Middle school math results should increase by 12 percent over the next two years. Because all of the Democrats cross-filed, the Republican primary ticket will include all eleven names. In the 2021 Pennridge School Board election, the GOP candidates won by an average margin of 10.4%, according to the county's Municipal Election Summary. She will receive a $124,207 annual salary. Pennridge School Board Candidates' Forum to be held in Perkasie - Patch The value of my home is tied to the reputation of this district, and I have to sit here and watch you fight about personal political agendas instead of talking about our test scores and rankings, said Smith. pic.twitter.com/OJD0Y6W0vZ. He said the union plans to meet with the board on May 22. This is not about the individual rights of teachers to endorse and/or volunteer their time, money, or in-kind services; it is about the restrictions that are placed on unions so as to not tempt impropriety, in action or appearance. School Board Candidates, 875 North Easton Road, Suite 1 Doylestown, PA 18902 USA Carolyn Sciarrino for Pennridge School Board - Facebook Click here for to go to that page. Region Three involves Hilltown and Silverdale, with 17,089 people. Thank you for your continued support of the district! police officer alleges harassment, intimidation in lawsuit against police chief, township, Tips to keep your pets safe this holiday weekend, Northampton County Controller Richard Bucky Szulborski dies, AAA predicts record numbers on the road for holiday weekend travel, 'Butchs Banjo': A music legacy set to continue at Kutztown Folk Festival, Volunteers assemble flags for Field of Honor display, Pa. DEP declares Code Red Air Quality Action Day as smoke from wildfires persists, The Supreme Court rules for a designer who doesn't want to make wedding websites for gay couples, Annual Fees? District: QUAKERTOWNSeats Up for Grabs: 5, Across 3 RegionsCurrent Board Makeup: 7-2 RepublicanFive seats are up for election in Quakertown this year. The first public comment period will be a time to comment on agenda items. Katie Rene of Perkasie commended the teachers for their hard work, selflessness and resilience in the face of the boards misplaced priorities and political agenda. What happens if you don't? Pennridge School Board Democratic Candidates. Jun 9, 2023. - Elections for Board members are held at your regular polling place, every two years in November of odd-numbered years using a 5-4 member rotation to ensure continuity. Aug 22, 2022 0 The Pennridge School District Board of Directors on Monday night addressed a petition that calls for changing how members are elected. You can also get a recap of Board meetings and links to all monthly videos and Board Docs specific to those monthly meetings on our "School Board Snapshot" newsletters. You are welcome and encouraged to participate consistent with all relevant Board policies. Mrs. Christine Batycki, Mrs. Ricki Chaikin, Mrs. Megan Banis-Clemens, Vice President, Mrs. Jordan Blomgren. Another includes a policy about how students "express themselves" in words or symbols and to "disseminate non-school materials to others as part of that expression." Greetings, Pennridge, and welcome to the Pennridge School Board webpage. Today is a GREAT DAY to follow/volunteer for/donate to @PennridgeCA and @nu4cbsd, school board candidates WORKING (not whining) to create stronger public education for all in #BucksCounty #SavePennridge #SaveCBSD Links to support them below in . Of those five seats, four are held by Republicans, all of whom are running for another term. For region 3, a familiar face returns, Glenn Schloeffel (R), who previously served in this region until 2019. Cross-filed: Leah Foster-Rash, Chris Kaufman, Bradley Merkl-Gump, Carolyn Sciarrino, Bob Sellers and Ron Wurz (incumbent). Rochester NY school board primary candidates. What to know Jim Valletta, another high school social studies teacher and chief negotiator for the PEA, urged the board to roll up its sleeves and negotiate a contract by the end of June that can attract and retain high quality teachers. 2020 election tensions still raw in Pennridge School District - WHYY Pennridge School Board Is Failing Our Community |The board majority puts their political agenda ahead of our community and we are suffering as a district because of it. She described teachers as the one resource without which the school cannot function and criticized the board for mistreating them. We have only given one initial financial proposal and that proposal was earlier and higher than any other initial proposal weve ever given, Banis-Clemens said. Just for the record, I never received the proposal that we made, said board member Jonathan Russell. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. . LGBTQ+ advocates fear broader discrimination after Supreme Court ruling, Saudi Arabia is being considered by the women's tennis tour for possible business, Supreme Court ruling brings bitterness for borrowers counting on student loan forgiveness, What the Tech? Box 685, Lahaska 18931, or bridget@buckscountyherald.com or fax to 215-794-1109. Letters may be edited for clarity and to fit space available. Click here for to go to that page. Standing up for children has always been my passion, she says. The Pennridge School Board is broken and the far-right majority is rapidly slouching toward authoritarianism. All ten candidates are cross-filed and will appear on both partys primary ballots. New Summer Internships jobs added daily. Reserving girls' sports exclusively for biological females. The Pennridge School Board is broken and the far-right majority is rapidly slouching toward authoritarianism. From an academic standpoint, they involve increasing Pennridge's average of students scoring proficient and advanced by 10 percent over the next two years in elementary school Third RELA PSSA results. In region 1, Board President Tina Hollenbach (R) seeks re-election, along with incumbent Carlos Rodriguez (R). She said the board should have used its discretion to move the second public period up in the agenda to accommodate the speakers. by Jenny Stephens | June 23, 2023 Support Journalism for $5/mo. Skjoldal then proceeded to interrogate every speaker wanting to make public comment by asking which specific agenda item requiring a board vote they wished to address. She also challenges us with special projects to help us grow in skill and confidence. They know how your proposal is taking us backwards and theyre not happy. Separating restrooms, locker rooms, and other privacy areas based on biological sex. The Pennridge School Board & What They Do; School Board Snapshots & Meeting Videos; Meetings; Board Policies; . Pennridge school board president addresses proposal to regionalize school board elections, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. Well be zooming in on these contests, as well as providing analysis of some county wide trends and hot button issues to come. Currently Pennridge, like most Pennsylvania school districts, is an at-large school district. Be A Voter; Candidates; Get Involved; Events; Follow Us On. The alteration involves student conduct that occurs off-campus and now includes "during non-school hours" to the same extent as provided in the district's student discipline policy. York says he is a commonsense conservative who is running to give back and serve the next generation of students and our community. Be sure to vote for our endorsed school board candidates: Joshua Hogan Bob Sellers Jonathan Russell Jim York Barbara Vees. Pennridge School Board hires Hillsdale-affiliated consultant to develop AJ Ainscoe, the lone registered Republican running, is facing four Democrats in a contest for three seats in region 2: Vice President Gary Sanderson; incumbents Jim Prokopiak and Sherwood David Taylor III; and newcomer Donna Parto Abrescia. Currently, eight of the nine members are registered Republicans. Click here for a list of school board elections by state. Unofficial results from the Bucks County Board of Elections showed incumbent Ron Wurz and newcomers Chris Kaufman, Bradley Merkl-Gump, Carolyn Sciarrino and Leah Foster Rash winning the Democratic nominations and incumbent Jonathan Russell and newcomers Bob Sellers, Joshua Hogan, Jim York, Barbara Vees winning on the Republican side in Tuesdays primary election. Foster, who had been engaged in public comment prior to the boards hasty recess, attempted to finish her comments but was turned away by Skjoldal. We have significant work ahead of us to do right by the students and staff of Pennridge Lets get to work., On Wednesday night, we were proud to join @PennridgeSD students, teachers, parents, and alum to speak out against the school district's discriminatory new bathroom policy and its plans to use curriculum that white-washes American history. Once approved, meeting minutes can be found on BoardDocs by clicking on the LIBRARY drop down arrow selecting General followed by the year of your choice. You have permission to edit this article. On the Democratic ballot, Sciarrino topped the field with 3,836 votes, followed by Rash with 3,704 votes, Kaufman with 3,681, Merkl-Gump with 3,516 and Wurz with 3,385. School Board Meeting. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. To contact all School Board members and the Superintendent, send an email to PSDSchoolBoard@pennridge.org. In region 6, newcomers Rick Haring (D) and Aarati Martino (R) face a one-on-one bout. Success! Smith said her comments related to the budget which was on the agenda and scheduled for a vote. SOURCES:https://www.buckscounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12769/2023-Primary-Unofficial-Candidate-List-after-petition-deadline?bidId=&fbclid=IwAR2Bvg9a67tPSW_31TC_igvI9CIGZfSpDi4plcPs1siZHT0wuJhhsZuJERI Bucks County Board of Elections Voter Registration Report, dated March 14, 2023, https://www.buckscounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12769/2023-Primary-Unofficial-Candidate-List-after-petition-deadline?bidId=&fbclid=IwAR2Bvg9a67tPSW_31TC_igvI9CIGZfSpDi4plcPs1siZHT0wuJhhsZuJERI. There was no safety issue, there was no reason to stop. This is our club Vice President, Bob Sellers, laying on the ground hand painting campaign signs for our school board candidates. In region 2, Vice President Jonathan Kern (R) is seeking re-election, as is incumbent Chris Spear (D). In region 3, incumbent Jeannine Delwiche (D) is running unopposed. The plummet in academic excellence, an exodus by teachers, irresponsible spending on political pet projects, and the general disregard for legal peril (at taxpayer expense) are all issues that can be fixed at the polls through new leadership., Merkl-Gump, a 2005 Pennridge High School grad and a middle school American History and Civics teacher in another district, said he is running because the current board has chosen to play games with our childrens education by putting politics ahead of the needs of our kids., Misappropriated leadership and the boards ability to push through policies that do not always reflect the values of the whole community are the biggest issues facing the district, says Merkl-Gump, a Perkasie resident with two school-aged children. The budget does not raise taxes . He was the only history teacher who told me I was too hard on myself after one not so great essay and that meant something to me., If I were to describe Mrs. Stellino in one word, it would be marvelous, said a middle school student. BOARD POLICIES The Pennridge School District utilizes BoardDocs to post all policies. Notably, all Morrisville candidates have fully cross-filed this year. Click here for the monthly "School Board Snapshot" Newsletters page, The Pennridge School District "Ridge Channel" for Meetings and much more, Monthly School Board Recaps can be seen and read by clicking here, General School Board Information about Meetings- click here, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). However, the school board ultimately represents the voice of the community and is the only direct advocate for parents within the school system. Dakota Murtha of Hilltown, a high school student, lauded her Pennridge teachers, specifically her history teacher, Bob Cousineau. Be like Bob! 16, 2023, 11:53. Pennridge school board president addresses proposal to - WFMZ Pennridge School District. Instead, Democrats offer up Cathy Dress, Stephanie Ferrandez, Deborah King, Rebecca Mirra, and Karen Winters. Doesn't get any more boots on the ground than that. We need your financial support in order to not only sustain, but grow this progressive media project for the long haul. Guth Elementarymsmith@pennridge.org, Casi PlourdeR.B. S* This is for the safety of female athletes. In light of these events, a large crowd came out in force to Wednesdays school board meeting to show support for the districts teachers and implore the school board to start valuing and properly compensating them. Cousineau is my history teacher this year and has had me grow so much academically, said a high school student. Future policies discussed Monday night involve students' cell phone usage. Maybe lets do a little bit more for teacher appreciation week than just giving them coupons to local stores, said Murtha. Pennridge School District / Calendar [Tonights] meeting showed over and over the true colors of our board as they yelled over each other, called each other names, accused each other of betraying party lines, yelling at audience members.. Going back to fiscal responsibility and keeping your promises, you should be more up front with what youre doing and have contracts that are more defined for the taxpayers and the community at hand, said Carbernaro. Pa. primary election 2023: A basic guide to vetting candidates for school board, judge, and more Updated: Apr. While the last several years have been challenging for every school district, it is of critical importance here in Pennridge that we always continue to provide high-quality instruction in our classrooms. Just minutes into Wednesday's Pennridge School Board meeting and shortly after public comment began tempers flared, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of playground bullying. 