Lower Merion School District, PA

Regular Business Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will hold its regular business meeting virtually due to recent disruptions and threats. The board will consider routine consent items including personnel actions, student services agreements, and various contracts, as well as public comment via chat.

• Approve HR actions HR-1 through HR-3 (personnel, new hires, summer assignments)
• Approve Student Services Agreements SS-1 through SS-44 for non-district education
• Ratify contracts: McGraw Hill $21,241.09, Seesaw $24,750, Scholastic $8,525.16 and $7,880.92, Securly $11,875, SchoolMint $12,364.44
• Approve Bala Cynwyd MS Auditorium System Upgrades for $276,493
• Approve UKG Kronos three-year renewal for $236,297.32

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The Lower Merion School District Facilities and Purchasing Committee is meeting to review a list of bills, district contracts, and several specific agreements and projects. Items include the Lower Merion Aquatic Club 2026-27, PowerSchool/School Messenger, a Cisco phone system upgrade, the BCMS Auditorium Project, UKG/Kronos renewal, a transportation consultant agreement, Cintas uniform services, contracted transportation drivers and aides, Aardvark pest control renewal, and change orders for the Bala Cynwyd Middle School roof replacement. The committee will discuss these items, with no final votes scheduled at this meeting.

• List of Bills - Mr. Orlando
• District Contracts - Mr. Weinstein and Ms. Fraser
• Lower Merion Aquatic Club 2026-27 - Mr. Orlando
• BCMS Auditorium Project, subject to solicitor review - Mr. Orlando
• Change Orders for Bala Cynwyd Middle School Roof Replacement (Phase 2) - Mr. Copeland

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The Facilities/Purchasing Committee reviewed and recommended moving forward 12 items, including district contracts, the Lower Merion Aquatic Club agreement, a Cisco phone system upgrade, and the BCMS Auditorium project. No formal votes were taken; recommendations will go to the full board. Public comment was heard from two residents.

• Recommended list of bills for approval
• Recommended district contracts for approval
• Recommended Lower Merion Aquatic Club 2026-27 agreement
• Recommended PowerSchool/School Messenger contract
• Recommended Presidio Cisco Phone System Upgrade
• Recommended BCMS Auditorium Project, subject to solicitor review
• Recommended UKG/Kronos Renewal, subject to solicitor review
• Recommended Explorations Staffing Services Agreement for Transportation Consultant

Policy Committee Meeting - 6:00 PM

The Policy Committee is reviewing two policies regarding K-12 technology use, safety, monitoring, and privacy for proposed adoption. The committee will also be informed of changes to corresponding administrative regulations.

• Second Reading/Proposed Adoption: Policy 141 K-12 Technology Use
• Second Reading/Proposed Adoption: Policy 142 K-12 Technology: Safety, Monitoring and Privacy
• Review of Administrative Regulation AR 141 K-12 Technology Use
• Review of Administrative Regulation AR 142 K-12 Technology: Safety, Monitoring and Privacy

Regular Business Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM

The Board of School Directors will present and vote to adopt the 2026-27 budget and associated tax resolutions. The meeting includes approvals for various educational contracts, human resources actions, and significant fund transfers from the 2025-26 General Fund.

• Adoption of 2026-27 Budget with a tax rate of 36.5017 mills
• Transfer of $12,915,000 from 2025-26 General Fund to Capital Projects Fund
• Transfer of $5,000,000 from 2025-26 General Fund to Capital Reserve Fund
• Educational contracts including McGraw Hill Global Studies ($81,000.72) and HMH Social Studies MS Collection ($42,000)
• Naviance contract for the 2026-27 school year in the amount of $14,680.40

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will discuss a variety of service agreements, facility leases, and technology quotes. The meeting includes reviews of district contracts and an update on lead testing in drinking water.

