shared with us that helped us to get through that.”
Newly-elected Vice President Kunbi Rudnick said Gee’s guidance will continue to shape the board’s work.
“There will be times in the future when you are not sitting there, and I will ask myself what would Dr. Gee ask me to consider,” she said. “That will make a difference.”
Bauer spoke personally about their 11-year working relationship, recalling their first conversation when he was high school principal.
“Our conversations are always very long and we challenge each other,” he said. “You have absolutely made me better, and I hope I have done the same for you.”
Public responds to the news
Gee’s husband, Norm, addressed the board during public comment, thanking her colleagues for their support.
“On behalf of myself, our family, friends of the North Penn community, thank you for your dedication, your service. It made a difference,” he said.
Hatfield Township resident Erin Blanc, a former GOP candidate for township commissioner, told the board she intended to apply for appointment.
“I submitted my name for the application for the replacement, and I would love to have your acceptance here,” she said.
Next steps
Ramic assured residents that the board would remain transparent as it manages two concurrent appointment processes.
“We are committed to a transparent process and one that is inclusive,” she said. “Any community member that would like to apply, would like to be considered, we welcome the opportunity to welcome you to a seat.”
Two open seats within 30 days
Gee’s resignation launches a new 30-day timeline for the board to appoint a replacement. Bauer said the district will follow the same process used two weeks earlier when Board President Cathy McMurtrie resigned unexpectedly on Nov. 21.
North Penn School District released the following details Tuesday afternoon:
The North Penn School District Board of School Directors is seeking candidates for open positions due to the resignations of Cathy McMurtrie and Dr. Elisha Gee. The board has 30 calendar days to select a replacement and plans to appoint the chosen candidates at a special action meeting on Wednesday, December 17, at 6 pm at the Educational Services Center, 401 East Hancock Street, Lansdale. The term for the open positions is until December 2027. The original deadline of December 1, 2025, has been extended due to the additional vacancy. Candidates who previously applied prior to the December 1 deadline do not need to reapply.
Residents or taxpayers of the district desiring to be appointed as a member of the board of school directors should forward their letter of interest, resume, and completed state ethics form/statement to Jessica Todd, NPSD Board Secretary, Educational Services Center (ESC), 401 E. Hancock St., Lansdale, PA 19446, or [email protected], to be received no later than midnight on Sunday, December 7, 2025. There is a drop-off box at the ESC for those who wish to drop off the materials in person on Saturday or Sunday.
Following submission, each NPSD board member will be provided all letters and resumes for review. A selection of candidates will be interviewed at the December 17th board meeting, with an appointment being made that evening as well. The interviews previously scheduled for December 10 will be rescheduled for December 17.
Interested applicants must meet/comply with the following qualifications/requirements:
1. Be of good moral character, be at least eighteen (18) years of age, have been a resident of the district for at least one (1) year prior to the date of his/her appointment, and shall not be a holder of any office or position as specified in Section 322 of the School Code; nor shall the individual be a member of the municipal council.
2. Shall not have been removed from any office of trust under federal, state or local laws for any malfeasance in such office.
3. Shall not be engaged in a business transaction with the school district, be employed by the school district, or receive pay for services from the school district, except as provided by law.
4. Shall take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation prescribed by statute before entering the duties of the office.
5. Shall file a statement of financial interests with the State Ethics Commission at the following times:
a. Before taking the oath of office or entering upon his/her duties.
b. Annually by May 1 while serving on the Board.
Cathy McMurtrie resigned effective November 20, 2025. Dr. Elisha Gee resigned effective December 1, 2025. The NPSD Board of School Directors and administration thank Ms. McMurtrie and Dr. Gee for their service.
The required state ethics form, which must be submitted to NPSD in printed form, can be found here.
