Neshaminy board approves business administrator hire, treasurer appointment and Pepper scholarship

The Neshaminy Board of School Directors on a unanimous vote approved multiple personnel and administrative items, including hiring Deborah L. Clayhold as the district's business administrator and appointing David Seblowski to serve the remainder of the treasurer's term.

The board voted 7-0 to approve the business administrator appointment (item 6.02). The motion sets a start date no later than May 1, 2024, for a five-year term with a starting annual salary of $190,000 and authorizes execution of an employment agreement "pursuant to 24 PS section 4-4 to 7 of the School Code," as stated in the motion.

The board also approved item 6.01, appointing David Seblowski to fill the treasurer role through the term end date of May 31, 2024, with no additional compensation. That motion likewise passed 7-0.

Superintendent Bowman used his report to recognize district staff and students, thanking operations and transportation crews after a pair of snow days and highlighting student fundraising. "I want to thank our bus drivers and our transportation department for extra effort getting buses cleaned and cleared and dealing with many weather and scheduling challenges all week long," Bowman said. He also noted middle school students raised $5,715 at a recent miniTHON to support pediatric cancer research.

The board approved a settlement agreement related to the estate of Merle S. Pepper that will allow the district to receive funds to endow a scholarship. The motion authorized the acting superintendent to execute the settlement so the district can fund a $1,000-per-year scholarship "for an academically talented and financially needy graduating female senior going to college," as described in the motion. Bowman thanked the Pepper family and said Ms. Pepper had been a reading teacher in the district for 35 years.

Other routine business was handled by unanimous votes: the consent agenda (minutes, treasurer's report, check register and procurement card purchases, investments and exonerations), multiple personnel motions covering certificated and support staff appointments, approval of overnight student trips (item 7.01), and first readings of policy items (8.01 and 8.02). The board also approved a truancy and services agreement with BCIU.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent items (2.01'2.05): approved 7-0.
- Personnel administrative (3.01, 3.02): approved 7-0.
- Certificated personnel master motion (4.01'4.06): approved 7-0.
- Support staff appointments (5.01): approved 7-0.
- Ancillary appointments (5.02): approved 7-0.
- Treasurer appointment (6.01): David Seblowski appointed through 05/31/2024; approved 7-0.
- Business administrator appointment (6.02): Deborah L. Clayhold approved for five years at $190,000 starting salary; approved 7-0.
- Settlement (6.05): estate of Merle S. Pepper scholarship $1,000/year; approved 7-0.
- Overnight trips (7.01): approved 7-0.
- Policy first readings (8.01, 8.02): placed on first reading, approved 7-0.

During board comments, Mr. Allen called attention to a Bucks County Technical High School incident in which two students, Michael Howard and Madeline Egan, intervened when a teacher began choking; the students were presented certificates and gift cards in recognition of their actions. The meeting adjourned after board comment and no public commenters had signed up.

What comes next: the business administrator's employment agreement will be finalized by the district solicitor and acting superintendent, and the appointee's start date is set for no later than May 1, 2024.