• Swimming Pool Services Agreement 2026-2029 with IM Pools Management Inc
• 2026-27 Facilities Lease Agreement with Whitemarsh Boat Club LLC (Hines Rowing Center)
• Master Agreement and Work Order with Roofing Resources, Inc. and BCMS roof project change orders
• Technology quotes for CIS Albert Network Sensor, Visual Sound SMART Panel Upgrade, iBoss Web Filtering, and Presidio Palo Alto Services
• Annual reporting for lead testing in drinking water under PA Act 39

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee met via Zoom to review a list of bills, purchasing reports, and multiple contracts and agreements, including a swimming pool services agreement, a facilities lease with Hines Rowing Center, and a license agreement for Main Line School Night. They also discussed technology-related quotes and renewals, such as network monitoring, web filtering, and security services. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; all items were for discussion only.

• Reviewed list of bills (no action)
• Reviewed purchasing report (no action)
• Discussed district contracts (no action)
• Discussed IM Pools Management swimming pool services agreement 2026-2029 (no action)
• Discussed Whitemarsh Boat Club LLC dba Hines Rowing Center 2026-27 facilities lease (no action)
• Discussed Main Line School Night Fall 2026 license agreement (no action)
• Discussed Right at School addendum, subject to solicitor review (no action)
• Discussed multiple IT quotes and renewals, including iBoss, Presidio, and Crowdstrike (no action)

Policy Committee Meeting - 6:00 PM

The Policy Committee is reviewing the repeal of existing technology policies in favor of a new K-12 Technology Use policy. The committee is also reviewing administrative regulations regarding district facility access and charges for the 2026-27 period.

• Proposed repeal of Policy 134 (District Provided Technology Resources) and Policy 137 (District-Issued Electronic Devices)
• First reading of proposed Policy XXX (K-12 Technology Use)
• Proposed Administrative Regulation XXX (K-12 Technology Use)
• Proposed AR 713 (Access to District Facilities) and associated 2026-27 charges for facilities use
• Proposed recission of AR 134 and AR 137 regarding technology resources and electronic devices

Regular Business Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM

The Board of School Directors will consider several high-value contracts for student services and educational materials. The meeting includes approvals for personnel changes, overnight student trips, and the election of a board treasurer.

• MCIU Intergovernmental Agreement for $1,484,366.93
• Carolina - Smithsonian Science for the Classroom contract for $431,325.84
• The Lincoln Center for Family & Youth agreement for $180,000
• Election of Christopher J. Stoffere as Treasurer with a $7,200 salary account charge
• Appointment of A. Kyle Berman and McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC as special counsel at $255 per hour

The Lower Merion School District Board approved a wide range of routine and substantive actions, including contracts for facilities, transportation, security, and software, as well as the election of a treasurer and appointment of a board secretary. All actions were approved as recommended, with no votes against or abstentions recorded in the minutes.

• Approved district-wide contracts for bollards, inspections, gym floor refinishing, and other services
• Approved student transportation contracts for 2026-27
• Approved security services agreement with Advanced Protection Company (not-to-exceed $548,600)
• Elected Christopher J. Stoffere as Treasurer for 2026-27 ($7,200 salary account charge)
• Approved $100,000 bond for the Treasurer
• Appointed A. Kyle Berman and McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC as special counsel ($255/hour)
• Accepted resignation of Denise LaPera as Board Secretary; appointed Ruth Novak (salary $9,000/year, term through June 30, 2029)
• Approved software renewals including PowerSchool ($39,370.80), Netwrix ($33,269.35), and Brightly ($20,064.23)

Finance Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM

The Lower Merion School District Finance Committee will discuss reserves, fund balance, and capital transfer during this meeting, which is the final finance committee meeting of the series. The discussion is informational and procedural, with no votes or decisions listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Reserves, Fund Balance, and Capital Transfer

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will discuss a list of bills, a purchasing report with a pricing correction, and district contracts. Items for review include subscription renewals for Arbiter, PowerSchool, Netwrix, BoardDocs, and Brightly, as well as a security services agreement and student transportation contracts for 2026-27. An update on facilities capital projects and bus replacement plan will also be presented. The next meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2026.

