Upper Merion Area High School District, PA

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a large slate of personnel actions, including the hiring of new teachers and support staff, approval of salary changes, and the re-approval of a collective bargaining agreement for custodial, building, and turf maintenance staff. The meeting will also include a moment of silence for a former employee and the approval of minutes from previous meetings. Public comment on agenda items will be heard.

• Re-approval of the Custodial, Building and Turf Maintenance Agreement Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2026-29, with changes to include HVACR personnel.
• Appointment of Tyler Klicka as a Long-Term Substitute Health/Physical Teacher at $71,585/year and Kevin Nerz as a Long-Term Substitute German Teacher at $101,103/year.
• Appointment of Jennifer Piro as a 1.0 Professional Employee Elementary (5th Grade) Teacher at $100,910/year.
• Approval of salary level changes for 13 employees, with new salaries ranging from $75,765 to $126,172.
• Approval of extra pay for 27 subject chairpersons and 15 middle school team leaders for the 2026/2027 school year.

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a slate of personnel actions including new hires, resignations, salary changes, and extra-duty assignments for the 2026/2027 school year. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from prior meetings and a moment of silence for a retired employee. Public comment is limited to five minutes per speaker.

• Appointment of Tyler Klicka as long-term substitute health/PE teacher at Caley Elementary ($71,585/yr)
• Appointment of Kevin Nerz as long-term substitute German teacher at the middle school ($101,103/yr)
• Appointment of Jennifer Piro as 5th grade teacher ($100,910/yr)
• Salary level changes for 15 employees, with increases ranging from ~$1,000 to ~$15,000
• Approval of extra-duty pay for subject chairpersons, coaches, and club sponsors (e.g., football head coach $11,847.40)

Special Public Business Meeting - Board Candidates Interview and Appointment of a Board Candidate - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board will hold a special meeting to interview eight candidates for an at-large vacancy created by Dr. Eric Wellington's resignation. Following interviews, the board will vote to appoint one candidate to serve until the December 2027 reorganization meeting. The board also approved three new administrative positions (Director of Teaching and Learning, Supervisor of Curriculum – STEM, Supervisor of Curriculum – Humanities) that are budget-neutral due to reorganization.

• Approved three budget-neutral administrative positions: Director of Teaching and Learning, Supervisor of Curriculum – STEM, Supervisor of Curriculum – Humanities
• Interviews scheduled for eight board candidates: Corie Alicea, James Bird, Maura Buri, Tyler Church, Christopher Goldman, Nikki Sallustio, Douglas Scheesley, James Madera
• Board will appoint a candidate to fill the at-large vacancy left by Dr. Eric Wellington's resignation effective June 8, 2026, until December 2027
• Public comments limited to five minutes per speaker

The Board interviewed eight candidates to fill an At-Large vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. Eric Wellington. After two rounds of voting, Nicole Sallustio was appointed to the board until the December 2027 reorganization meeting.

• Approved Legal, Administrative, Management, and Personnel items (8-0)
• Appointed Nicole Sallustio to the At-Large board vacancy (6-2)

Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting - FINAL

The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will consider personnel actions including an employment agreement for a new assistant superintendent, staff resignations, appointments, and leave requests. The committee will also vote on production contracts for high school plays and a confidential student settlement agreement.

• Employment agreement for Dr. Brian Reilly as Assistant Superintendent, effective July 1, 2026
• Appointment of Nicole Gallagher as Secretary to Building Principal at Bridgeport Elementary at $24.00/hour
• Appointment of Kyndra Watkins-Robinson as Secretary to Director of Student Services at $63,000/year
• Production contract for Matilda the Musical at $4,414 for four performances
• Confidential settlement agreement for student #387560 using general funds

Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will consider multiple personnel actions, including approvals for a 5th-grade camping trip, family/medical leaves, a suspension, and new hires. The committee will also vote on a production contract for the high school play "The Crucible" ($862.39), a contract for 10 Zoom licenses ($320), and a confidential student settlement agreement. A presentation on a curriculum audit report is also scheduled.

