Neshaminy School District highlights student art, fundraiser and new elementary site; schedules committee budget reviews

The Neshaminy School District board met in public session and heard a superintendent report that highlighted student artwork displays, recent fundraising, and early construction activity for a new elementary school. The superintendent noted student pieces are on exhibit this month and that the Pennsylvania State Education Association student art exhibit will run March 20–29 at the Fine Arts Center Gallery of Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell.

"Students are learning various concepts such as observational drawing, creating a winter landscape, collage, and even origami," the superintendent said, describing classroom projects now on display. He also highlighted that 13 students are representing the district in the statewide exhibit.

The superintendent reported that Giant Food Stores presented the district with a check for more than $13,000 to support school food programs and food pantries. "Thanks to the generosity of customers who rounded up their totals at the registers of the Feasterville and [Flower] Mills locations, this donation will assist in the school district's food programs and food pantries," he said.

Board members also reported on a Neshaminy Education Foundation fundraiser: a Harlem Wizards game at Neshaminy High School that drew a reported crowd of more than 1,200 and raised between $16,000 and $17,000 for the foundation to support teacher grants and other programs.

On facilities, the superintendent said preliminary site preparation has begun for a new elementary school on the district campus and that the project’s opening is planned for the start of the 2024–25 school year. The board reminded families that kindergarten registration is open at neshaminy.org/register and urged early enrollment to ensure neighborhood placement.

Other program notes included an announcement about the Irene Boyle tax assistance program, which serves senior citizens age 65 and older with household incomes below $30,000; the application deadline was listed as June 15, 2023. A board member relayed a P.S.B.A. update on the state budget proposal from Governor Shapiro, noting a roughly $44.1 billion proposal with about $100 million for school mental health services and a statewide free-breakfast proposal; PSBA observed the proposal did not address pensions or special education funding.

The board listed routine agenda items slated for approval at its March 28 meeting, including homebound instruction approvals, overnight trip requests, facility-use requests for Sundays, federal GRAMA authorization, an updated school calendar noting graduation date, and settlement agreements. Committee calendars were reiterated: a Facilities & Planning meeting was scheduled for the following evening to discuss athletic fields and the new school, a Policy Committee meeting on March 23, and a Business Operations meeting on March 29 to review the next school year’s budget in detail.

There were no public commenters during both public-comment periods. The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn was made and seconded by Board member Mr. Kovetz.

The district did not take votes on ordinances, contracts, or budget adoptions during this session; several items were placed on the March 28 consent agenda for formal approval.