• Student transportation contracts for 2026-27 from 12 vendors (Atlas, Balgo, EverDriven, FirstAlt, Klein, Krapf, Metz, Philly Trans, Sague, Sarah Car Care, Superior, Werner Coach)
• Advanced Protection Company security services agreement for 2026-27
• PowerSchool renewal quote for TalentEd, Records, Applicant Tracking, and Perform Classified
• Purchasing report corrected: item 15 price changed from $7,921.63 to $7,941.63
• Update on facilities capital projects and bus replacement plan

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee met via Zoom and reviewed a list of bills, purchasing report, district contracts, and several subscription renewals, including Arbiter Registration, PowerSchool, Netwrix Auditor, Diligent BoardDocs, and Brightly Software. They also discussed security services, student transportation contracts for 2026-27, and facilities capital projects. No formal decisions or votes were recorded; the meeting was for discussion and review only.

• Reviewed list of bills (no action)
• Reviewed purchasing report (no action)
• Reviewed district contracts (no action)
• Discussed Arbiter Registration 3-year subscription (no action)
• Discussed Advanced Protection Company security services agreement (no action)
• Discussed PowerSchool renewal quote (no action)
• Discussed Netwrix Auditor renewal quote (no action)
• Discussed student transportation contracts for 2026-27 (no action)

Special Meeting of the Board - 5:30 - 6:00 PM

This is a 30-minute special meeting of the Lower Merion School District Board. The board will deliberate on information regarding the Lower Merion and Harriton high school football programs. Public comment will be taken in person and via Zoom chat. No action items or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Board discussion of Lower Merion and Harriton high school football programs
• Public comment opportunity in person and via Zoom chat

Policy Committee Meeting - 7:30 - 9:00 PM

The Policy Committee is reviewing several policies for proposed first and second readings. The meeting includes discussions on student responsibilities, public attendance at events, and the repeal of existing technology resource policies.

• Second readings for Policy/AR 235/235-2 Student Rights and Responsibilities, Policy 904 Public Attendance at School Events, and Policy 827 Conflict of Interests
• First readings for new Policy/AR XXX K-12 Technology Use
• Proposed repeal of Policy 134 District Provided Technology Resources and Policy 137 District-Issued Electronic Devices
• Updates to AR 215 Promotion, Acceleration, and Retention and AR 713 Access to District Facilities
• Review of charges for facilities use for 2026-27

The Policy Committee reviewed policies for potential adoption, including second readings of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Public Attendance at School Events, and Conflict of Interests, and first readings of new technology-related policies. No formal votes were taken; items were only discussed for future action. The next meeting is scheduled for June 8, 2026.

• Reviewed second readings of Policy/AR 235/235-2 Student Rights and Responsibilities for proposed adoption
• Reviewed second reading of Policy/AR 904 Public Attendance at School Events for proposed adoption
• Reviewed second reading of Policy 827 Conflict of Interests for proposed adoption
• Reviewed first reading of new Policy/AR XXX K-12 Technology Use
• Reviewed first reading of Policy 134 District Provided Technology Resources
• Reviewed first reading of Policy 137 District-Issued Electronic Devices: Students Use, Rights and Responsibilities
• Noted administrative regulation changes to AR 215 Promotion, Acceleration, and Retention and AR 713 Access to District Facilities

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 6:00 - 7:20 PM

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee is meeting to review proposed contracts and purchases for the 2026-2027 school year totaling over $1 million, including curriculum materials and digital tools. The committee will also hear a presentation on a science adoption proposal for grades 3-5 and a textbook adoption for Global Studies I and II. All items are presented as information for discussion; no votes are scheduled at this meeting.

