Per Capita Tax; High School Gate; Transparency and Lawsuits
The board brought a proposal to eliminate the per capita tax and approved parameters for a 2026 bond issue increased to $55 million, with an update on Oak Ridge Elementary’s HVAC promised at the next operations meeting. Residents pressed transparency around lawsuits and challenged the high school’s closed rear gate, while the district highlighted tech work and AI testimony. 18mins
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In This Video
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Chair Nelson opened the October 23 Board of School Directors meeting, noted recording and livestream details, and read the district mission statement.
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Keith Freed, speaking for area tax collectors, outlined the history of the school district’s per capita tax and argued it was ineffective and unmanageable, citing administrative challenges and resident confusion, especially regarding young adults and college students.
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Corinne DeGeiso questioned missing meeting minutes on the agenda and asked about a policy manual review, with Doctor Gallagher confirming a PSBA contract was in place and that related work and the contract would be publicly accessible.
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Alex Wisser questioned the expanded bond resolution and asked about HVAC improvements at Oak Ridge Elementary, with Doctor Gallagher agreeing to provide an update at the next operations committee meeting.
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Chair Nelson led approval of the consent agenda covering minutes, financial items, personnel actions, multiple policy readings and adoptions, donations, eliminating the per capita tax, and parameters for a 2026 bond issue.
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A speaker recognized the technology team for collecting, wiping, and reimaging over 8,000 student devices each summer to ensure they returned in the fall ready for use.
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A speaker commended Doctor Kennedy Riley for delivering testimony in Harrisburg on the district’s approach to AI in schools, including potential challenges and mitigation strategies.
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Steve Lowery raised safety concerns about Souderton Area High School’s traffic patterns, citing an ambulance delay at a locked Haldeman Gate and urging the gate be kept open to improve traffic flow and emergency access.
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Rich Hardiman urged reopening the high school’s rear gate, questioning deference to a nearby resident’s concerns and arguing that opening the gate would improve safety and reduce traffic congestion on Lower Road.
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Richard Detweiler recounted past board actions on diversity and LGBTQ issues, described the formation of Souderton Area for All, and argued that district efforts to suppress dissent prompted the ACLU to consolidate complaints into a lawsuit.
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A board member stated that the board had been directed by a judge not to discuss a pending lawsuit or settlement negotiations, prompting brief exchanges with other speakers before the chair asked for order.
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Maureen Kratz criticized the board over transparency and legal practices, citing numerous confidential settlements and alleging that secrecy was harming finances and public trust.
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A solicitor responded that cases settled for various reasons and typically generated fewer billable hours than cases that went to court, before the chair halted further back-and-forth.
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Chair Nelson announced upcoming committee and board meetings with dates, times, and locations for November.
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Chair Nelson called for a motion to adjourn, received a second, and the board approved adjournment by voice vote.
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