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We reviewed the upcoming agenda for Pennridge SD and found 6 items with policy significance ahead of the vote.
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 9) |
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Approval of Undisclosed Curriculum Proposal
The board is scheduled to vote on a curriculum proposal, but the agenda provides no description, title, or attached documents to inform the public of the subject matter. This lack of notice prevents any public review or comment on what could be a significant change to what students are taught.
Policy Use
FLAG FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION: Item 7.B is a vote on an undescribed ‘Curriculum Proposal.’ This violates public notice principles. Direct local contacts to attend the meeting, demand the proposal be identified and tabled until the public can review the materials, and file a records request for the proposal documents.
Policy Lever: Lack of public notice
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| PRIORITY (LEVEL 8) |
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Superintendent Contract Includes Post-Employment Healthcare
The board is amending the Superintendent’s employment contract to provide 100% district-paid health insurance for him and his spouse upon separation from the district, continuing until both reach age 65. This creates a substantial, long-term, and potentially unfunded fiscal liability for taxpayers.
Policy Use
BRIEF STATE AFFAIRS: Item 6.i approves an amendment to the Superintendent’s contract (see attached text, section 9.14) creating a significant post-employment healthcare liability. This is a model of excessive executive compensation at taxpayer expense, useful for testimony on school district financial accountability.
Policy Lever: Long-term unfunded liability
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| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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First Reading of Revised Student Discipline Policy
The board is holding a first reading of a revised student discipline policy (Policy 218). The draft text is not provided, preventing public review of potential changes to consequences for misbehavior, such as the introduction of restorative practices or limits on suspension and expulsion.
Policy Use
PULL THE DOCUMENT: Item 11.B is a first reading of revised Policy 218 Student Discipline. The draft text is not attached. Immediately request ‘Policy 218 Student Discipline DRAFT first read 9.9.26’ from the district to analyze changes before the second reading and final vote.
Policy Lever: Changes to student discipline
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| WATCH (LEVEL 6) |
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Proposal to Adopt Xello for College and Career Readiness
Curriculum committee minutes from September 9 show the district plans to adopt the Xello platform for K-12 college and career readiness, replacing two existing systems. This platform will be used to integrate state Career Education and Work (CEW) standards and should be reviewed for embedded ideological content.
Policy Use
WATCH: Item 7.A minutes detail a plan to adopt the Xello career readiness platform. Request the proposal materials presented to the committee and monitor the upcoming Finance Committee agenda for the contract vote. Research Xello for embedded DEI, SEL, or other contested frameworks.
Policy Lever: Curriculum Platform Adoption
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| WATCH (LEVEL 6) |
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Vote on Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) Officer Elections
The board will vote to select its preferred candidates for the 2027 Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) officer elections. This action aligns the district with the legislative and policy platform of the PSBA, which frequently lobbies on education issues at the state level.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: Item 14 shows the board is voting on PSBA leadership. The ballot is not attached, but the action is significant. Document the vote if possible and add Pennridge SD to the tracker of districts actively participating in PSBA governance.
Policy Lever: Support for lobbying association
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Renewal of ‘Service Learning Club’ Student Activity Account
The board is renewing the ‘Service Learning Club’ at Central Middle School. While the title is neutral, such clubs can be used to promote specific social or political advocacy under the guise of community service and should be monitored for curriculum and project content.
Policy Use
WATCH: Item 9.C.4 renews a ‘Service Learning Club.’ Monitor school and club activities for projects that involve political or social advocacy under the guise of service.
Policy Lever: Potential for student activism
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