The Whitehall-Coplay School Board discussed student data and programs that it offers its students during the Education/Student Activities Committee meeting Aug. 25.

Assistant Superintendent Lorie Hackett used a PowerPoint presentation to relay the information to board members. Hackett said that the total enrollment of all students in the school is 4,240, with class sizes between 21 and 28.

A total of 23 different languages are spoken within the district, but, other than English, Spanish and Arabic are the two most often spoken.

Hackett presented the board with statistics on student suspensions. A total of 1,065 students were suspended in the 2012-13 school year as opposed to 566 students in 2013-14. Hackett attributed the positive change to "policy changes, cellphone policy changes and changes to the high school schedule."

The Whitehall High School changed its schedule from four 90-minute long block classes to eight 55-60 minute period classes.

Also at the meeting, Business Manager J. Michael Malay presented items that have a financial impact to the district during the board's Finance and Personnel Committee meeting.

Malay discussed the point of sale software and equipment for the cafeterias in the district. According to Malay, every year the software on the terminals must be updated.

"There are two in the high school that are having trouble and one in the middle school," said Malay.

He relayed that the district received a quote, but has not made a decision. The initial price is $36,923.50.

The district saved $7,907 on its trash removal contract, according to Malay. The district is looking at electric and natural gas purchasing, but is waiting to look at trends and daily usage before getting bids.

During the Operations and Transportations Committee meeting, Superintendent John Corby explained the impact of the hailstorm that hit Whitehall in May.

According to Corby, some district vehicles were damaged, but the real damage was to the air conditioning units.

Malay said the cost of the damage totaled $64,452.50. He said 21 units needed to be combed out and that the coils on the high school chiller were broken. The cost of the coils alone is $50,780, according to Malay. The district is looking into its insurance policy to see if the the repair of the hail damage can be covered.

Corby told the board that the district purchased a Bobcat for snow removal.

"We learned our lesson from last winter," said Corby. "The Bobcat can do work a snow blower can't."

The cost of the equipment will come from the capital reserve, according to Corby. The cost is between $40,000 and $50,000. Corby said the equipment pays for itself because of the savings it will provide.

Corby also told the board that the buses passed their inspection and are ready for the new year, and that the Lehigh Carbon Community College gave the district free furniture following the completion of renovations at the college.