As candidates, we know what it takes to manage a budget. Stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and ensuring smart financial planning and stability is a core part of our Pledge to Pennridge voters.

Ensuring that our tax dollars are used in the classroom, and not wasted is important to building on the academic success we have had in the last few years. We need to adequately plan for our aging facilities, and ensure that our students have a safe and comfortable environment to learn in.

We also know how important it is to treat our valued Pennridge staff with respect. Our teachers, custodians, support staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff are the heart of our district. They are what ensures our students perform their best, and challenge them to continue to grow every day.

Pennridge cannot afford to GO BACK TO THE CHAOS.

Two years ago, the board drove Pennridge into crisis.

Taxpayer money was wasted, with over $1,000,000 going to legal fees and an open ended out of state consulting contract (Vermilion Education)[1], costing Pennridge taxpayers and our district in terrible publicity and embarrassment [2]. Political curriculum was forced into our classrooms on the first day of school [3] disrupting learning and causing an exodus of staff and administrators.

The future of Pennridge finances was neglected. The board continually wasted taxpayer money, prioritizing culture wars and legal battles instead of fiscal responsibility, and let critical contracts expire. They neglected to budget for one of the largest contracts, planting a financial landmine for future boards to deal with. [4]

References

[1] https://www.thereporteronline.com/2023/06/22/pennridge-school-board-upholds-vermilion-contract-over-public-opposition/

[2] https://www.buckscountyherald.com/news/emails-show-top-pennridge-officials-opposed-april-hiring-of-vermilion/article_8ec63926-c743-5b85-b3cf-cc65871f5850.html

[3] https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/bucks-county-school-district-approves-controversial-curriculum-plan/3634265/

[4] https://www.inquirer.com/education/pennridge-social-studies-curriculum-vermilion-hillsdale-1776-20230826.html

https://northpennnow.com/news/2025/apr/22/perfect-storm-pennridge-school-district-struggling-to-close-budget-gap/

[5] Staff Members Lost

All data sourced from Pennridge Board Docs, Board Meeting Agendas, Personnel Reports

[6] https://www.thereporteronline.com/2023/10/03/letter-to-editor-nero-fiddled-while-rome-burned/

[7] $6,000 Average Monthly Bill from Vermillion - Assumed to carry a full twelve months due to open-ended nature of contract.

Taxpayer savings: 12 Months * $6,000 = $72,000

[8] Pennridge Cyber Charter Savings: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/pnrg/Board.nsf/files/DKANPL60E7AC/$file/FinalAugust13.pdf

Taxpayer savings: $400,000+

[9] Legal Fees: https://www.pennridgeca.com/LegalFees

Taxpayer savings: $475,000+

Total taxpayer Savings: $1,000,000+

PCA Financial leadership

During the time PCA has led the board, they have achieved significant cost reductions for Pennridge taxpayers. This has helped bridge difficult financial challenges left behind from the previous board. Their successes:

  • Eliminated wasteful spending and brought curriculum writing back to Pennridge (saving $70,000+) [7]

  • Brought students back to Pennridge Cyber Programs (saving $400,000+) [8]

  • Improved transparency reducing legal fees significantly (saving $475,000+) [9]

As candidates, we pledge to continue to reduce expenses and allocate more dollars to our Pennridge classrooms. We will continue to advocate for our Pennridge Cyber Charter Program, and ensure our long term plan financial plan is sound. We will always leverage Pennridge staff, and never waste taxpayer money on boondoggles and open ended contracts.

We know that managing taxpayer money is extremely important, and will pledge to take the responsibility with the fiscal discipline and oversight that your hard-earned dollars deserve.

Our former board also drove away 81 staff members in two years [5] from the chaos and instability they created. This had direct impact to our schools. Deibler Elementary started the school year without a principal, and several staff members [6]. Students learning was disrupted by several forced changes to curriculum. Buildings were missing Principals and key administration positions were vacant. We are still recovering from this immense loss.

The previous board prioritized forcing their will on their staff and community, and Pennridge students and taxpayers paid the price.