Upper Merion Area High School District public meetings in 2025
49 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board approved a $88,700 contract with Curriculum Management Solutions, Inc. for a K-12 curriculum audit, ratified over $10.4 million in October bills across all funds, and approved a confidential student settlement. The board also adopted the 2026-2027 high school course guide and authorized a student trip to a Model UN conference.
- Approved contract with Curriculum Management Solutions, Inc. for curriculum audit, not to exceed $88,700
- Ratified October bills totaling $10,486,300.58 across General Fund, Capital Reserve, Capital Projects, Food Service, and Extra-Curricular accounts
- Approved confidential settlement for student #334130 using General Funds
- Adopted Upper Merion Area High School Program of Studies and Course Selection Guide for 2026/2027
- Approved school-sponsored trip to Ivy League Model UN Conference in Philadelphia, January 22-25, 2026 (no cost to district)
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a proposed contract with Curriculum Management Solutions, Inc. for a K-12 curriculum audit, not to exceed $88,700, and approve the 2026/2027 High School Program of Studies. The board will also consider personnel actions, a confidential student settlement, and authorize board officers to sign checks and purchase orders.
- Proposal with Curriculum Management Solutions, Inc. for a curriculum audit, not to exceed $88,700, paid from the Superintendent budget
- Approval of the Upper Merion Area High School Program of Studies and Course Selection Guide for 2026/2027
- Confidential student settlement for student #334130, to be paid from General funds
- Personnel actions including resignations, salary changes, and extra-duty pay for middle school clubs and sports
- Authorization for Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer to sign checks and purchase orders for district accounts
Reorganization Meeting - FINAL
The Board of School Directors met to conduct annual reorganization procedures. The agenda includes the election of officers, seating of members, and various committee appointments.
- Election of a Temporary President
- Nominations for President
- Nominations for Vice President
- Vocational-Technical School Operating Committee nominations
- Authorization of use of signature stamp
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting
The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will receive updates on a K-6 English Language Arts pilot, a proposed new high school course in Sports Literature, and the Chief Science Officers program. The meeting also includes public comment periods and board member comments, followed by adjournment.
- Update on K-6 ELA pilot
- New HS English course: Sports Literature
- Chief Science Officers update
- 2025-2026 Student Voice/Parent & Community Advisory Committee Update
- Federal Grant Programs 2025-2026 - Stakeholders Update
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will hold a regular public business meeting on November 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Middle School Auditorium. Key action items include final readings and approval of several policies related to home education programs, attendance, electronic devices, and conflict of interest, as well as a SMART license renewal contract not to exceed $11,181.18. The board will also consider personnel recommendations, including an interim principal at Gulph Elementary School, and accept the audited annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025.
- Final reading and approval of Policy 137 (Home Education Programs) and related policies 137.1, 137.2, 137.3
- Final reading and approval of Policy 204 (Attendance), Policy 237 (Electronic Devices), Policy 827 (Conflict of Interest)
- SMART license renewal contract not to exceed $11,181.18
- Appointment of Eileen Spector as interim principal at Gulph Elementary School
- Acceptance of audited annual financial report for year ended June 30, 2025
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board approved a series of personnel actions including hires, retirements, and leaves, as well as financial reports and a three-year contract for turf field maintenance. The meeting also included presentations from Gulph Elementary School and the superintendent.
- Approved $2.89M net payroll and $7.11M accounts payable for September 2025
- Accepted audited annual financial report for year ended June 30, 2025
- Approved 3-year contract with Performance Sports Turf Management for $16,800/year
- Approved interim principal for Gulph Elementary School
- Approved agreement with Red Rover Technologies for hiring platform services
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Policy Review and Equity & Finance Committee Meeting
The Policy Review and Equity & Finance Committee will hold final readings on ten policies, including home education programs, extracurricular participation, attendance, electronic devices, and conflict of interest. The committee will also receive a presentation on the 2024-25 audit and review the Act 1 budget timeline for 2026-27. Public comments are limited to five minutes per speaker.
- Final reading of Policy 137: Home Education Programs
- Final reading of Policy 137.1: Extracurricular Participation by Home Education Students
- Final reading of Policy 204: Attendance
- 2024-25 Audit Report Presentation by Maillie LLP
- Act 1 Timeline for 2026-27 Budget
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a large slate of personnel actions, including hiring instructional aides, approving family/medical leaves, and adjusting stipends for extracurricular sponsors. The board will also hear presentations on high school highlights and youth vaping dangers.
