Upper Perkiomen's School Board voted last week to approve a 5.37 percent budget increase for the Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center budget for the next school year. The members agreed to contribute an additional $87,399 to the school during 2021-22.

            That brings the district's contribution up to $1.903 million for the school next year. Enrollment from the high school has increased significantly in recent years, according to board President Melanie Cunningham.

            As part of his report, Superintendent Allyn Roche told the members that four-day in-person learning throughout the district – which debuted April 6 – is going well. Roche said he got inside all the buildings and spoke with teachers, administrators, support staff and students.

            "I got a lot of positive feedback," Roche said during the April 6 regular board meeting, hosted on Zoom. "Everyone is doing a fantastic job."

            According to the superintendent, administrators continue to c ope with issues related to the resumption of in-person schooling, including traffic. He said all buildings are dealing with congestion related to the decreased reliance on school buses.  "We're still searching for positive solutions," Roche said. "We're still making adjustments at all the schools."

            Overall, 72 percent of the district's 3,164 students (2,269) are attending classes in person. The highest percentage exists at Hereford Elementary (81 percent). At Marlborough, 79 percent of students are attending classes in the building. The district's 4th & 5th Grade Center has a similar rate.

            At the middle school, 73 percent of 804 students are attending in-person classes. Of the 1,011 high school students, 61 percent have gone back to brick and mortar learning, according to information provided by the superintendent.

            Roche also announced that the district is planning an outdoor graduation ceremony for high school seniors. He told the members that commencement at Keeny Stadium is scheduled for June 10 with a rain date for the following day. Tickets will be limited, according to the administrator.

            In terms of the upcoming year, administrators are preparing for five-day learning, according to Roche. He said they are exploring the need for virtual options.

            In personnel news, the board voted to approve the retirement of the high school's student resource officer James McFadden, effective July 1. It also accepted the resignation of Lori Groff, a health suite administrative assistant, effective April 16, 2021.

            The superintendent announced that Quakertown National Bank recently made a $2,500 donation to the Upper Perkiomen Education Foundation.