• Approve personnel for Middle School 5th Grade Camping Trip: Nicholas Grandizio ($145.28) and Jayden Smith ($145.28).
• Approve production contract for UMHS performance of The Crucible: $862.39 total ($525 performance fee + $337.39 script fee).
• Approve agreement for 10 individual Zoom licenses from MCIU at a cost not to exceed $320.00.
• Approve confidential settlement agreement for student #387560, paid from General funds.
• Approve 2026/2027 hourly rates for Operations Department employees and a $63,000/year salary for a new Secretary to Director of Student Services.

Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting - FINAL DRAFT

The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will consider hiring Dr. Brian Reilly as Assistant Superintendent, approving multiple personnel changes including resignations, retirements, and new appointments, and authorizing contracts for high school productions of "The Crucible" and "Matilda." The committee will also vote on a confidential student agreement, Zoom licenses, and a contract with Nyman Associates for student services. A safety and security report and a curriculum audit presentation are scheduled.

• Employment agreement for Dr. Brian Reilly as Assistant Superintendent, effective July 1, 2026
• Production contract for UMHS performance of Matilda totaling $4,414
• Production contract for UMHS performance of The Crucible totaling $862.39
• Confidential settlement agreement for student #387560 using general funds
• Approval of 2026/2027 hourly rates for Operations Department employees

2026-2027 Final Budget Adoption Meeting - FINAL

The board will vote on the 2026-2027 final general fund budget of $145,628,074 in expenditures and $144,992,146 in revenues, including a real estate tax millage rate of 25.03 mills (a 4.25% increase). They will also consider a resolution for the 2026 homestead and farmstead exclusion amounts. Public comment is permitted before the vote.

• Adoption of 2026-2027 General Fund Budget ($145,628,074 expenditures, $144,992,146 revenues)
• Approval of 2026-2027 real estate tax millage rate of 25.03 mills (4.25% increase from 24.01 mills)
• Approval of 2026 Homestead and Farmstead exclusion resolution and amounts
• Public comment on agenda items (5-minute limit per speaker)

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board approved a new collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 384 covering custodial, building, and turf maintenance employees from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, along with five related memorandums of understanding. The board also approved salary schedules for teachers, administrators, confidential employees, and cafeteria workers for the 2026/2027 school year, and ratified April 2026 financial reports totaling over $9.1 million in expenditures across multiple funds. Personnel actions included hiring, resignations, retirements, and leave approvals for both professional and support staff.

• New 3-year collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 384 (Custodial, Building and Turf Maintenance) for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2029
• Approved 2026/2027 salary schedules for UMAEA teachers, administrators, confidential/project-based employees, UMAESP staff, and cafeteria personnel
• Ratified April 2026 bills: General Fund payroll ($2.7M), accounts payable ($5.96M), Capital Reserve ($304K), Food Service ($97.7K), and Extra-Curricular ($73.9K)
• Approved $1,320 production contract for Middle School performance of Disney's Frozen Jr. (March 2027)
• Recognized 20 retiring staff members and graduating Senior School Board Representative Elle Meade

The Board approved various professional and support personnel recommendations, budget contracts for school productions and prom, and several student service providers. Additionally, the Board passed final readings for policies regarding student wellness, Title IX, and staff relationships.

• Approved professional, support, and administrative personnel recommendations (9-0)
• Approved budget items including Frozen Jr. production, Junior Prom contracts, and tax rebate program (9-0)
• Approved annual insurance renewals for property, automobile, and liability policies (8-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved postage meter lease (9-0)
• Approved student service contracts with GHR Healthcare, Abington Speech Pathology, Axis Therapy, Thomson Reuters Clear, Melmark, and Lakeside Youth Services (9-0)
• Approved MAP renewal and McGraw Hill Actively Learn renewal (9-0)
• Approved final readings of Policy 246 (Student Wellness), Policy 104.1 (Title IX), and Policy 824.1 (Staff Relationships) (9-0)
• Approved PIAA Track and Field Championship school-sponsored trip (8-0, 1 abstention)

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on personnel actions, a new Teamsters collective bargaining agreement, and the district's 2026-2027 insurance package totaling $721,758. They will also approve contracts for the middle school production of Disney's Frozen Jr. and the 2027 Junior Prom at Elmwood Park Zoo. The meeting includes recognitions for retirees, award-winning students, and a moment of silence for a former administrator.

