Schools

The Neshaminy Federation of Teachers and the Neshaminy School Board began negotiations for a new contract in 2008. Fast forward to 2013, and the two sides have agreed on a tentative deal, ending five years of bitter disagreements and two strikes. Although details of the accord have not been released, it’s believed the new pact will resemble a deal accepted by teachers in a nearby school district, which gives the federation a 7 year deal that begins in 2008, when negotiations started and runs through 2015. Teachers would also have to pay up to 16 percent of their health care premiums by the end of the deal. The deal does not include retroactive pay. The two sides reportedly worked over the Memorial Day weekend to iron out the new contract.

A tuition hike has been announced at Montgomery county Community College. The school’s Board of Trustees announced the increase as part of the college’s operating budget for 2013-14. Students who take 12-credits per semester will see an increase of 432 dollars for year. Students taking on 15-credits or five courses, will pay an additional 540 dollars per year. The College’s total operating budget for 2013-14 is 72.1-million dollars. More than 21-thouand students were enrolled at Montgomery County Community College in 2012-13. The college’s two campuses are located in Pottstown and Blue Bell.

Four Republicans will face an equal number of Democrats in November for four open seats on the North Penn School Board.   The Republicans are incumbents Vince Sherpinsky, Tim Kerr, Frank O'Donnell and former School Board Member Josie Charnock.   The Democratic slate includes Tina Stoll, Murali Balaji, Alex Ryaban and Paul Edelman, Junior.   Both sets of candidates crossfiled on both the Republican and Democratic tickets and each won their respective primaries.

The North Penn School Board has approved a proposed final budget for the next school year.   The spending plan totals almost $215,000,000 and includes a 1.7% property tax hike.   That translates into about $55 for the average homeowner.   District officials say the increase will ensure continuity of their educational program for the next year.   The school board will take final action on the budget June 20th.