• Proposed contracts include Carolina Smithsonian Science ($431,325), I-Ready Reading ($64,252), Making Math Matter ($60,000), and Renaissance/Nearpod ($38,864), among others
• Several contracts (HMH Social Studies, Cengage Gale, Edmentum, etc.) listed as "Under Solicitor Review"
• Global Studies I and II textbook adoption proposal presented by Drew Gingrich
• Science adoption proposal for grades 3-5 presented by KD Davenport
• Committee will set next meeting date: September 14, 2026

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee met on May 11, 2026, for a public meeting. The committee reviewed the district list of contract purchases and renewals for the 2026-27 school year, discussed a textbook adoption proposal for Global Studies I and II, and heard a presentation on a science adoption proposal for grades 3 to 5. No formal votes or decisions were recorded; all items were presented for information only.

• Reviewed district contract purchases/renewals for 2026-27 (no action)
• Discussed Global Studies I and II textbook adoption proposal (no action)
• Heard science adoption proposal for grades 3-5 (no action)

Regular Business Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will consider the proposed 2026-27 budget and the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Goals. The board will also review various educational service contracts and student travel requests.

• Tentative adoption of 2026-27 budget with expenditures of $348,287,617 and a Real Estate Tax of 36.5017 mills
• Renewal of PowerSchool/Schoology Three Year Agreement for $113,049.67
• Educational contract purchases including IXL ($72,995) and Amplify Desmos Math Accelerated G7 ($43,399.60)
• Settlement of assessment appeal for 600 Righters Ferry Road involving taxes over $50,000
• Approval of 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Goals

The Lower Merion School District board tentatively adopted the 2026-27 proposed final budget of $348,287,617, which includes a real estate tax levy of 36.5017 mills, continuation of the 1% real estate transfer tax, and the $5 local services tax. The board also approved a $113,049.67 PowerSchool/Schoology renewal, a $9,600 enrollment study with Montgomery County Planning Commission, and a settlement stipulation for a tax assessment appeal at 600 Righters Ferry Road. Several consent agenda items were approved, including human resources actions, student services agreements, overnight trips, and the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Goals.

• Tentatively adopted 2026-27 final budget of $348,287,617 with 36.5017 mills real estate tax
• Approved PowerSchool/Schoology three-year renewal for $113,049.67
• Approved settlement stipulation for tax assessment appeal at 600 Righters Ferry Road
• Approved $9,600 enrollment projection study with Montgomery County Planning Commission
• Approved consent items: minutes, HR actions, student services agreements, bills, financial reports
• Accepted 2026-2031 Strategic Plan Goals
• Accepted donations from Merion HSA: stair stickers ($500) and 580 t-shirts ($4,176.50)
• Nominated Jennifer Rivera to MCIU Board of Directors

Finance Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM

The Lower Merion School District Finance Committee will meet to discuss staffing and personnel for instructional programs and student services. The meeting also includes a preview of the May 15 meeting regarding reserves, fund balance, and capital transfers.

• Discussion of Staffing/Personnel Instructional Programs and Student Services

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will review financial and operational reports. The body is discussing a Montgomery County Planning Commission enrollment study and various district contracts.

• Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC) Enrollment Study
• District Contracts review
• Purchasing Report
• List of Bills

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 6:00 - 7:20 PM

The committee is reviewing a list of proposed contract purchases and renewals for the 2026-27 school year. The meeting includes updates on the Amplify Desmos math implementation and full-day kindergarten.

• PowerSchool/Schoology three-year agreement renewal for $113,049.67
• IXL site license for grades 5-8 math and 9-12 math for $72,995.00
• Amplify Desmos Math Accelerated G7 for $43,399.60
• CommonLit School Essentials PRO Plus for $34,250.00
• Brooke Workman Consulting for $30,000

Policy Committee Meeting - 7:30 - 9:00 PM

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee will review several policies for potential first or second readings at the next business meeting. They will consider a second reading to repeal Policy/AR 129 Scholar's Program of Studies, and first readings for policies on student rights and responsibilities, public attendance at school events, and conflict of interests. The committee will also discuss policies related to student devices, generative AI, and booster clubs. No administrative regulation changes are reported.