- Approval of 12 professional employees for tenure status change
- Hiring of 8 full-time instructional aides at $18–$20/hour
- Approval of 13 family/medical leaves for professional employees
- Stipend adjustments for HS Robotics sponsors: R. Brown to $1,452.80, N. Carullo to $1,162.24
- Compensation for Middle School Drama Club production of Peter Pan: set construction, light technician, and assistant director at $20/hour
🗳️ How they voted (7 roll-call votes)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a lengthy list of personnel items, including professional and support staff hires, resignations, retirements, salary changes, and leaves of absence. The meeting also includes presentations on high school highlights and a student-led talk on vaping dangers, plus approval of prior meeting minutes.
- Approval of professional recommendations including rescinding prior approvals, amending sponsor compensations, and approving 12 family/medical leaves of absence
- Approval of support recommendations including appointments for instructional aides at $19.00/hour and a custodian at $27.18/hour
- Approval of administrative recommendations including retirement of Dr. Susan Silver, Assistant Superintendent
- Presentation by Montgomery County Teen Senate on dangers of vaping for youth
- Moment of silence acknowledging the passing of former school board member Lawrence (Tim) Blanche
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a large slate of personnel actions including professional and support staff hires, salary changes, leaves of absence, and suspensions. The board will also consider approving a $1,000 entertainment package for the high school Mini-Thon event and receive financial reports.
- Approval of professional employee tenure changes for 12 staff members
- Approval of $1,000 entertainment package for UMHS Mini-Thon event on March 26, 2026
- Approval of multiple family/medical leaves of absence and two paid suspensions
- Approval of compensation amendments for several high school class sponsors and robotics sponsors
- Approval of support staff appointments including instructional aides at $19.00/hour and a custodian at $27.18/hour
Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting
The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will consider action items including a $119,998.44 purchase order for a middle school auditorium sound system, approval of a Targeted Assistance and Support (TSI) plan for the high school, and a three-year $54,030 contract for PA-ETEP educator evaluation software. Personnel recommendations include amending a coach's compensation, approving resignations, appointments, and a family/medical leave. The meeting also includes public comment periods and board comments.
- Purchase order to Illuminate Integration for $119,998.44 for Middle School Auditorium Sound System upgrades
- Approval of Targeted Assistance and Support (TSI) Plan for Upper Merion Area High School
- Three-year agreement with EDULINK Software Solutions for PA-ETEP educator evaluation software not to exceed $54,030
- Amend compensation for T. Butler, 8th Grade Middle School Assistant Football Coach from $5,424.12 to $1,084.82
- Appointment of Melissa Gallen and Tejal Pisat as full-time instructional aides at Caley Elementary at $19.50/hour
Policy Review and Equity Committee Meeting
The Policy Review and Equity Committee will hold a first-read discussion on several proposed and revised policies, including new policies on home education students' participation in cocurricular activities and career and technical education programs. Other policies up for discussion cover attendance, electronic devices, federal fiscal compliance, conflict of interest, and school visitors. The meeting also includes time for board and public comments.
- First-read discussion of Policy 137: Home Education Programs
- First-read discussion of new Policy 137.2: Participation in Cocurricular Activities and Academic Courses by Home Education Students
- First-read discussion of new Policy 137.3: Prioritization and Placement for Participation in Career and Technical Education Programs
- First-read discussion of Policy 237: Electronic Devices
- First-read discussion of Policy 907: School Visitors
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a series of personnel actions, including the appointment of a long-term substitute Spanish teacher at $58,142/year, approval of family/medical leaves, and ratification of resignations for 14 teachers whose assignments ended July 31, 2025. The board will also approve extra-duty stipends for school-based leaders and club sponsors for the 2025/2026 school year, along with other administrative items. The meeting includes procedural items like approval of minutes from August 11, 2025, and public comment.
- Appointment of Cecilia Barry as long-term substitute Spanish teacher at $58,142/year, effective August 25, 2025
- Ratification of resignations for 14 teachers (LIFT, ESY, Adult ESL) with effective dates of July 31 or August 11, 2025
- Approval of extra-duty stipends totaling $2,260 each for 14 school-based leaders (Social Media and Cultural Proficiency) for 2025/2026
- Approval of up to 12 weeks family/medical leave for two employees (Employee #2718 and #3918) effective August 18, 2025
- Approval of stipends for high school club sponsors, including $9,986.56 for Band Director and $8,437.52 each for Yearbook advisors
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a large slate of personnel actions, including resignations, appointments, leaves, and extra-duty stipends for the 2025-2026 school year. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the August 11 meeting and public comment on agenda items. No policy changes, budget items, or facility projects are listed.
