Melanie Cunningham will continue as president of the Upper Perkiomen School Board. On Monday, her reelection to the position for a third straight year included a rebuke from one of the members.

            Trina Schaarschmidt cast the lone opposing vote. She read a statement questioning Cunningham's actions over the last year as board president, claiming they did not align with the principles of governance and leadership emphasizing responsibility, ethical conduct, collaboration, clear communication, and effective governance outlined by the Pennsylvania School Board Association.

            "I believe these decisions reflect a pattern where Melanie has shown an affinity for other priorities over being a strong, decisive leader for our school district," Schaarschmidt said. "This is not an easy thing to say, and I understand that it may not be a popular opinion, but it is the truth."

            Schaarschmidt also opposed a motion making Keith McCarrick the board's new vice president during the reorganization meeting. She did not provide an explanation for that vote.

            In an email received Tuesday afternoon, Cunningham wrote that Schaarschmidt is entitled to express her opinion. However, the board president did not agree with Schaarschmidt's assessment of her leadership.

            "As I was re-elected president by the balance of the board, I can only surmise they do not share her opinions," Cunningham wrote. "Decisions are made with the majority rule. I am only one of nine."

            The board president questioned the value of making these comments at a public meeting. Cunningham claimed they might have had more impact had they been delivered privately.

            "In my opinion, it is counterproductive to our work at the district when a board member chooses to publicly air personal thoughts instead of doubling efforts to correct any perceived grievances in a thoughtful, meaningful manner," Cunningham wrote.

            Near the end of the final regular board meeting of the calendar year, Schaarschmidt offered a similar refrain during her criticism of Cunningham. She expressed concerns that failed social initiatives have been mishandled under the board president's leadership.

            Schaarschmidt specifically mentioned the issue of DEI, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She claimed its promotion during recent months has been contentious. She argued that the ideologies don't belong in the classroom as part of the district's academic programs.

            "They're a distraction from our mission to educate our children," Schaarschmidt said during the meeting.

            However, the member did not provide any specific examples of how DEI is adversely impacting education. When pressed the following day if she could provide any evidence that DEI is being implemented in any school district classroom, Schaarschmidt initially deferred.

            "You should ask [administrators] that question and see what they say," she wrote in a social media message received Tuesday afternoon.

            As proof of her claim, she identified a teacher training package adopted this year that offered an optional DEI training, a staff training by a Kutztown University professor and allowing students to participate in the Delaware Valley Consortium for Excellence & Equity through the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.

            During the board comment portion of the regular meeting, Schaarschmidt stated that she does not oppose diversity or inclusion. She expressed the belief "that every student and every teacher deserves to feel valued and respected."

            Asked if she could explain the distinction that she is not opposed to diversity and inclusion, but is opposed to DEI, Schaarschmidt initially declined to directly answer the question. Eventually, she claimed DEI causes racial resentments and "is being dismissed in many institutions currently."

            Schaarschmidt also objected to Cunningham's creation last month of an Ad-Hoc Committee intended to address racial insensitivity, bullying, belonging, kindness, awareness and empathy. The board president selected Member Leah Cianfrani and Superintendent Allyn Roche to lead it.

            According to Cunningham, the aim of the committee is to start and lead a conversation with the school stakeholders: students, teachers, staff and the community at large. After the Nov. 14 meeting, she expressed hope that groups such as The Open Link and Project Live would contribute.

            In her statement, Schaarschmidt described the committee as politically biased. The member claimed Cunningham appointed a person with ties to a local left-leaning political organization as the chair of that committee.

            "This is not the way we should be making decisions as a board," Schaarschmidt said during the meeting. "The board must remain impartial and not allow personal politics or friendships to cloud our judgment."

            The member also expressed her opposition to a decision to fund a high school college & career coordinator, previously funded through a grant, at a cost of more than $100,000. Schaarschmidt said the board should have planned more carefully, arguing that grant-funded items should not become recurring budget obligations without clear strategic justification.

            In May, during budget deliberations by the finance committee, Schaarschmidt said the position felt to her like a luxury. One month later, the school board voted unanimously to approve the budget that included the coordinator.

            Schaarschmidt expressed concern that she might face retaliation for her comments by being excluded from serving on any committees. She said she hoped her concerns would be taken seriously.

            Amid her criticism of the board president, Schaarschmidt acknowledged Cunningham's effort and dedication in her current role. The member said the board president's kindness and approachability have made it clear that she cares deeply about people.

            "I respect that," Schaarschmidt said.

            Cunningham and Peg Pennepacker had served as president and vice president of the board since December 2022. Cunningham was initially elected to lead the board in December 2020, then returned to the position two years later.

            Pennepacker nominated McCarrick to succeed her during the reorganization meeting earlier this week. Twelve months ago, Cunningham and Pennepacker were reelected as the board's president and vice president.

            The members elected Cunningham unanimously in December 2023. Pennepacker won a 6-3 vote, defeating McCarrick.

            In personnel news, the members approved the resignations of Emily Koury, the middle school librarian, and Fabio Quiceno-Mercado, a full-time custodian. They also approved the appointment of Angela Spinozzi, a school psychologist, and four support staff members for the current school year. They include Michaella Miles, a full-time high school administrative assistant; Meagan Quinn, a high school guidance administrative assistant; Debra Niess, a Marlborough administrative assistant and an existing employee; Tori Ginter, a paraprofessional and an existing employee and Jennifer Malloy, a paraprofessional.

            The board also approved leave for Kimberly Bast through January 21, 2025, and Jen Senavaitis beginning Dec. 6 through March 6, 2025.

            Roche announced that the district expects to hire a facilities and operations director by the end of the month. The position became vacant two months ago with the resignation of Craig Howard. The board appointed him in May 2023.

            The members met in executive session immediately prior to the public meeting to discuss litigation related to a tax assessment appeal and a personnel item related to a support staff employee of the district, according to Solicitor Bethany L. O'Neill.