Bulletin Board September 2025
Dear North Penn Community,
I’ve had the privilege to chair the Safe Schools Committee for two terms alongside my fellow Board of School Directors, witnessing the continuous improvement and evolution that a robust safe schools strategy requires. I’m grateful for the board members who served prior to myself and those who will continue this essential role of the North Penn School Board. We have increased training and expectations for our safe schools program while using nationally recognized experts to advise us on Behavior Threat Assessment, Title IX, and a comprehensive Safety & Security Assessment of all 21 buildings.
We have implemented many innovative solutions, from therapy dogs and dynamic bus alerts for families, to new technologies like vaping sensors or weapons detection and video analytics, plus robust cybersecurity, improved communication with first responders, and crisis communications upgrades across all facilities. However, no matter how much technology a school implements, it is always people who make the actual solutions that work.
I’m most thankful for our dedicated security professionals and our district staff working and training together to provide North Penn students a place that ensures belonging, elevates learning and engages our school communities so students can exceed expectations. None of this is achieved without the strong alliance we have with North Penn’s six local police departments and their assistance to achieve our educational mission.
Educational excellence requires safe, secure, welcoming and vibrant schools. The foundation for attaining this vision is forming a clear, methodical strategy informed by research, data and evidence-based decision making. Preparation and prevention are the most proactive ways to protect students, with the additional benefit of protecting taxpayers from reactive, wasteful spending.
We are focused on prevention, relationships and communication. It is why we are committed to the district’s climate survey and the annual PAYS survey tool that helps to check for blindspots. We have led the way in Pennsylvania with transparency and regularly sharing information at our committee meetings. As always, I welcome any community member to participate in the district's engagement opportunities such as the Safe Schools Committee; or by contacting Mr. Rhone, Dr. Bauer, or the school board with feedback and questions.
Research proves that when trust exists with a school, its students and community, then prevention efforts are increased and the risk for violence and harm will decrease. We continue to invest in a culture of safety model that is a balance of prevention, response and resilience. This is why relationships and building quality rapport makes a difference. Please view this short TEDx clip by a North Penn parent and safe schools professional, Dr. Beth Sanborn, who perfectly explains the benefits of a relationship based school community model.
At September’s committee, Dr. Bauer and Mr. Rhone presented a proposed change to our Emergency Management and Safe Schools Department that would add armed school police officers within a comprehensive strategy. This is an initial proposal and many more discussions and meetings will occur before a final vote is even proposed. Conversations about this idea have occurred for years and we will continue to work with our community, staff, and local police departments to ensure school safety for all.
Thank you for your continued partnership with the school district as we adapt to an ever-changing world. I encourage you to stay informed and stay involved as we further explore the benefits, and concerns, to evolve a public safety department that reflects and upholds the values of our North Penn community.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Kassa
NPSD Board of School Directors
Education/Curriculum/Instruction Committee
At the ECI meeting on August 19, 2025, the committee received an update regarding the garnering and incorporation of input from students and staff relative to the renovations at North Penn High School. Among the topics that were discussed were safety, accessibility, technology integration and design, look and feel of common spaces and classrooms as well as branding and graphics. Also during that meeting, information was shared about the S.H.I.E.L.D. special that is being piloted at five elementary school buildings during 2025-26. The goal of this program is to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and build critical thinking skills through engaging and interactive experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program will be expanded to all 13 elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year.
Facilities and Operations Committee
At the August 25 meeting, the Facilities and Operations Committee reviewed change orders related to the renovations of North Penn High School. These change orders were moved to the action meeting for approval from the full board. Additionally, contracts for additional services, including features surveys, were moved to the action meeting agenda. The committee also discussed the update to the 10-year capital needs and received an update on modular classrooms at Pennfield Middle School.
Finance Committee
At the September 9, 2025, Finance Committee meeting the financial reports were reviewed in addition to the following items:
- Request to issue an RFP for a demographic study
- Request to issue an RFP for a district facility condition study
- Discussion of implementing a Volunteer First Responder tax rebate
- Approval of an assessment appeal
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee met on August 25, 2025. At the meeting, the committee reviewed recommendations for a slight modification to policies 103 and 104. These policies concern Discrimination/Title IX Sexual Harassment. Additionally, the committee agreed to recommend that Policy 2603 - Advertising be repealed.
Safe Schools Committee
The Safe Schools Committee met on August 25, 2025 at 5:45pm in a virtual format. Mr. Rhone shared a presentation on the beginning of the school year safe schools preparation. Staff participated in a number of trainings such as ALICE Training, How to Properly Call 911 and Situational awareness. Dr. Kristen Landis shared a presentation on the district cyber security.
NPSD Educational Foundation
The Foundation welcomed Michael George-Reichley, Pennbrook teacher and NPEA president, to our board in August. Per our bylaws the association's president or representative serves as a trustee. We thank Sean Devlin for has support over the years and look forward to working with Mike.
Final preparations were underway for the golf classic held October 7th at Talamore Country Club. We are sold out of golfer slots, but sponsors are always welcome. Thank you to all who have already donated.
We are also very excited for a new partnership with Dill Dinkers Pickleball in Lansdale. They are hosting a fundraiser at their facility for the Foundation on October 2nd. For a nominal donation, families can participate open play, with balls and paddles included. All proceeds will benefit the Foundation.
Any questions related to the Foundation can be directed to Christine Liberaski at the ESC, or you can learn more at npennedfoundation.org.