2022-2023 Academic Calendar. Bristol Townships one registered Republican incumbent is up for re-election this cycle, Donna L. Kelly. Foster-Rash said she is running because Pennridge has been sliding in the rankings while the board is tilting at windmills. Over the last few years, she said, the board has been making decisions with little or no researchnot working with trained experts[and] ignoring established and accredited research, based solely on their personal beliefs. Pennridge School District / Homepage Teachers argue the proposal amounts to a pay cut when factoring in changes to health insurance contributions and inflation and will keep Pennridge teachers as the lowest paid in Bucks County. Reiss, the current board president, did not respond to an email seeking comment. I appreciate the trust you place in us as we help to educate and care for your children- our students. Well also use this page to answer FAQs and offer clarifying information about the various issues before us. Joining the fray in region 1 are fresh faces on both sides of the aisle as challengers Kathleen Maguire (R), and Cathie Forman (D). EAST ROCKHILL Pennridge teachers received an outpouring of support from the community Wednesday evening at a volatile school board meeting in which community members slammed the board for disrespecting and underpaying teachers. Tonight: @PennridgeSD school board hires far-right Vermillion Education to rewrite social studies curriculum. Smith, also a parent and taxpayer, didnt fare much better than Foster and was interrupted when asking questions about the cost to bring Vermilion into the district. There might be a shower or thunderstorm early in spots well to the west.. Pennridge Area Republican Club on Twitter There is something wrong here. Each candidate elected to cross-file with both parties this cycle. Teachers unions should not be involved in endorsing school board candidates and candidates should also know better than to accept them. Grasse Elementaryjkulesza@pennridge.org, Miles RoeM.M. Hogan said he chose to run to keep the focus on students. He said there is a growing number of competing interest groups who vie for power, money, or influence over public education. Pennridge community supports teachers, slams school board at volatile 3. Incumbent Ron Wurz (D), who recently switched his registration back to Democrat after running as a Republican in 2021, is seeking re-election, as is Board President David A. Reiss, Sr. (R) and incumbent Jonathan Russell (R). She said the district needs to enact policies that respect the rights of parents, value the community, and remain transparent, all while remaining fiscally responsible.. The 2022-2023 school year is another exciting one here at Pennridge! If anyone needed help with something, his door was always open. Central Bucks Voters Must Reject MAGA Millionaire Paul Martinos Right-Wing Activist School Board Candidates, Pennridge Community Speaks Out Against the School Boards Inept and Extremist Policies, The Pennridge School Board Majoritys Repeated Disrespect Toward Our Districts Teachers Is Unacceptable, This Fourth of July, Fight Back Against Attacks on Our Freedom, In Pennridge School District, Books Once Shadow Banned Are Now in the Trash Can, Book Review: Off the Edge: Flat Earthers, Conspiracy Culture, and Why People Will Believe Anything, by Kelly Weill, Transparency Issues Mar Appointment of William Formica to Souderton Area School Board, As Moms for Liberty Meets in Philadelphia, Dont Underestimate Their Extremism and the Threat They Pose. Choosing not to cross-file, like Reiss and Russell, are newcomer Republicans Joshua Hogan, Barbara Vees, and Jim York. The PSEA represents the labor, policy, and professional interests of its members largely public school teachers and support professionals. Unofficial . Please also download the Pennridge App, where you can customize the information you want to receive directly on your phone. Other board members concurred with Russell but Banis-Clemens disagreed, exclaiming they had received copies. Until May 9, mail-in/absentee ballots for the 2023 Primary Election. Also seeking another term are Democrat incumbents David May and Stephanie Schmidt. Christine Batycki *All agendas are made public three days prior to the meeting and will be FEATURED on the front page of BoardDocs. