Council Rock Appoints Administrator; Tackles Air Conditioning Issues

NEWTOWN, PA — With schools opening in just over a month, the Council Rock School Board at its July meeting hired a new administrator and voted to move forward on two air conditioning projects.

In a unanimous vote, the board appointed special education teacher Dr. Jennifer Bertagni as the new assistant principal at Council Rock High School North. She replaces Dan Griesbaum who recently retired.

"Jen was chosen from a pool of more than 40 applicants. We proudly welcome her to the Council Rock administrative team," said Superintendent Dr. Andrew Sanko.

Bertagni thanked the school board and the administration for the appointment. "I had the opportunity to work at North for a few months last year. I really fell in love with the atmosphere, the team, the staff, and the students and I'm very excited to permanently join the team."

Update On School Renovations

During his superintendent's report, Sanko reported that the renovation project at Sol Feinstone is progressing nicely with an anticipated completion date in August, which is two to three months ahead of schedule.

Sanko also reported that the Richboro Elementary School addition and renovation project is underway and progressing smoothly.

"Items have been moved from Richboro Elementary to (the former) Richboro Middle School as we are preparing to accept students at Richboro Middle for the start of the 2023-24 school year on Sept. 5 and 6," said Sanko.

The former Richboro Middle School will be used to temporarily house the Richboro Elementary School students, staff, and administrators during the 2023-24 school year while renovations are completed at their school.

Air Conditioning Challenges

As temperatures outside soared, the board took action in July on two air conditioning projects, one at the Richboro Middle School and the other at the Newtown Elementary School.

The board voted unanimously to rent and install a chiller at the former Richboro Middle School building at a cost not to exceed $150,000.

The rental will temporarily replace the building's 60-year-old chiller, which recently failed leaving the building without air conditioning, and will be in place by the time school opens in early September.

In the meantime, Sanko said the district is looking into several longer-term options, including rebuilding the system; replacing the system; or using a rental option paid out on a monthly basis.

"It's an unfortunate event to have happened," said board member Bob Hickey. "We'll just wait for some of the options to come in and see what we have."

Air conditioning issues also surfaced at the Newtown Elementary School where one of three air compressors is broken beyond repair and needs to be replaced, according to Anthony Rapp, the district's business manager.

"As it stands right now the two compressors are able to air condition the parts of the building that are occupied at this time, but when school starts it is not going to be able to carry the load," said Rapp.

The board voted unanimously to authorize the expenditure of up to $50,000 to purchase a new compressor for the school's air conditioning system.

Donation To Council Rock South Band

In other action at its July meeting, the board voted unanimously to accept the donation of a tow-behind trailer from the Council Rock High School South Band Parents Association.

"This is an extremely generous donation of nearly $50,000 and the trailer will serve band students for many years to come," said Sanko. "We'd like to thank the band parents for their generosity and support of our music program and their commitment to our students."

Pennsylvania School Board Honor Roll

The administration also recognized board members Ed Tate and Michael Thorwart for being named to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s Honor Roll of School Board Service.

Since 1983, PSBA has been recognizing school board members who earn “honor roll” status upon completing eight years of service.

for their service to Council Rock,” said Dr. Sanko. “Along with all of our board members past and present, you have contributed greatly to making Council Rock the exemplary school district it is.”

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Sanko presents PSBA Honor Roll certificates to board members Ed Tate, left, and Michael Thorwart, right. (Council Rock Photo)