Upper Perkiomen School Board officials said Jan. 14 they want to institute an exit interview process to make sure their staff, including their paraprofessionals, are being treated fairly.

        "We had talked last year and my understanding is that we were going to have a formal exit interview process," said Director Kerry Drake. "I'd like to get the feedback so we can understand if there are any trends.  And anything we could address as a board or he administration can address."

        Human Resources Director Ashley Kitten said it is her intent to offer exit interviews to everyone who leaves the district.  Two instructional paraprofessionals' resignations were accepted at the meeting.  One of the staffers worked at Upper Perkiomen Middle School and the other at Upper Perkiomen High School.    

         "I think that's really important considering where we've been with the paraprofessionals and where we're trying to go," said Director Mike Elliott.  "How we're trying to respect them and treat them.  I think that's important for us to get that kind of feedback." 

        Last year the district instituted pay increases for special education paraprofessionals after a marketplace study revealed Upper Perkiomen paid at least $3 per hour less than its neighboring districts with similar statistics.  The hours of those employees were also increased. 

        In other news, the board voted to advertise for bids to refinance a 2011 bond series of $7 million.  That loan was taken out for renovations and construction in 2006, administrators said.  According to Jamie Doyle from Public Financial Management, the board could realize more than 4 percent savings in the bond repayment, or $292,578 if they refinance at current rates.  A competitive internet bidding auction is slated for this spring, Doyle said.

        Superintendent Dr. Alexis McGloin announced the rollout of the 1:1 technology program has been well received in the district so far.  She said the district held a total of four parent seminars on the topic and the majority of district parents have attended.

        The last of the informational seminars is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. 

        The board members were honored for their service to the community with a book, which will be donated to one of the district's libraries.

        As representative to the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center, Board President John Gehman said that school is looking to start a sports medicine program in 2017-18.