• Second reading for repeal of Policy/AR 129 Scholar's Program of Studies
• First reading of Policy/AR 235/235-2 Student Rights and Responsibilities
• First reading of Policy/AR 904 Public Attendance at School Events
• First reading of Policy 827 Conflict of Interests
• Discussion of AR 134.1 Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education

Finance Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM

The Finance Committee will meet to discuss non-instructional support programs and services. The meeting includes a review of a March 2026 presentation.

• Discussion of Non-Instructional Support Programs & Services

Regular Business Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will meet to review financial reports and human resources actions. The board is deciding on several software subscriptions and settlement stipulations for property assessment appeals.

• iReady quote for 2026-27 school year: $917,374.26
• Everyday Speech subscription renewal: $10,599.78
• Everway Unique Learning System subscription renewal: $16,213.92
• Riverside Insights - Woodcock-Johnson 5th Edition subscription renewal: $11,092.90
• Settlement stipulations for assessment appeals at 150 E. Wynnewood Road and 130 Monument Road (taxes over $50,000 each)

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The committee will discuss a list of bills, a purchasing report, and a list of district contracts. The meeting includes reviews of transportation and accessibility software as well as network and computer equipment.

• Bus Hive Transportation Management Software
• DocAccess PDF Accessibility Compliance Software
• Link Computer Corp Cisco Network Switches
• Apple Equipment Purchase
• Review of District Contracts and List of Bills

Policy Committee Meeting - 7:30 - 9:00 PM

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee will review proposed policy changes, including graduation requirements and a civility policy, for adoption at a future business meeting. The committee will also discuss booster clubs and administrative regulations.

• Policy 217 High School Graduation Requirements (Second Reading)
• Policy/AR 006 Civility (Second Reading)
• Policy/AR 129 Scholar's Program of Studies (First Reading for Repeal)
• Policy/AR 916 Booster Clubs and Parent Organizations (Discussion)
• Administrative Regulation 106 Adoption of Courses of Study

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 6:00 - 7:20 PM

The Lower Merion School District Curriculum Committee will meet to review contracts and course or textbook proposals. The agenda includes presentations on school counseling tools and the adoption of K-4 math resources.

• Presentation on School Counseling: Smart Futures and SCOIR
• Presentation on K-4 Math Resource Adoption
• Contract review
• Course and textbook proposals

Finance Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM

The Finance Committee will review the proposed 2026-2027 budget and discuss alternative funding sources, including Act 511. The meeting is recorded and will be available on the District website for 30 days.

• Discussion of the 2026-2027 Budget (presentation attached)
• Alternative Funding Discussion (Act 511 document attached)

Regular Business Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM

The Lower Merion School Board will consider a consent agenda including affirming a resolution to not raise taxes by more than 3.5% for 2026-27, approving the 2026 summer school fee structure, and authorizing a grant application for the Lower Merion High School A Building roof replacement. Other consent items include renewing BrainPOP for $31,590, approving the MCIU membership services budget of $164,890, and awarding contracts for battery-powered leaf blowers, floor scrubbers, and Chromebooks. Public comment on agenda items is taken in person and via Zoom chat.