• Approve 2026-2027 insurance renewals totaling $721,758 (Commercial $441,971, Auto $48,795, D&O $150,937, Umbrella $48,297, Student Accident $12,669, Cyber $19,089)
• Enter into Collective Bargaining Agreement with Teamsters Local Union No. 384 for custodial, building, and turf maintenance (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2029)
• Approve production contract for Disney's Frozen Jr. at $1,320.00 paid through Student Activities
• Approve Elmwood Park Zoo contract for Junior Prom on May 7, 2027, estimated cost $15,542.50
• Approve personnel actions including hires, resignations, retirements, and salary changes

Facilities and Operations Committee Meeting

The Facilities and Operations Committee will consider recommending approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the school district and the Upper Merion, Bridgeport, and West Conshohocken Police Departments. The committee will also vote on four maintenance service contracts: preventive maintenance for food service chilling equipment ($9,570 from Toto's Inc), warming equipment ($7,628 from Clark Service Group), emergency generators ($4,999 per year from Mardinly Industrial Power), and a three-year AHERA asbestos reinspection ($1,300 from Spotts, Stevens and McCoy). Additionally, the committee will receive a second reading of three district policies: Policy 246 (Student Wellness), Policy 104.1 (Title IX/Nondiscrimination Based on Sex), and Policy 824.1 (Personal Relationships Between Staff), all recommended for approval.

• MOU between UMASD and Upper Merion, Bridgeport, and West Conshohocken Police Departments
• Preventive maintenance contract for food service chilling equipment from Toto's Inc for $9,570
• Preventive maintenance contract for food service warming equipment from Clark Service Group for $7,628
• Generator preventive maintenance contract from Mardinly Industrial Power for $4,999 per year (26-27 and 27-28 school years)
• Second reading of Policy 246 (Student Wellness), Policy 104.1 (Title IX), and Policy 824.1 (Staff Personal Relationships)

Policy Review and Equity Committee Meeting

The Upper Merion Area High School District Policy Review and Equity Committee will meet on May 11, 2026. The agenda includes a first reading and discussion of three policies: Policy 246 (Student Health and Wellness), Policy 104.1 (Title IX/Nondiscrimination Based on Sex), and a new Policy 824.1 (Personal Relationships Between Staff). The committee will also consider administrative recommendations for two elementary principal appointments: Julieann M. Cappuccino at Gulph Elementary School and Matthew Pimental at Candlebrook Elementary School, each at a salary of $152,000/year. The meeting will include public comment periods and board comments before adjournment.

• Appointment of Julieann M. Cappuccino as Elementary Principal at Gulph Elementary School, $152,000/year
• Appointment of Matthew Pimental as Elementary Principal at Candlebrook Elementary School, $152,000/year
• First reading of Policy 246: Student Health and Wellness
• First reading of Policy 104.1: Title IX/Nondiscrimination Based on Sex
• First reading of new Policy 824.1: Personal Relationships Between Staff

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on professional and support staff appointments, including a new social studies teacher at $71,585/year and an employee benefits manager at $75,000/year. The board will also consider a security services agreement with Advanced Protection Company at $30/hour per agent, a lease agreement with Radnor Boys Crew Club for the boathouse, and annual general and art supply bids totaling $34,751.62 and $32,044.42 respectively. Additionally, the board will approve minutes from previous meetings and hear presentations from Roberts Elementary School and the superintendent.