- Appointment of Cecilia Barry as long-term substitute Spanish teacher at $58,142/year
- Approval of extra-duty stipends for school-based leaders, club sponsors, and coaches, including $2,260 each for social media and cultural proficiency leaders
- Approval of up to 12 weeks family/medical leave for two employees and unpaid leave for another
- Approval of resignations for 14 teachers and support staff, mostly with assignment-ended effective dates
- Approval of hourly rates for official scorers/clock operators at $50 weekday and $55 weekend
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School District board will hold its regular public business meeting, primarily acting on routine administrative items. The agenda includes approval of minutes, personnel recommendations (resignations and a leave of absence), and consent-style approvals for budget, operations, student services, curriculum, and superintendent items. Public comment is limited to five minutes per speaker.
- Approval of minutes from August 11, 2025 meeting
- Ratification of 14 professional resignations (LIFT, ESY, Adult ESL teachers) effective July 31 or August 11, 2025
- Ratification of 6 ESY aide resignations effective July 31, 2025
- Approval of family/medical leave for employee #635343 effective August 18, 2025
- Approval of budget, operations, student services, curriculum, and superintendent items
Operations/Facilities Committee Meeting
The Operations/Facilities Committee will consider several action items, including a $2.8 million food service budget for 2025-26, a $164,115 middle school elevator replacement tied to a flood insurance claim, and a partnership with BusPatrol America for school bus stop-arm cameras. The committee will also vote on personnel appointments, resignations, and other operational contracts.
- Recommend approval of 25/26 Food Service Budget at $2,822,606
- Middle school elevator replacement to Code Elevator for $164,115 (insurance claim from March 2025 flood)
- BusPatrol America agreement for school bus stop-arm cameras; equipment at no cost, district receives $250 per $300 fine
- Security initiative: replace CLASS buttons with Alertus buttons for $65,835, integrated into Montgomery County system
- Personnel actions: appoint 4 teachers and 6 support staff, approve interim principal at Roberts Elementary
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board is voting on a large slate of personnel actions, including new hires, salary adjustments, and coaching assignments for the 2025-2026 school year. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a moment of silence for a former teacher and board member.
- Approval of new hires: Evan Corey (long-term sub teacher, $69,771/yr), Michelle McEvoy (school counselor, $88,157/yr), Isaac Sattazahn (temporary counselor, $53,158/yr), Aenya R. Ulke (temporary school psychologist, $76,997/yr)
- Salary changes for dozens of staff, with increases ranging from ~$1,000 to over $13,000 (e.g., Donna Botzum from $87,861 to $101,308; Sabrina Platt from $66,784 to $81,388)
- Appointment of coaches and sponsors for middle and high school sports, including football head coach Marquis Weeks ($11,546.96) and cheerleading head coach Shannon DiFebbo ($9,642.88)
- Approval of up to 12 weeks family/medical leave for three employees (Employee #4232, #382593, #2767)
- Ratification of resignations for multiple staff, including Eric Bowe (tennis coach) and Susan Busch (Adult ESL teacher)
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will consider personnel actions including resignations, appointments, and leaves of absence. They will also vote on final approval of two policies (Policy 006: Meetings and Policy 006.1: Attendance via Electronic Communications) and a correction to the 2025/2026 Board meeting schedule. Information items include curriculum updates on personal finance, dual enrollment, and an AI handbook, as well as federal grant program results.
- Recommendation to appoint a 1.0 Elementary (5th Grade) Language Arts Teacher and a 1.0 Science (8th Grade) Teacher
- Approval of up to 12 weeks family/medical leave for Employee #3061 and continuation of unpaid leave for Employee #747247 through April 30, 2026
- Final reading and approval of Policy 006: Meetings and Policy 006.1: Attendance at Meetings Via Electronic Communications
- Correction to the February 9, 2026 Board meeting date (removed from proposed schedule)
- Summer Instructional Aides for Extended School Year (ESY) Program, June 23–July 24, 2025, at 2024/2025 hourly rate, not to exceed 90 hours
Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting - FINAL
The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will vote on hiring two new teachers (Caitlin Crosby at $88,157/year and Benjamin Giordano at $76,083/year), approving Policy 006 on meetings and Policy 006.1 on electronic attendance, and correcting the 2025/2026 board meeting schedule. The committee will also recognize retiree Timothy Bickhart and receive updates on curriculum, federal grants, and a new parent advisory committee.
