North Penn School Board to appoint new director at December work session, applications open

The North Penn School District Board of Directors will appoint a new director to replace President Cathy McMurtrie in two-and-a-half weeks and is accepting applications now from district taxpayers.

On Thursday night, the board unanimously accepted the sudden resignation of McMurtrie, formerly Wesley, who was appointed president in January at the reorganization meeting and first elected to the board in 2019, and re-elected in 2023.

McMurtrie was absent from the meeting, which was run by Vice President Juliane Ramic. McMurtrie did not respond to requests for comment on her resignation.

McMurtrie’s appointed replacement will fulfill the remainder of her term, expiring December 2027, and then can remain on the board by appearing on the ballot of that election year to be elected to a new term.

Ramic is now in charge of the board as veep, until a president appointment is officially made by the board.

North Penn School Board Vice President Juliane Ramic (Credit: YouTube)

“I will keep my remarks brief, because I know that is what President McMurtrie would prefer. I have sincerely enjoyed working alongside Cathy over the last six years, and especially this past year as she and I worked and grew together in her role as board president,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer. “This was a sudden resignation, but I wish Kathy nothing but the best. I appreciate her commitment to the students and staff of this community, and more than anything, I appreciate her friendship. I look forward to seeing her again, and I hope she gets everything she wants in her true retirement, which she definitely deserves.”

Ramic said she has appreciated and valued the opportunity to work with McMurtrie, especially over the past year.

“It was an incredible experience. She often pointed out our differences and how those differences created balance and greater synergy. Cathy has taught all of us to ask a lot of questions and to dig deep into the details,” Ramic said.

Director Kunbi Rudnick addressed her “dear friend” as someone who retired for her own well-being.

“I want to say how much she will be missed. This puts me in a very difficult position, because now I have to think of those questions first. She was always so good with the questions she asked, and I would think, ‘Darn it, I was just about to say that,’ but she always said it so much better,” Rudnick said. “It is a loss for us and for the district, especially as we’re in the middle of a construction project. Her depth of knowledge is amazing.”

She said the board will get through it.

“I will miss having Cathy there — she made me feel like I didn’t have to work so hard. Now I definitely have to work a little bit harder,” she said.

Application and appointment process

According to a news release from the district, the board has 30 calendar days to select a replacement. The board plans to appoint a chosen candidate at its work session on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Educational Services Center.

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 district Board Secretary Jessica Todd, 401 E. Hancock St., Lansdale, PA 19446, or via email to [email protected].

Submissions must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1.

Following submission, each current school board member will be provided all letters and resumes for review.

A selection of candidates will be interviewed at the Dec. 10 board meeting, with an appointment being made that evening as well, according to the district.

Interested applicants must be “of good moral character,” at least 18 years old, and living in the district for at least one year prior to Dec. 10, 2025.

Applicants cannot hold political office or positions and cannot be a member of any council, board of supervisors, or board of commissioners, or be employed by the district or conduct business with the district.

Other requirements are as follows:

• Applicants shall not have been removed from any office of trust under federal, state or local laws for any malfeasance in such office.
• Applicants 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.
• Applicants shall take and subscribe to the oath or affirmation prescribed by statute before entering the duties of the office.
• Applicants shall file a statement of financial interests with the State Ethics Commission before taking the oath of office or entering upon his/her duties, and annually by May 1 while serving on the Board.

The district administration thanked McMurtrie for her six years of service.

The required state ethics form, which must be submitted to North Penn in printed form, can be found here.

For more information, contact Jessica Todd at [email protected] or 215-853-1044.