Bulletin Board January 2026
A newsletter from the NPSD Board of School Directors
Dear North Penn,
As we step into a new year together, January has already afforded our students and school community a meaningful and energizing start to 2026 and a little time to enjoy the snow as well. I am grateful for the continued partnership with our families, staff, students and community members who make North Penn such a vibrant place to learn and grow and am eager to work with you all to ensure the best for our students.
Despite all of the warm energy in our classrooms, we cannot deny that January has been a cold one and certainly has me dreaming of warmer spring days. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Facilities and Operations and Transportation teams who worked tirelessly to manage the recent snowstorm. Their commitment ensured our buildings, buses, and grounds were safe, accessible, and ready for students and staff. Their behind the scenes efforts often go unseen, but they make an enormous difference in keeping our district running smoothly. A special shout out to our teachers who graciously pivoted lessons to be delivered in an asynchronous setting.
January also marks the beginning of important planning for the year ahead. During our January Action Meeting, the board approved the 2026-27 academic calendar with Monday, August 31, 2026 being the start of school and a few changes made to time off around Thanksgiving and spring break. If you ever wonder why your student has a random day off in a given month, many of our professional development days for staff are planned to coincide with holidays and celebrations recognized by members of the North Penn community. The Resources for Diversity and Equity is a great resource to learn more about those celebrations with resources to support family discussions and learning. And of course, the approved calendar does include bad weather make up dates and if used, would then extend the last day of school beyond June 10, 2027.
As a parent, I understand the importance and value of having this calendar to help with planning of childcare coverage, health appointments, and family vacations. To help with that planning, the calendar has been color coded for ease of use.
Red and blue - no school for students
Green - early dismissal (information about early dismissal time for elementary and secondary students can be found here)
Thank you for your continued support of North Penn’s students, educators, and services. Together, we will make 2026 a year of progress, opportunity, and pride for the entire North Penn community.
Warm Regards,
Juliane Ramic
President, NPSD Board of School Directors
P.S. Thank you to Inglewood Elementary for inviting the board to join their Mix it Up lunch and to the MCIU for inviting me to speak with and learn from some of our North Penn transition students participating in the EnVision program.
Education/Curriculum/Instruction Committee
The ECI committee met on on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Items on the agenda included the recommended school calendar for 2026-27, a course change for seventh grade science, student travel, and an update on the Special Education program across all grade levels.
The proposed calendar for the 2026-27 school year was moved to the action meeting for approval. Also moved to the action meeting for approval was the recommendation to offer one seventh grade science course as opposed to two to all students in that grade. This will allow greater scheduling opportunities for students and the ability for all students to participate in science fair activities. Student travel for various student groups was on the agenda for approval as well.
Facilities and Operations Committee
The Facilities and Operations Committee did not meet in December 2025.
Finance Committee
At the January 6, 2026, Finance Committee meeting the financial reports were reviewed in addition to the following items:
1. The Audit team from Zelenkofske Axelrod presented the Annual Audit report from FY 2024-2025. There were no findings to report.
2. Presentation of Cornerstone Independent Asset Management to assist in North Penn School District Liquidity Management to provide assistance with Liquidity management. This is a fixed fee arrangement and would assist in streamlining our cash holding and maximizing safe and collateral backed short term investments for our significant cash holdings. The board decided with a vote 6 to 3 to table the resolution in favor of an RFP process.
3. Approval of the Recommended items for the Action Meeting:
- Acceptance of the Auditors Report
- Assessment Appeal Settlements - Rhees
- Budget Transfers - December 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee did not meet in December 2025.
Safe Schools Committee
The Safe Schools Committee did not meet in December 2025.
NPSD Educational Foundation
The Foundation last met on December 16, during which trustees reviewed a program analysis of grants by subject area and school. While still in development, this data will help inform future funding priorities.
Trustees also visited Foundation-funded calming corners at Knapp Elementary School. The grant supports designated spaces that help students regulate emotions, build self-awareness, and contribute to a positive learning environment.
During the meeting, it was announced that the Foundation received state approval to extend its Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) STEM program to all schools. This expansion will support the Foundation’s partnership with NPSD, including the new SHIELD program.
The Foundation also discussed coordinating a winter coat drive to support NPSD next year. More details will be shared as plans develop.
Finally, in December, the Foundation’s Grant Review Committee approved mid-year funding totaling $32,554 in regular grants and $28,695 in EITC grants.
Any questions related to the Foundation can be directed to Christine Liberaski at the ESC, or you can learn more at npennedfoundation.org.