- Appointment of Caitlin Crosby as 5th Grade Language Arts Teacher at $88,157/year, effective August 18, 2025
- Appointment of Benjamin Giordano as 8th Grade Science Teacher at $76,083/year, effective August 18, 2025
- Final reading and approval of Policy 006 (Meetings) and Policy 006.1 (Attendance via Electronic Communications)
- Correction to February 9, 2026 board meeting date on the 2025/2026 proposed schedule
- Recognition of retiree Timothy Bickhart with 7 years of service
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on personnel actions including hiring a kindergarten teacher at $88,157/year, approving 2025-2026 administrator salaries, and entering a substitute staffing agreement with EduStaff, LLC. The board will also ratify April 2025 bills totaling over $8.4 million and recognize retirees and student award winners.
- Approve 2025-2026 UMAEA teacher salaries (attachment 6.A.1)
- Hire Jessica Orellana as temporary kindergarten teacher at Gulph Elementary, $88,157/year
- Approve 2025-2026 administrator salaries (attachment 6.C.1)
- Enter substitute staffing agreement with EduStaff, LLC for 2025-2026
- Ratify April 2025 bills: $2.74M payroll, $5.32M accounts payable, plus other funds
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a slate of personnel actions including teacher hires, salary schedules for 2025-2026, and a substitute staffing contract with EduStaff, LLC. The board will also ratify April 2025 financial reports totaling over $8.4 million in various funds and recognize retirees and student award winners.
- Approve UMAEA teacher salaries for 2025-2026 school year
- Approve administrator salaries for 2025-2026 school year
- Enter into substitute staffing agreement with EduStaff, LLC for 2025-2026
- Ratify General Fund bills: $2.74M payroll, $5.32M accounts payable for April 2025
- Appoint Michael Nickson as Custodial Supervisor at $105,000/year
2025-2026 Final Budget Adoption Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board voted to adopt the 2025-2026 General Fund Budget of $138,417,285 in expenditures and revenues, and approved a real estate tax millage rate of 24.01 mills — a 5.68% increase from the prior year's 22.72 mills. The board also approved the 2025 Homestead and Farmstead exclusion resolution. This was the final budget adoption meeting for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Adoption of 2025-2026 General Fund Budget with $138,417,285 in expenditures and revenues
- Real estate tax millage set at 24.01 mills, a 5.68% increase over 2024-2025 rate of 22.72 mills
- Approval of 2025 Homestead and Farmstead exclusion resolution
- Public comment limited to five minutes per speaker
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a resolution to increase the real estate tax rebate program from 40% to 50% for qualified homeowners and renters for 2025-2026. The board will also consider multiple personnel actions including teacher hires, salary approvals, and contract renewals for services like the digital hall pass system and special education programs. Several recognitions and presentations are scheduled, including student art and retiree honors.
- Real estate tax rebate program increase to 50% for 2025-2026
- Hire of Jessica Orellana as kindergarten teacher at $88,157/year
- Securly e-hallpass contract for middle school at $4,860
- Lease agreement with MCIU for Pre K Counts at Belmont School
- Contract renewal with MCIU Virtual High School at $9,950
2025-2026 Final Budget Adoption Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will consider adopting the final 2025-2026 general fund budget of $138,417,285, which includes a real estate tax millage increase to 24.01 mills (a 5.68% rise from 22.72 mills). The board will also vote on resolutions for the annual tax levy and homestead/farmstead exclusions. Public comment will be heard before the vote.
- Adoption of $138,417,285 general fund budget for 2025-2026
- Real estate tax millage set at 24.01 mills, a 5.68% increase over 2024-2025
- Approval of 2025 Homestead and Farmstead exclusion resolution and amounts
- Public comment period on agenda items limited to five minutes per speaker
Facilities and Operations Committee Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area High School Facilities and Operations Committee will consider several action items, including a three-year fire suppression inspection contract with Johnson Controls totaling about $45,486, an increase in adult meal prices from $4.85 to $5.00, and the appointment of Caitlin Navarro as Board Secretary and Civil Rights Compliance Officer. The committee will also discuss the annual Act 39 lead-in-water report and vote on personnel items such as summer extra pay and a principal's retirement.
