School Board Notes

At the March 25, 2025 Regular Board of School Directors meeting, Business Services Director Kimberly Steffy shared an update on the Methacton budget status and process for the 2025-2026 school year. The District is working diligently to reduce costs while ensuring that we have proper resources to provide an exceptional school experience. The presentation shared that the March budget update is currently sitting at a 4.8% tax increase. This is slightly over the allowable Act 1 Index of 4%, but includes referendum exception due to rising pupil services costs. The budget includes new texts and online curricular resources, a new police chief position, and an agreement for professional development in structured literacy as part of the district’s comprehensive plan goals. The district has also listed a number of positions that are no longer aligned to the future priorities and provide for some cost savings. The District will continue to assess areas where we can reduce additional costs while keeping program at the forefront of these efforts. The next steps are for the Board to receive an update in April and to consider voting on the proposed final budget for 2025-2026 with the final vote to occur in May.

The Board of School Directors were presented an update on the 5-year budget projections inclusive of borrowing for $213 million for a new high school. Given the fact that the need for facility improvements remains significant, the financial realities inclusive of declining revenue, rising costs, and economic uncertainties—make a $213 million dollar project financially challenging. Dr. Zerbe recommended to the Board that they consider exploring alternative renovation options to ensure our students and staff have the best possible learning environment while maintaining Methacton’s high standards of education. You can see his full message on this topic here. During the March 25th meeting, as a follow-up to that recommendation, the Board of School Directors approved CHA and the Schrader Group to provide feasibility and planning services to address renovations at the high school building and campus. As part of these services, the groups will be providing additional details and insight about what a renovation of the current high school building could entail.

Five Methacton students from North Montco Technical Career Center were honored at the March 18, 2025 Board Work Session for their accomplishments in February's SkillsUSA competition. The competition included students from Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties showcasing their skills in Career and Technical Education. Congratulations to Avery Smith, Elijah Perdue, Misty Emerson, Jacynda Mith, and Mason Iademarco. The first place winners, Avery Smith and Elijah Perdue, are advancing to the state competition in April.

The Spirit of Methacton Award is an opportunity to recognize our students, staff, and volunteers. Spirit of Methacton Award recipients are individuals who consistently model the qualities of the 9 core values of the Methacton School District. These individuals enrich our school community with their knowledge, commitment and support.

In March, we recognized outstanding individuals from Arcola Intermediate School.

The Methacton School District is proud to announce the 2025 Spirit of Methacton Awardees from Arcola:

• Stephanie Berardelli - Professional Staff
• Venessa Polinski - Support Staff
• Ethan Carver - Student
• Larcena Johnson - Volunteer

Congratulations and thanks for all you do for our Methacton schools! Read full story here.

A very special thank you to Emily Merscher and Modesto Kindu for representing Arcola Intermediate School as Junior Board Representatives for March 2025. Emily led the meeting by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Modesto delivered a statement on what makes Arcola such a great school.

Thank you for your outstanding representation of Arcola at our Board Meeting. We are truly honored to have such dedicated young leaders in our community.

All other items listed in the March 25, 2025 agenda were approved.

March 25, 2025: Regular Meeting of the Board

March 18, 2025 - Work Session

February 25, 2025: Regular Meeting of the Board

The Methacton School District's Board of School Directors meets each month. School board work session meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month, followed by the regular meeting on the fourth Tuesday (except during the month of December). Regular Board and Work Session meetings typically take place in the Arcola Auditorium, and all residents are invited to attend. Committee meetings take place in the MHS LGI. Meeting agendas are posted to Agenda Manager, and start times and locations are posted on the District's website. Please confirm meeting time and location before attending. Download the meeting calendar here. Watch the meeting video online.

Email: information@methacton.org
Website: www.methacton.org
Location: 1001 Kriebel Mill Road, Eagleville, PA, USA
Phone: 610-489-5000