A decision by Alexis McGloin to leave her position as superintendent of the Upper Perkiomen School District became official Monday night. The school board voted to accept a notice from McGloin that she is not seeking a renewal of her contract, which expires June 30, 2019.

            Prior to the vote, Dr. John Farris stated that he was dismayed by the decision. "We're going to miss you."

            McGloin did not talk about her situation during the board's final meeting of 2018. However, she provided some insight in a Monday morning email. She informed the UPSD community that her decision to not seek a renewal was not an easy one.

            "I am so very proud of the work we completed during my time in the district, and I am fully confident in the direction the district is heading," the superintendent wrote. "I am certain that the district will continue to thrive, long after my tenure as superintendent comes to a close, thanks to the dedicated and exceptional individuals that make up Upper Perk."

            McGloin described her administrative team as stellar, the faculty as top notch, and the students as exceptional. 

            "The broader Upper Perk community is incredibly tight-knit, and I've said time and again that I, and the district as a whole, greatly appreciate the community's support, no matter what success or challenge we are facing," she wrote. "Thank you for making the past nearly five years memorable, and I look forward to seeing you in the coming months."

            Board President Kerry Drake and Vice President Mike Elliot, both of whom were reappointed to their leadership positions Monday during the annual reorganization meeting, thanked McGloin for her service to the district.

            The members also approved a resolution to allocate $2 million to the district's capital reserve account. The measure includes the fund balance of $464,000, along with the remaining balance from unassigned accounts. Sandra Kassel, the board's business administrator, stated that the money is necessary to replenish the fund, which is being utilized to pay for several projects. 

            According to Kassel, they include the purchase of a new chiller at Marlborough Elementary, the conversion of the current middle school in East Greenville to a fourth and fifth grade center, the installation of sidewalks near the new middle school on Montgomery Avenue in Upper Hanover, as well as upgrading the auditorium and treating the mold at the high school.

            During the meeting, the business administrator said the district's cost for removing the mold totaled $1.2 million. Kassel said the district's insurance company is going through "multiple reviews" of the situation.

            Additionally, the board acquired the final private easement necessary along Montgomery Avenue to install the sidewalks related to the construction of the middle school. The district approved an easement agreement with William Chrisman, Jr. worth $17,301.50, according to the business administrator.

            Kassel wrote in an email received Tuesday that similar agreements with the Upper Montgomery Joint Authority and a Montgomery County are still necessary.