- Johnson Controls fire suppression inspection contract: $14,716 (2025-26), $15,158 (2026-27), $15,612 (2027-28)
- Adult meal price increase from $4.85 to $5.00 for 2025-26
- Appointment of Caitlin Navarro as Board Secretary and Civil Rights Compliance Officer for a four-year term
- Upper Merion Aquatic Club facility use fees: $7,500 (2024-25), $12,500 (2025-26), $17,500 (2026-27)
- Retirement of Elementary Principal Timothy Bickhart effective June 30, 2025
Policy Review and Equity Committee Meeting
The Policy Review and Equity Committee is meeting to discuss proposed updates to Policy 006 (Meetings) and Policy 006.1 (Attendance at Meetings Via Electronic Communications). This is a first-read discussion, meaning the committee will review the proposals before any formal action. The agenda also includes public comment periods and standard procedural items.
- First read of Policy 006: Meetings
- First read of Policy 006.1: Attendance at Meetings Via Electronic Communications
- Public comments limited to five minutes per speaker
- Motion to adjourn meeting
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The board will vote on personnel hires, including three new teachers, and approve the 2025-2026 Central Montco Technical High School operating budget, with Upper Merion's share totaling $1,899,208. They will also ratify March 2025 financial reports and approve a security services contract for the upcoming school year.
- Approve 2025-2026 Central Montco Technical High School operating budget; Upper Merion share $1,899,208
- Ratify General Fund bills for March 2025: payroll $2,850,817.72, accounts payable $11,968,317.42
- Hire Jason Krauth (school counselor, $81,388/yr), Caitlyn Stocklin (special education teacher, $69,771/yr), Sarah Taub (English teacher, $66,784/yr)
- Approve security services agreement with Advanced Protection Company at $29.00/hour per agent
- Approve district depositories for 2025-2026 including Truist, Santander, WSFS Bank
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Board will review several professional recommendations including new hires for counseling, teaching, and special education. Financial discussions include the 2025-26 Central Montco Technical High School operating budget and security service agreements.
- Approval of Jason Krauth as High School Counselor at $81,388/year
- Approval of Caitlyn Stocklin as Middle School Special Education Teacher at $69,771.00/year
- Approval of Sarah Taub as High School English Teacher at $66,94.00/year
- 2025-26 Central Montco Technical High School operating budget of $11,424,120
- Upper Merion Area School District share of technical high school budget: $1,671,812
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on the 2025-2026 Central Montco Technical High School operating budget, with the district's share totaling $1,899,208. The board will also consider personnel actions including three new teacher hires, a security services contract, and several curriculum subscriptions. Public comment on agenda items is limited to five minutes per speaker.
- Approve 2025-2026 Central Montco Technical High School operating budget; district share $1,899,208
- Hire Jason Krauth as school counselor ($81,388/yr), Caitlyn Stocklin as special education teacher ($69,771/yr), and Sarah Taub as English teacher ($66,94/yr)
- Security services agreement with Advanced Protection Company at $29.00/hour per agent for 2025-2026
- Renew Newsela content delivery system for grades K-12 not to exceed $71,205.30
- Approve annual sports bid awards totaling $56,606.20 for uniforms and equipment
Finance Committee Meeting
The Finance Committee will vote on the Proposed Final General Fund Budget for 2025-2026, totaling $138,417,285 in both expenditures and revenues, a 6.02% increase over the current budget. The proposed budget includes a millage rate increase to 24.01 mills (up 5.68%). The committee will also discuss the Facility Use Policy. The final budget adoption is scheduled for June 2, 2025.
- Action item: Approve Proposed Final General Fund Budget for 2025-2026 with $138,417,285 expenditures and revenues
- Millage rate increase to 24.01 mills, a 5.68% increase from 22.72 mills
- Discussion item: Facility Use Policy
- Public comments limited to five minutes per speaker
Budget Workshop Meeting
The Upper Merion Area High School District board will hold a budget workshop meeting to review the proposed final budget for the 2025-26 school year. The agenda includes a presentation on the budget, followed by board comments and public comment. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the item is listed as information only.
- 2025-26 Proposed Final Budget Presentation (information item)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on personnel actions including hiring a chemistry teacher and a behavior analyst, settling four real estate tax assessment appeals with Alisue LLC and Aneff LLC, approving entertainment contracts for the senior and junior proms, and leasing a classroom from MCIU. The board will also ratify February 2025 financial reports and appoint the board treasurer.