• Approve professional staff hires including Ki Hyun Moon as social studies teacher ($71,585/year) and Eliot Liples as employee benefits manager ($75,000/year)
• Approve security services agreement with Advanced Protection Company at $30/hour per agent for 2026-2027 school year
• Approve lease agreement with Radnor Boys Crew Club for boathouse property from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
• Approve annual general supplies bid totaling $34,751.62 and art supplies bid totaling $32,044.42 for 2026-2027
• Approve copy paper bid award to WB Mason at $31,251.00 for 2026-2027 school year

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board is voting on personnel actions including new hires, resignations, and summer staffing, as well as a security contract with Advanced Protection Company at $30/hour per agent and a one-year lease agreement with Radnor Boys Crew Club for the district's boathouse. The board will also ratify March 2026 financial reports totaling over $12.7 million in various funds.

• Approval of professional hires: Danielle LeVine (BCBA, $91,453/yr), Ki Hyun Moon (social studies teacher, $71,585/yr), Brittney V. Williams (school psychologist, $93,476/yr)
• Security services agreement with Advanced Protection Company at $30/hour per agent for 2026-2027 school year
• Lease agreement with Radnor Boys Crew Club for boathouse property from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027
• Ratification of March 2026 bills: General Fund payroll $2,858,189.83 and accounts payable $9,584,682.56
• Summer program staffing for LIFT, ESY, and credit recovery programs at $45.16/hour

The Board approved several administrative, financial, and operational contracts, including security services and athletic training. The board also authorized a high school HBCU tour and renewed the Newsela subscription. Final budget adoption is scheduled for June 1st.

• Approved April 6, April 20, and April 27 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved professional and support personnel recommendations (6-0)
• Approved security services contract with Advanced Protection Company for 2026-2027 (6-0)
• Approved ACCESS Program subcontract with MCIU for 2026-2027 (6-0)
• Approved lease agreement with Radnor Boys Crew Club for Boat House Property (6-0)
• Approved bids for general supplies, art supplies, and copy paper (6-0)
• Approved Class of 2028 Disney Trip with World Class Vacations (6-0)
• Approved High School HBCU Tour Experience for Sept 30-Oct 1, 2026 (6-0)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Upper Merion Area School District Finance Committee will consider approving a proposed final 2026-27 general fund budget of $145,628,074, which includes a 1.02-mill (4.25%) tax increase. The meeting also includes public comment periods and board discussion.

• Proposed final 2026-27 general fund budget: $145,628,074 in expenditures, $144,992,150 in revenues
• Tax rate increase to 25.03 mills, up 1.02 mills (4.25%) from 2025-26
• Resolution authorizing display and advertising of the proposed final budget
• Final budget adoption scheduled for June 1, 2026

Budget Workshop Meeting

The board will hold a budget workshop meeting, including a presentation of the 2026-27 Proposed Final Budget. Public comment on agenda items is permitted under set protocols. The meeting also includes time for board and public comments before adjournment.

• 2026-27 Proposed Final Budget Presentation (agenda item 4.A)

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board is voting on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the teachers' union (UMAEA) covering 2026-2029, along with several related memoranda of understanding. The board will also act on numerous personnel items, including professional and support staff hires, retirements, and leaves of absence. Financial actions include ratifying February 2026 bills totaling over $11.5 million, appointing the board treasurer, and approving renewals for life and dental insurance policies.

• New 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with UMAEA teachers union (2026-2029)
• Ratification of February 2026 bills: $2.8M payroll, $7.2M accounts payable, $1.1M capital reserve
• Appointment of Stacey Bortnichak (School Nurse, $85,123/yr) and Michael Choi (Special Ed/English Teacher, $99,277/yr)
• Approval of $2,450 for First Class Entertainment at UMHS Senior Prom on May 29, 2026
• Renewal of dental insurance (United Concordia) with 2.7%-3.7% rate increases and life insurance (Securian Financial) with no rate increase

The Board approved several administrative, financial, and operational items, including a sports construction project and a special education plan. Dr. Eric Wellington announced he will exit the Board following the June commencement ceremony.

