Willliam Bowen, principal of Schnecksville Elementary School for 10 years, is leaving Parkland to take a position in the North Penn School District in Montgomery County.

Bowen commented on his departure during the Aug. 20 school board meeting.

"I have mixed emotions," Bowen said. "I will miss the students, parents and people I work with at Parkland. But I won't have the 40-minute commute and will be able to have more time with my family.

"North Penn is my home school district, so it will be a homecoming for me."

He will assume the role of principal at the Gwynedd Square Elementary School, although he will remain at Schnecks-ville through September.

Board member Roberta Marcus offered her thoughts on Bowen's service.

"Our loss is their gain," Marcus said. "I'm sure the Schnecksville families are very appreciative of your leadership."

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak provided some final words.

"We wish Bill the best in his new position and thank him for his service to Parkland," he said.

In other business, Barry Cohen, vice president of the Parkland Community Library, suggested the board consider the library's proposal to place a referendum on the fall election ballot regarding an increase in its millage rate.

Board member Rob Cohen asked the library to separate its components of funding.

He said operational costs are ongoing, whereas the capital portion to be applied to new construction could have a designated time frame.

School district Solicitor Steven Miller said a resolution incorporating Rob Cohen's suggestions could be complicated.

"I may need time to look at it and see whether it is legally possible," Miller said, adding he would confer with the library's counsel.

Rob Cohen said he hoped the district's relationship with the library could be mended, as it was injured by the recent dispute over the adjustment of millage rate due to reassessment.

"The Parkland School Board strives for collegial, open, transparent relationships," Rob Cohen said. "We should include a renewed relationship between the library and the school board."

Barry Cohen agreed and said he would return at a future meeting to continue a discussion on the proposed library tax referendum.