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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The Pennridge School Board & What They Do / The Pennridge School Board Race Matters Spotlight: Bursting the 'Pennridge Bubble' Of the 11, six are cross-filed for the primary election; five are running for the Republican nomination only. She listens to our ideas and encourages us to try new things.. District: COUNCIL ROCKSeats Up for Grabs: 6, Across 6 RegionsCurrent Board Makeup: 6-3 RepublicanAnother set of races sure to peak interest county wide is in Council Rock, where a whopping six seats are up for election this cycle. Our district deserves better and that can be done by our community voting on candidates not party lines., Sellers, a Bucks County native and decades-long resident of Pennridge, says he has the skills to professionally and collaboratively work through the issues to navigate solutions. Recently retired after a 37-year career in marketing and facilities management with Merck, Sellers says it is important that school board members listen, value and celebrate the essential role of parents, teachers, students, and the community. If elected, he said he will be a commonsense conservative focusing on the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic and will promote and support the teaching of civics, citizenship, and Americas founding documents and history., Wurz, who recently changed his party registration from Republican to Democrat, says he considers himself a moderate. Ron Wurz 1 - Registered Libertarian candidate 8 - Majority Republican school boards 5 - Majority Democrat school boards District by District District: BENSALEM Seats up for Grabs: 5 Current Board Makeup: 8-1 Republican This race will be a crucial one to watch this year, as Bensalem voters continue to have a strong voice in our county wide races. The problem is a conflict of interest. 713 Summer Internships Jobs in Paris, le-de-France, France - LinkedIn There might be a shower or thunderstorm early in spots well to the west. These changes include a policy to comply with the legal requirement that the school district provide parental access to information about the curriculum. It is a great responsibility that we take very seriously. The union-backed candidates of Pennridge United, if elected, would be directly responsible for negotiating with the union regarding the next contract. Leverage your professional network, and get hired. The clashes culminated in a 45-minute recess in which the Perkasie police were called to the school. Three Republican challengers, Ronald Felix, Jason Koye, and Donald Martin Jr., are each seeking to scoop up a seat, as is Democrat newcomer Linda Szwedo. Youre destroying our reputation and the value of my home will fall with it.. On many occasions, she has paid for items for the class out of her own pocket. Deibler Elementarycplourde@pennridge.org, Sarah BakerSellersville Elementarycbaker@pennridge.org, Mia DiPaoloWest Rockhill Elementarymdipaolo@pennridge.org, Tara CollicePrincipal - North Middle Schooltcollice@pennridge.org, Ronald TaylorAssistant Principal - North Middle Schoolrtaylor@pennridge.org, Dr. Christina CortellessaPrincipal - Central Middle Schoolccortellessa@pennridge.org, David LaboskiAssistant Principal - Central Middle Schooldlaboski@pennridge.org, Duane RennerPrincipal - South Middle Schooldrenner@pennridge.org, Glenn DonaldsonAssistant Principal - South Middle Schoolgdonaldson@pennridge.org, Scott HegenAssistant Principal/Athletic Directorshegen@pennridge.org, Ray OttAssistant Principal - 12th Graderott@pennridge.org, Cara GuryshAssistant Principal - 11th Gradecgurysh@pennridge.org, Abram HughesAssistant Principal - 10th Gradeahughes@pennridge.org, Dr. Alyssa WalloffAssistant Principal - 9th Gradeawalloff@pennridge.org, Gina GiarratanaDirector of Nutritional Servicesggiarratana@pennridge.org, Kelly HarperDirector of Operationskharper@pennridge.org, Jessica KrauseDirector of Transportationjkrause@pennridge.org, Daniel DiresoFinance Directorddireso@pennridge.org, Diane MillerDirector of Technologydmiller@pennridge.org, David ThomasDirector of Communication & Public Relationsdthomas@pennridge.org, Nancy ChenowethRight to Know Officernchenoweth@pennridge.org, Joe GalloDirector of Securityjgallo@pennridge.org, Sarah RaberK-12 Curriculum Supervisor- RELAsraber@pennridge.org, Howard VogelK-12 Curriculum Supervisor- Mathhvogel@pennridge.org, Jenna VitaleK-12 Curriculum Supervisor- Social Studiesjvitale@pennridge.org, Eric DaneyK-12 Curriculum Supervisor- Scienceedaney@pennridge.org, Angela CasselSpecial Education Supervisor- Deibler, Grasse, Sellersville Elementary, South Middle Schoolacassel@pennridge.org, Kelly MallerySpecial Education Supervisor- Bedminster, Guth, Seylar, & West Rockhill Elementary Schoolskmallery@pennridge.org, Deana McCannSpecial Education Supervisor- Pennridge High Schooldeamccann@pennridge.org, Scott WareSpecial Education Supervisor- Central Middle School, North Middle School, K-12 Out of District Placementssware@pennridge.org. Id like to call for a recess, please, Banis-Clemens said to David Reiss, the board president, who made no attempt to gain control of the meeting. Im done, said an exasperated teacher as she walked out of the auditorium. I am Carolyn Sciarrino, one of the Pennridge United candidates running for School Board Director, and I invite you to spend a few moments learning about me and my plans for the district. For a rundown of county-wide positions up for election and candidates, click here.