• Approved minutes from March 2, March 9, and March 16 meetings
• Approved personnel recommendations 7.A.2 through 7.C (8-0)
• Approved personnel recommendation 7.A.1 (7-1)
• Approved budget and finance items 8.A through 8.H (8-0)
• Approved Miller Sports Construction project (8-0)
• Approved Special Education Comprehensive Plan 2026-2029 and other student services items (8-0)
• Approved librarian summer hours and middle school projector screen replacement (8-0)
• Nominated Dr. Gary Ledebur to the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Board (8-0)

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the teachers union, along with numerous personnel actions including retirements, leaves, and new hires. The board will also consider renewing dental and life insurance plans, implementing a diabetes reversal program, and approving a special education plan.

• New three-year collective bargaining agreement with Upper Merion Area Education Association (2026-2029)
• Approve $2,450 entertainment contract for UMHS Senior Prom at Rivercrest Golf Club
• Renew dental insurance with United Concordia (rates up 2.7-3.7%) and life insurance with Securian Financial (no rate increase)
• Appoint Michael Keeley as Board Treasurer for fiscal year 2026-2027
• Approve partnership with CVS Pharmacy for student employability skills program

Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee Meeting

The Curriculum/Technology/Student Services Committee will consider approving a $1,231,156.89 five-year purchase of HMH Into Reading V3 (K-5) and Into Literature (6) as the new core ELA materials. Other action items include a $630,012 network hardware refresh (60% E-Rate reimbursed), a $24,236 combi oven for Roberts Elementary, a bond refunding resolution for Series 2017/2019/2022A/2022B, and a solicitor change from Fox Rothschild to McNees Wallace & Nurick. The committee also will hear a presentation on K-6 ELA materials and proposed special education math courses.

• Approve $1,231,156.89 five-year HMH Into Reading V3 (K-5) and Into Literature (6) adoption
• Approve $630,012.21 network switching and wireless access point upgrade (60% E-Rate reimbursed, district share $252,004.89)
• Authorize bond refunding for Series 2017, 2019, 2022A, 2022B via Series 2026 issuance
• Approve $24,236.21 combi oven purchase and installation for Roberts Elementary
• Add two new special education math courses: Algebra Concepts 1A and 1B

Budget Workshop Meeting

The Upper Merion Area School Board will hold a budget workshop meeting to review the proposed 2026-27 final budget and discuss a potential refunding of Series 2017, 2019 (partial), 2022A & B bonds. The board will also consider personnel actions, including extra pay for fall sports coaches and an interim principal appointment, and a school-sponsored trip for a student wrestler.

• 2026-27 Proposed Final Budget Presentation
• Current Refunding of Series 2017, 2019 (Partial), 2022A & B Bonds
• Approve extra pay/extra duty for High School Fall Sports, including Football Head Coach Michael Y. Choi at $11,546.96
• Approve Jeffrey Pammer as interim Principal at Candlebrook Elementary School
• Approve school-sponsored trip for student Jowell Jones to PIAA State Wrestling Championship (March 4-7, 2026)

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board is voting on personnel actions including retirements, resignations, and new hires, plus ratifying $17.4 million in January bills. They will also authorize a real estate tax assessment appeal settlement for KOP Warner PA Partners LLC and approve a one-year food service contract extension with US Foods. A grant application for HVAC upgrades at Roberts Elementary School is on the agenda.

• Ratification of $17,426,491.66 in January 2026 general fund bills
• Real estate tax assessment appeal settlement for KOP Warner PA Partners LLC, Parcel # 58-00-20407-00-1
• One-year food service contract extension with US Foods through June 30, 2027
• Grant application for HVAC upgrades at Roberts Elementary School, estimated $1,342,117.55 with 75% state funding
• Superintendent Dr. Tamara Thomas Smith receives 2.5% salary adjustment after meeting performance standards

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a real estate tax assessment settlement for KOP Warner PA Partners LLC, approve personnel actions including retirements and new hires, and authorize a $30,000 professional development contract with Professional Learning Partnerships LLC. The board will also consider a social work internship agreement with Kutztown University and a school trip to the PA First Tech Challenge Championship.