- Hire Annelise K. Wanner as chemistry teacher at $81,388/year and Anisah Wright as BCBA at $83,605/year
- Settle four tax assessment appeals with Alisue LLC and Aneff LLC for parcels on First Avenue
- Approve $1,650 contract with First Class Entertainment for Senior Prom on May 30, 2025
- Approve $2,200 contract with First Class Entertainment for Junior Prom on May 16, 2025
- Lease a classroom at Belmont School from MCIU for $16,782.70/year from July 2025 to June 2028
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board is holding its regular public business meeting on April 7, 2025. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes, financial reports, and personnel actions, as well as several contracts and agreements. Notable items include settling four property tax assessment appeals, hiring new teachers and staff, and approving contracts for proms and consulting services.
- Approve settlement of four real estate tax assessment appeals with Alisue LLC & Aneff LLC for parcels on First Avenue
- Hire Annelise K. Wanner as Chemistry Teacher at $81,388/year and Anisah Wright as BCBA at $83,605/year
- Ratify February 2025 bills totaling over $10 million across General Fund, Capital Reserve, and other accounts
- Approve $1,650 contract for Senior Prom entertainment and $2,200 for Junior Prom entertainment
- Approve $5,000 appraisal agreement with Valbridge Property Advisors for parcel 58-00-06853-00-1
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on personnel actions including a new BCBA hire at $83,605/year, salary step changes for 18 staff, and several retirements and resignations. The board will also consider settling four real estate tax assessment appeals for parcels on First Avenue, approving prom entertainment contracts totaling $3,850, and renewing the board treasurer appointment. Other action items include a lease amendment with MCIU for a classroom at Belmont School, a healthcare consulting agreement, and annual supply bids for general and art supplies.
- Approve settlement of four real estate tax assessment appeals for Alisue LLC & Aneff LLC parcels on First Avenue
- Approve appointment of Anisah Wright as full-time BCBA at $83,605/year
- Approve entertainment contracts for Senior Prom ($1,650) and Junior Prom ($2,200) with First Class Entertainment
- Approve second amendment to lease with MCIU for a classroom at Belmont School ($16,782.70/year for 2025-2026)
- Approve annual general supplies bid ($40,125.81) and art supplies bid ($32,583.70) for 2025-2026
Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting - FINAL
The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will consider approving a $22,438 transition plan from Skyward SMS 2.0 to Qmlativ for financial and HR management, funded through the General Fund. The committee will also act on personnel items including resignations, appointments, and leaves. Information items include a presentation on student voice and belonging, and an update on K-6 English/Language Arts review.
- Approve Qmlativ Transition Plan Proposal at $22,438 from General Fund
- Resignation of Dr. Sean Gardiner, Director of Curriculum & Instruction - STEM, effective June 10, 2025
- Appointment of Christopher Jaskinski as Custodian at $26.39/hour, replacing K. Venson
- Appointment of Sylvester Fry as Temporary Custodial Supervisor at $45.00/hour, replacing W. Dillon
- Family/Medical Leave of Absence for Employee #3997, effective March 17, 2025
Budget Workshop Meeting
The Upper Merion Area High School District Board will hold a budget workshop meeting to review the 2025-26 proposed final budget. The agenda includes a presentation on the budget, followed by board comments and public comment. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and presentation session.
- 2025-26 Proposed Final Budget Presentation
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board is voting on a series of personnel actions including hires, resignations, and leaves, as well as approving a contract for the 2026 prom at the Crowne Plaza and appointing Maillie LLP as independent auditor for three years. The board will also ratify January 2025 financial reports totaling over $15 million in various funds.
- Approve agreement with Crowne Plaza for May 2026 prom with minimum $15,000 payment from Student Activities Fund
- Appoint Maillie LLP as independent auditor for fiscal years ending 2025-2027, estimated fees $32,250-$34,750 annually
- Ratify General Fund bills for January 2025: net payroll $4,236,831.39 and accounts payables $8,957,745.40
- Approve consultant agreement with ECTS for E-Rate discounts, capped at $12,000 for 2025-2026
- Approve 5th grade field trip to College Settlement Outdoor School, total cost $27,521 from Middle School Student Activities Account
🗳️ How they voted (6 roll-call votes)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on personnel actions including hires, resignations, and salary changes, as well as financial items such as ratifying January bills totaling over $15 million, appointing an independent auditor, and approving a contract for the 2026 prom at the Crowne Plaza.