• Affirm January 27 resolution to cap tax increase at 3.5% for 2026-27
• Adopt resignation to apply for PA DCED grant for LMHS A Building roof replacement
• Approve 2026 summer school fee structure: SPIES $975 + $75 reg, Summer School $525+$75, etc.
• Renew BrainPOP subscription for $31,590 for 2025-26 school year
• Award contracts for battery-powered leaf blowers, floor scrubber at WVMS, pool heater upgrade at LMHS, and Lenova Chromebooks for 2nd and 5th grades

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The Lower Merion School District’s Facilities and Purchasing Committee will hold its regular meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes routine procedural items such as reviewing bills, a purchasing report, district contracts, and a software renewal. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Review of bills (List of Bills 2-17-2026.pdf)
• Review of February 2026 Purchasing Report (20260206 Purchasing Report February 2026.pdf)
• Review of district contracts (District Contracts Feb 2026.pdf)
• Discussion of Visual Sound SMART Software Renewal (SMART Software Renewal 2026.pdf)

Curriculum Committee Meeting - 6:00 - 7:20 PM

The Curriculum Committee is meeting to discuss and vote on a contract renewal for BrainPOP for grades K-8 at $31,590 for the 2025-26 school year. They will also receive a presentation on the district's ELA and literacy curriculum. The agenda includes welcome, contract review, presentations, and setting the next meeting date for March 9, 2026.

• Approve renewal of BrainPOP subscription for grades K-8 at $31,590 for 2025-26
• Presentation on LMSD ELA and literacy curriculum by Dorie Martin-Pitone
• Next meeting scheduled for March 9, 2026 from 6-7:20 PM

Policy Committee Meeting - 7:30 - 9:00 PM

The Lower Merion School District Policy Committee will review proposed first readings of Policy/AR 006 Civility and Policy 217 High School Graduation Requirements, and discuss several other policies including the Scholar's Program, course adoption, and career and technical education. No policies are proposed for adoption at this meeting. The committee will also be informed of administrative regulation changes for purchasing and federal fiscal compliance.

• First reading review of Policy/AR 006 Civility
• First reading review of Policy 217 High School Graduation Requirements
• Administrative regulation changes for AR 610 Purchasing and AR 621 Federal Fiscal Compliance (Procurement)
• Discussion of Policy/AR 129 Scholar's Program of Studies, Policy/AR 106 Adoption of Courses of Study, and Policy 115 Career and Technical Education
• Future discussion of AR 134.1 Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education

Regular Business Board Meeting - VIA ZOOM ON JANUARY 27, 2026 @ 7:00 PM

The Lower Merion Board of School Directors will consider several routine and financial actions, including a resolution to limit any tax increase for the 2026-27 fiscal year to 3.5% (the Act 1 Index). Other decisions include approving a $163,256 surety bond premium for township and borough tax collectors, awarding contracts for kitchen and classroom furniture at multiple schools, and accepting several small donations. The meeting also includes approval of overnight student trips, HR personnel actions, and a list of bills.

• Adopt resolution not to raise any tax rate by more than 3.5% for the 2026-27 school year (Act 1 Index)
• Approve surety bonds for Lower Merion Township and Narberth tax collectors at a total premium of $163,256 (2026-2029)
• Award contracts for combi ovens, science tables, student desks, cafeteria tables, and chairs at PVES, PWES, WVMS, HHS, and BRMS
• Accept donations: $500 mini grant to Penn Wynne ES, $250 donation to Belmont Hills ES, $500 grant to Harriton Music Parents Association
• Approve overnight trip requests for track & field, debate, FBLA, and Science Olympiad state competitions

Facilities and Purchasing Committee Meeting - 9:00 AM via Zoom

The Facilities and Purchasing Committee will discuss several purchasing and facilities items, including agreement renewals for Villanova University's 2026 graduation ceremonies at Harriton and Lower Merion high schools. Other agenda items include a list of bills, a purchasing report, contracted transportation drivers and aides, a VMWare quote from MCIU, and renewal of tax collector surety bonds. No votes or decisions are scheduled; all items are listed as discussion only.

• Discussion of Villanova University 2026 Graduation Ceremony Agreements for Harriton High School and Lower Merion High School
• Review of List of Bills (attached PDF)
• Review of Purchasing Report for January 2026
• List of contracted transportation drivers and aides
• Review renewal of tax collector surety bonds for 2026-2030