Bulletin Board October 2025
Dear North Penn Community,
Following in the footsteps of North Penn’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate program, the school board approved the NPSD administration moving forward with a tax credit program for volunteer emergency responders. The plan, modeled after a countywide rebate program, will permit volunteer firefighters and members of fire companies residing and serving in the North Penn School District with up to $750 back in their property taxes for their volunteer service.
We recognize that these essential community services are harder and harder to come by these days. The demands placed on firefighters is immense, which is why the program is structured to encourage brave individuals in our community to serve or continue to serve as volunteer firefighters. To serve as a firefighter is an incredible commitment that comes with health and safety risks, requires continued education and training, and volunteers are expected to respond to emergencies at all hours. This work is done for the benefit of the members of this community, and it is done with nothing asked in return.
In order to receive a tax rebate benefit, volunteer members of fire companies will have to accumulate points directly related to their job responsibilities. For example, points can be earned for obtaining EMS training or EMS continuing education activities, department meetings and regular firefighter trainings. Longevity will be rewarded with points for every 5 years served with the local department. At least half of the points earned will have to come from emergency response calls.
The rebate is done on a variable basis. Different amounts of points earned equal increased rebate benefits. If you earn 50 points during the eligibility period, January 1st to December 31st, you will receive 25% of the maximum benefit. 100 points will earn you half of the maximum benefit, 150 points will earn you 75% and 200 points will allow volunteer emergency responders to claim a $750 rebate. This point system is based on an existing countywide rebate program and programs implemented in other communities.
More information on this program can be found in the NPSD Board of School Directors BoardDocs. When applications for the rebate become available they will be posted to the NPSD website.
It is our commitment to support those who support the families and taxpayers of North Penn. We are proud to do so by making things a little easier on those who sacrifice so much to keep us all safe. On behalf of the North Penn School Board, we thank you for your service to this community and hope you will continue to serve for years to come!
Sincerely,
Christian Fusco
NPSD Board of School Directors
Education/Curriculum/Instruction Committee
At the ECI Committee meeting that was held on October 7, 2025, the committee reviewed several items. The successful rollout of the Strong Start to Kindergarten program to all thirteen elementary schools was described for the committee members. In addition to this item, information relative to the PAYS (Pennsylvania Youth Survey) and Sense of Belonging Survey was presented. The committee also received details pertaining to planned overnight student trips.
Facilities and Operations Committee
At the September 29 meeting, the Facilities and Operations Committee reviewed several items that were moved to the action meeting agenda for full approval, including the Pennfield modular classroom HVAC unit replacement, NPHS asbestos/hazardous materials monitoring, NPHS change orders, and a pre-fabricated building for the transportation department. Additionally the committee received an update on renovations to North Penn High School.
Finance Committee
At the October 14, 2025, Finance Committee meeting the financial reports were reviewed in addition to the following items:
1. Mrs. Houser reviewed the Act 1 index for the 2026-27 fiscal year and recommended consideration of a resolution not to exceed the Act 1 index for the next fiscal year. The resolution appeared on the action meeting agenda.
2. The Committee heard a presentation from Mrs. Houser on the options for a Volunteer Firefighter Tax Rebate Program. The Board decided to move forward to with the program offering a variable rate and $750 max.
3. Forecast 5 Budgeting & Forecasting from Frontline was approved.
4. Approval of the contract with Hillendale to acquire and use the Beacon enrollment platform for medial, pharmacy, and other benefits.
5. Approval of exemption from 2025-26 property tax for Montgomery Township Parcel at 131 Gwynmont Drive.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee met on Monday, September 29, 2025. At the meeting, the committee reviewed three policies with their recommended modifications which were to be implemented in the 2025-26 school year. Those policies are Policy 102 - Academic Standards, Policy 105 - Curriculum, and Policy 209.2 - Diabetes Management. All three policies were on the action meeting agenda for a first reading.
Safe Schools Committee
The Safe Schools Committee met on September 29, 2025 at 5:45pm in a virtual format. Dr. Bauer and Mr. Rhone discussed a proposed reorganization of the Officer of Safe Schools to the Department of Public Safety to include armed school police officers. The committee approved the action agenda item of the renewal contract for Siemens for access control for the district access control. This would be for a two year service agreement.
NPSD Educational Foundation
The Foundation held its annual golf outing last week at Talamore Country Club at it was our best yet. $40,000 was raised to support our students - $10,000 more than last year. I want to thank both our sponsors and golfers who made our Golftoberfest a success!
The Foundation also began its U-Knight to Inspire Staff Giving campaign and midyear grants are being accepted through November 7th.
Any questions related to the Foundation can be directed to Christine Liberaski at the ESC, or you can learn more at npennedfoundation.org.