Board bracing for multiple administrative changes

            Upper Perkiomen's superintendent is leaving sooner than previously anticipated. Last week, the school board approved an action item allowing Alexis McGloin to resign April 30. 

            Additionally the members voted simultaneously, without discussion, to appoint Andrea Farina as the district's acting superintendent for up to two months and accept the resignation of Ashley M. Kitten as the director of human resources. Dr. John Farris cast the lone vote against all three personnel action items during the March 28 workshop meeting.

            Kyle J. Somers, the board's solicitor, advised the members not to make any public comments on any of these personnel matter, according to the meeting video posted on the district's YouTube page.

            Lesley Motruk, the principal of Marlborough Elementary, recently informed the board that she would be retiring, according to letter posted on the district's website from Board President Kerry Drake.

            The letter to the UPSD community states that high level administrative changes have catapulted the district into a "time of anticipation and transition."

            "These leadership changes are coming at a slightly faster pace than anticipated," the letter states. "Fortunately, these changes align well with our long term plans and give us the opportunity to accelerate the positive changes in the district that we have started to implement over the last few years."

            McGloin will be allowed the leave the district at the end of April so that she can start a new job in the Central Bucks School District. Last month, the administrator accepted a position as the assistant superintendent for assessment, professional development, and educational services. She agreed to a five-year term with a base salary of $172,500.

            In November, McGloin announced that she would not seek renewal of her five year contract with Upper Perkiomen, which expires June 30. The administrator said that she wanted to allow the district ample time to find a new superintendent. In an email to district staff, she expressed an intention "to remain in the district through the end of my contract and assist in the transition to a new superintendent."

            Farina's elevation to acting supervisor, which will include a temporary increase in compensation due to the additional responsibilities, takes effect upon McGloin's departure. She will remain in the position until July 1 or when a new superintendent is hired, according to the letter.

            On March 25, the Upper Dublin School Board voted to appoint Kitten as the district's director of human resources. She will serve as an administrator on special assignment from June 3 to June 30, then begin a five-year term as the HR director at an annual salary of $140,000, according to the meeting agenda posted in the district's website.

            According to Drake's message, the changes will put Upper Perk "in a very strong position as we close out this year and prepare for a new school year with many significant changes to be completed in the coming months (new facilities, new programs, and new schedules)."