• Real estate tax assessment appeal settlement for KOP Warner PA Partners LLC, Parcel # 58-00-20407-00-1
• Retirement of Candlebrook Elementary School Principal Frank McCartney, effective June 30, 2026
• 2.5% salary adjustment for Superintendent Dr. Tamara Thomas Smith after meeting performance standards
• Partnership agreement with Professional Learning Partnerships LLC for science of learning training, not to exceed $30,000
• Approval of social work practicum/internship agreement with Kutztown University at no cost

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will consider a resolution to apply for a $1,006,588.16 state grant for HVAC upgrades at Roberts Elementary School. The board will also vote on personnel changes including retirements, resignations, and new hires, and ratify over $17 million in January 2026 bills. Other action items include a tax assessment settlement for KOP Warner PA Partners and a one-year food service contract extension with US Foods.

• Resolution to apply for Public School Facility Improvement Grant for HVAC at Roberts Elementary; estimated project cost $1,342,117.55, grant covers 75% ($1,006,588.16)
• Ratification of General Fund bills for January 2026 totaling $17,149,182.73 (net payroll $4,300,125.19 + accounts payable $12,849,057.54)
• Real estate tax assessment appeal settlement for KOP Warner PA Partners LLC, Parcel # 58-00-20407-00-1
• Approval of retirements: High School Social Studies teacher Steven Kozol, Candlebrook Kindergarten teacher Deborah Lombardi, and Candlebrook Elementary Principal Frank McCartney
• Superintendent Dr. Tamara Thomas Smith receives 2.5% salary adjustment after meeting 2024-2025 performance standards

Facilities and Operations & Finance Committee Meeting

The Facilities and Operations & Finance Committee will consider personnel actions including the appointment of a High School Assistant Principal at a salary of $136,000/year and the creation of one full-time Instructional Aide. The committee will also receive a presentation on the 2026-27 Proposed Final Budget and a recommendation to adopt a new K-6 English Language Arts curriculum (HMH Into Reading/Into Literature). Final readings of three policies (Field Trips, Interscholastic Athletics, Social Events and Class Trips) are also on the agenda for approval.

• Appointment of Molly Mangan as High School Assistant Principal at $136,000/year, replacing J. Murray (resignation), effective May 4, 2026.
• Approval to create one full-time Instructional Aide based on student need.
• Presentation of the 2026-27 Proposed Final Budget.
• Recommendation to adopt HMH Into Reading (K-5) and Into Literature (6) as new ELA series, replacing expiring contract.
• Final readings and recommended approval of Policy 121 (Field Trips), Policy 123 (Interscholastic Athletics), and Policy 231 (Social Events and Class Trips).

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will consider adopting a $145,858,612 preliminary general fund budget for 2026-2027, which includes a 1.03 mill (4.29%) tax increase to 25.04 mills. The board will also vote on personnel actions, a Montgomery County Intermediate Unit membership services budget, and other routine items. Several attachments will be added to the final draft agenda next week.

• Adoption of preliminary general fund budget for 2026-2027 totaling $145,858,612 with a 1.03 mill tax increase
• Approval of Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Membership Services Budget 2026-2027; district share $87,223
• Ratification of 427 delinquent real estate tax parcels totaling $2,586,032.67 turned over to Montgomery County Tax Claim Bureau
• Approval of L.I.F.T. Elementary Summer Program not to exceed $62,000
• Approval of professional and support personnel recommendations including retirements, leaves, and hires

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on professional and support staff recommendations including retirements, resignations, and new hires. They will also ratify over $13.6 million in December 2025 bills and approve the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit membership budget for 2026-2027. Other action items include a HelpScript drug program MOU, an 8th grade field trip, and the 2027 Senior Prom contract.