- Ratification of January 2025 General Fund bills: net payroll $4,236,831.39 and accounts payable $8,957,745.40
- Appointment of Maillie, LLP as independent auditor for fiscal years 2025-2027 (estimated fees: $32,250-$34,750 per year)
- Approval of Crowne Plaza as venue for May 2026 prom (minimum $15,000 deposit, paid from Student Activities Fund)
- Approval of contract with ECTS for E-Rate telecommunications discounts (spending cap $12,000 for 2025-2026)
- Approval of 5th grade trip to College Settlement Outdoor School (total cost $27,521, funded by Middle School Student Activities Account)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on the 2025-2026 student/teacher calendar, approve a Crowne Plaza agreement for the May 2026 prom, and authorize a 4th-grade field trip to iFly in King of Prussia. The board will also consider personnel actions including hires, retirements, and salary changes.
- Approve 2025-2026 student/teacher calendar
- Agreement with Crowne Plaza for May 2026 prom; minimum $15,000 from Student Activities Fund
- 4th grade field trip to iFly in King of Prussia; cost not to exceed $12,000 from Curriculum and Instruction budget
- Final reading of Policy 251: Homeless Students
- Personnel actions: rescind baseball coach hire, approve retirements, appoint new security guard at $21/hour
Finance Committee Meeting
The Upper Merion Area High School District Finance Committee will hear a presentation on the proposed final budget for the 2025-26 school year. The meeting also includes time for board and public comments, with a five-minute limit per speaker. No votes are scheduled; the item is for information only.
- 2025-26 Proposed Final Budget Presentation (information item)
Facilities and Operations Committee Meeting
The Facilities and Operations Committee will discuss and vote on a $5,388,308.00 purchase order to CM3 Building Solutions for capital improvements, and consider a $7,200.00 contract amendment for an environmental assessment at the proposed Walker Field Tennis Courts. The committee will also review the draft 2025-2026 student/teacher calendar.
- Proposed $5,388,308.00 purchase order to CM3 Building Solutions for capital improvements
- Request for $7,200.00 contract amendment to include Evans Mill Environmental for Phase 1 ESA at Walker Field Tennis Courts
- Discussion of draft 2025-2026 student/teacher calendar
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will consider adopting a $138.5 million preliminary general fund budget for 2025-2026, which includes a 1.29 mill (5.68%) tax increase to 24.01 mills. The board will also vote on personnel actions including retirements, resignations, new hires, and coaching stipends, as well as ratify December 2024 financial reports totaling over $14 million in various funds.
- Adoption of $138,527,625 preliminary 2025-2026 budget with 5.68% tax increase to 24.01 mills
- Ratification of $2.76M net payroll and $3.54M accounts payable for December 2024
- Approval of 24 professional staff salary level changes (e.g., James Baxter from $119,486 to $120,445)
- Approval of coaching stipends for spring sports (e.g., baseball head coach $8,864.14, girls lacrosse head coach $8,864.14)
- Approval of new full-time security guard position and hiring of instructional aides at $19.50/hour
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board is voting on the preliminary 2025-2026 general fund budget of $138,527,625, which includes a proposed 1.29-mill tax increase to 24.01 mills. The board will also consider ratifying December 2024 bills totaling over $14 million and approving personnel actions including retirements, resignations, and new hires.
- Adoption of preliminary 2025-2026 general fund budget of $138,527,625 with 1.29-mill tax increase to 24.01 mills
- Ratification of December 2024 bills: General Fund payroll $2,759,912.94, accounts payable $3,539,156.07, and other funds totaling $600,766.24 (Capital Reserve), $409,665.83 (Capital Projects 2021), $119,999.64 (Food Service), $98,777.85 (Extra-Curricular)
- Approval of professional personnel actions: 3 retirements, 3 resignations, 24 salary level changes, and extra-duty pay for coaches (e.g., Head Baseball $8,864.14, Head Boys Lacrosse $8,864.14)
- Approval of support personnel actions: 1 involuntary separation, 3 new appointments (Cafeteria/Playground Aide at Roberts ES $18/hr, Instructional Aide at Caley ES $19.50/hr, Technology Aide at Bridgeport ES $19/hr), and 2 status changes
- Resolution to establish Real Estate Tax Collector compensation and rules for Bridgeport Borough, Upper Merion Township, and West Conshohocken Borough
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School Board will consider adopting a $138,527,625 preliminary general fund budget for 2025-2026, which includes a 1.29-mill (5.68%) tax increase to 24.01 mills. The board will also vote on personnel actions, including hires, resignations, and leaves, and approve several policies and program expenditures. Public comment is limited to five minutes per speaker.
