Pennridge school board members look on at a February board meeting. (Courtesy of the Pennridge School District)
The Pennridge School Board Monday, Aug. 25, approved a new student co-op program in collaboration with the Upper Bucks County Technical School.
The program will provide six UBCTS students with paid internships within various departments in the district, including HVAC maintenance, plumbing and food service. The students will work two days per week, beginning in September 2025, said the board.
“Our school will provide real-life experience in many fields,” said board President Ron Wurz. “It’s another great way to strengthen our relationship and partnership with the tech school.”
Employee mentors will receive an additional $1.50 per hour, the board added.
Child abuse policy
The board granted final approval to a revised child abuse policy. Recommended by the Pennridge School Board Association (PSBA), the revisions include the extension of mandatory child abuse training to school volunteers and the permission of school employees to take photographs for evidence preservation. Photographs must be sent to the county agency with a written report or within 48 hours of an electronic report, reads the policy.
The revisions are aimed at maintaining the district’s compliance with child protective services law, said Director of Student Services Ernest Johnson. The policy was first adopted in the 2012-2013 school year and last revised in the 2014-2015 school year
Bullying report forms
Johnson informed the board of a new bullying incident report form. Located by clicking the “report bullying” tab on the district homepage, the form includes the reporter’s name and address, a description of the incident and witnesses. Forms will be sent to both the building principal and Johnson, who promised a swift response.
Johnson additionally pointed to the anonymous statewide reporting system, Pennsylvania Safe2Say. Reports can be submitted at safe2saypa.org.
Superintendent contract
The board approved a new five-year contract with district superintendent Dr. Angelo Berrios, effective August 25, 2025. The contract includes a base salary of $235,000 with a minimum 3% annual pay increases.
The board also appointed board member Leah Rash as its new liaison to the Upper Bucks County Technical School.
The next Pennridge School Board meeting is on September 29 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit pennridge.org
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