North Penn board approves multiple contract extensions, change orders and a Newsela reading program

The North Penn School District Board of School Directors approved a series of routine business items and contract awards at its July 17 action meeting.

Superintendent Dr. John Bauer recommended the consent agenda and multiple contract actions. The board approved consent items including policy adoptions, contracts, gifts, student travel, student agreements, alternative placements, and authorization to advertise for bids. Personnel actions on the board’s personnel list also passed with aye votes.

Contracts and extensions
- The board approved a one-year extension to the yogurt product, machine and services contract with Annie's Frozen Yogurt Inc., maintaining the awarded pricing and unit case prices ($112 per case for vanilla and $113 per case for chocolate) from the 2024 award.
- The board approved a one-year extension of the chef consulting services RFP with Crystal Clear Coaches, continuing services awarded on Aug. 15, 2024.
- The board awarded a grass-cutting contract to Gorkon Incorporated for $106,483 for 26 cuts at each elementary school for fiscal year 2025–26, with options to extend years 2–5.

Change orders and contract amendments
- The board approved change order MC03 to GEM Mechanical Inc. for $5,498 for additional services outside the original scope.
- The board approved change order MC04 to GEM Mechanical Inc. for $26,390.78 for additional services outside the original scope.
- The board approved a deduct change order DC01 to TAMCO Construction Inc. reducing the contract by $3,310 for allowances not used in the original contract.
- The board approved amending the North Penn High School center existing-features contract with Callan Associates Inc. by $8,262.70 for required additional services.
- The board approved a contract amendment to CHA Associates for $33,315 for additional geotechnical services required by the Montgomery County Conservation District.

Curriculum adoption
The board approved a three-year contract with Newsela for supplemental reading and literacy digital research tools for grades 3 through 9 in the total amount of $147,576, with the option to expand to grades K–2 in future years and to renew for up to two additional years at then‑determined pricing.

Motions and voting
Most motions were moved and seconded by board members in the meeting — movers and seconders recorded in the minutes included board members Fusco, Casa, McBain, Raich and others. Several agenda items were discussed previously in committee (Facilities & Operations) before final approval. One change-order vote was recorded as 5–0 when a board member’s vote was not counted due to prior disclosure.

Ending
Board members and administrators noted that some of these items — particularly the geotechnical work — responded to external requirements from the Montgomery County Conservation District. No controversial or high‑dollar new awards were reported beyond the district’s previously discussed capital projects and operating contracts.