- Adoption of preliminary 2025-2026 budget of $138,527,625 with 5.68% tax increase to 24.01 mills
- Ratification of delinquent real estate tax submission to Montgomery County Tax Claim Bureau (337 parcels, $2,418,568.85)
- Approval of L.I.F.T. Elementary Summer Program (up to $60,000)
- Approval of translator services for parent meetings ($40/hour, up to 3 hours per event)
- Final reading of Policy 129 (School-Sponsored Activities on School Holidays) and Policy 200 (Enrollment in District)
BUDGET WORKSHOP MEETING
The Upper Merion Area School Board is holding a budget workshop to review the 2025-26 preliminary budget and consider an Accelerated Budget Opt Out Resolution. If approved, the board would certify it will not raise taxes above the 4.0% Act 1 Index, forgoing exceptions and exempting the district from adopting an accelerated preliminary budget by February. The board may also continue the standard preliminary budget process, with adoption scheduled for February 3, 2025.
- 2025-26 Preliminary Budget Presentation (information item)
- Accelerated Budget Opt Out Resolution: board action to cap tax increase at 4.0% Act 1 Index and skip accelerated budget deadline
- Alternative path: approve preliminary budget on Feb 3, 2025 and apply for Act 1 exceptions
- Public comments limited to 5 minutes per speaker
Policy Review and Equity Committee Meeting
The Upper Merion Area High School District Policy Review and Equity Committee will hold a final reading of two policies (school-sponsored activities on holidays and enrollment) and a first reading of a policy on homeless students. The committee will also consider hiring one full-time instructional aide for a newly registered student. Public comments are limited to five minutes per speaker.
- Final reading of Policy 129: School-Sponsored Activities on School Holidays
- Final reading of Policy 200: Enrollment in District
- First reading of Policy 251: Homeless Students
- Recommendation to approve one full-time Instructional Aide for a newly registered student
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL
The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on appealing three Montgomery County property tax assessment reductions that the district believes are too low, including a $26.5M parcel reduced to $20.4M. The board will also consider personnel actions, including retirements, resignations, and leaves, and approve a $750 contract for a multilingual training platform. Other items include a $24,225.60 yearbook contract and a $4,311.25 middle school drama production agreement.
- Appeal of assessment reduction for parcel #24-00-00820-00-2 (300 Barr Harbor LLC) from $26,492,400 to $20,424,320
- Appeal of assessment reduction for parcel #58-00-17496-00-9 (CH Realty) from $2,348,910 to $329,000
- Appeal of assessment reduction for parcel #58-00-17496-02-7 (CH Realty) from $36,579,050 to $33,229,000
- Contract with Vector Solutions, LLC for Expanded Language Pack at $750 for online training in 20 languages
- Approval of 2025-26 proposed preliminary budget display and advertising resolution
🗳️ How they voted (7 roll-call votes)
Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT
The board will vote on appealing Montgomery County property assessment reductions for three parcels, including a $26.5M property reduced to $20.4M. They will also consider approving the 2025-26 preliminary budget display, a $31,800 graduation contract with Villanova, and personnel actions including hires, resignations, and salary changes.
- Appeal of assessment reduction for 300 Barr Harbor LLC parcel (from $26,492,400 to $20,424,320)
- Appeal of assessment reduction for CH Realty parcels (from $2,348,910 to $329,000 and $36,579,050 to $33,229,000)
- Resolution to advertise 2025-26 preliminary budget
- Graduation facilities agreement with Villanova University for $31,800
- Ratification of November 2024 bills totaling over $9 million
Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT
The Upper Merion Area School District Board will hold a regular public business meeting on January 6, 2025, to vote on a series of personnel actions, financial ratifications, and other administrative items. Key decisions include approving professional and support staff recommendations, ratifying November 2024 bills totaling over $9 million, and appealing three property tax assessment reductions. The board will also consider contracts for the yearbook, middle school drama, and a language training package.
- Ratify General Fund bills for November 2024 totaling $8,456,275.01
- Approve appeals of Montgomery County assessment reductions for three parcels, including one reduced from $26,492,400 to $20,424,320
- Approve $24,225.60 contract with Walsworth Yearbook for 2026
- Approve $4,311.25 contract with Music Theatre International for Disney's High School Musical
- Approve $750 contract with Vector Solutions for expanded language training