• Ratification of $10.75M in General Fund accounts payable and $2.74M in net payroll for December 2025
• Approval of Montgomery County Intermediate Unit membership budget with Upper Merion share of $87,223
• Approval of spring sports coaching stipends for high school and middle school (e.g., baseball, lacrosse, track)
• Approval of professional staff retirements (Kevin Rooney, Edward Snieska) and support staff retirement (Anita Watson)
• Approval of 2027 Senior Prom contract with Presidential Caterers on June 4, 2027

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board approved a series of personnel actions including retirements, resignations, appointments, and salary changes. The board also ratified December 2025 financial reports totaling over $14 million across various funds, approved the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Membership Services Budget for 2026-2027 with a district share of $87,223, and authorized spring 2026 coaching contracts for high school and middle school sports. Additionally, the board approved a Memorandum of Understanding for the HelpScript prescription drug program, an 8th grade field trip to the Museum of the American Revolution at no cost, and a contract with Presidential Caterers for the 2027 Senior Prom.

• Approved retirements of teacher Kevin Rooney, psychologist Edward Snieska, and benefits manager Anita Watson
• Approved spring 2026 coaching contracts for high school and middle school sports, with head coach pay up to $9,050.32
• Ratified December 2025 General Fund payroll ($2.74M) and accounts payable ($10.75M) bills
• Approved Montgomery County Intermediate Unit 2026-2027 budget; district share is $87,223 (5.67% increase)
• Approved 2027 Senior Prom contract with Presidential Caterers for June 4, 2027

Budget Workshop Meeting

The Upper Merion Area School Board held a budget workshop meeting on January 26, 2026. The main item was a presentation of the preliminary 2026-27 budget. The board is also set to vote on three policies: Policy 121 (Field Trips), Policy 123 (Interscholastic Athletics), and Policy 231 (Social Events and Class Trips), each recommended for approval by the Superintendent. The meeting included public comment periods and board comments.

• 2026-27 Preliminary Budget Presentation
• Second Reading and vote on Policy 121: Field Trips
• Second Reading and vote on Policy 123: Interscholastic Athletics
• Second Reading and vote on Policy 231: Social Events and Class Trips (combines Policy 231.1 language)

Policy Review and Equity Committee Meeting

The Policy Review and Equity Committee will hold a first-read discussion of three policies: Field Trips (121), Social Events and Class Trips (231), and Interscholastic Athletics (123). The committee will also vote on personnel items including a new hire, a medical leave continuation, a resignation, and a custodian appointment.

• First-read discussion of Policy 121 (Field Trips), Policy 231 (Social Events and Class Trips), and Policy 123 (Interscholastic Athletics)
• Appointment of Shari Diaconescu as long-term substitute elementary teacher at Gulph Elementary, $64,114/year
• Continuation of medical leave for Employee #1164 through Jan 30, 2026
• Resignation of High School Assistant Principal Jill Murray, effective Feb 23, 2026
• Appointment of Michael Reinhard as custodian at Upper Merion Area High School, $27.18/hour

Regular Public Business Meeting - FINAL

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with support staff, approve a $33,050 contract with Villanova University for the 2026 graduation, and authorize advertising the 2026-2027 preliminary budget. The meeting also includes personnel actions, financial reports, and several service agreements.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement with Upper Merion Area Education Support Personnel Association for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028
• Agreement with Villanova University for graduation facilities for the Class of 2026, total cost $33,050
• Resolution authorizing 2026-2027 proposed preliminary budget display and advertising
• Appraisal services agreement with Indian Valley Appraisal Company for three parcels, up to $15,000
• Agreement with Ovia Health for family health benefits platform, annual cost $5,000

Regular Public Business Meeting - FIRST DRAFT

The Upper Merion Area School Board will vote on several contracts and personnel actions at its January 5 regular meeting. Key items include a $33,050 agreement with Villanova University for the Class of 2026 graduation, a $44,700 purchase of Flashlight360 assessment software for multilingual students, and a $31,319 amendment for administrator training. The board will also ratify November 2025 financial reports totaling over $6.5 million and approve multiple staff hires and leaves.

• Agreement with Villanova University for graduation facilities at $33,050
• Purchase of Flashlight360 K-12 assessment system for $44,700
• Amendment to Professional Learning Partnerships LLC agreement not to exceed $31,319
• Ratification of General Fund bills totaling $6,558,916.15 for November 2025
• Authorization to advertise bids for 2026-2027 sports equipment