The Whitehall-Coplay School Board approved the issuance of the district's general obligation bonds at its meeting Monday.

After the meeting, Superintendent John Corby told The Press, "This is the third time we've refinanced the bonds from previous years. The district has seen considerable savings."

According to Corby the district will spread the savings out over several years instead of using it as one-time savings.

In other finance matters, the board awarded the bid for the student and athletic accident insurance to United States Fire Insurance Company at a cost of $47,500 for the 2015-16 school year.

The board also approved lunch prices for the 2015-16 school year.

The price for the high school is $2.75; middle school is $2.65; elementary schools are $2.55; reduced lunch is $0.40; breakfast is $1.60; reduced breakfast is $0.60; and an a la carte milk is $0.60.

"These prices are mandated," district Treasurer Arthur Taschler Jr., said. "We have no choice in the matter."

In other business, the board approved the rates for substitute teachers for the 2015-16 school year.

The daily substitute rate is $110 a day for the first 20 days and $120 a day after 20.

The long-term substitute rate, which is between 45 and 89 consective days, is $150 a day.

A salaried substitute, one who works 90 or more consective days in the same position, gets pro-rate B Step 1 compensation plus benefits.

In other education and student activities matters, the board approved the after-school theater and Mad Science programs. Family Stages Theater Group and the Mad Science Program of the Lehigh Valley are able to conduct after-school programs at Steckel Elementary School at a fee of $50 per classroom per week.

In operations and transportation matters, the board approved reducing the speed limit on campus roads.

The speed limit will be reduced from 25 mph to 15 mph, effective Aug. 1.

According to Corby, the reduced speed limit on campus roads was decided to match the speed of the school zone on Mechanicsville Road when the school zone caution lights are active there.

"We are taking any and all measures to make our campus as safe as possibel," said Corby after the meeting.

In administrative matters, the board approved the appointments of Jessica Alonge as the high school nurse at a rate of $42,749 and Michael Rile as the middle school special education life skills teacher at a rate of $42,749 for the 2015-16 school year.

Alonge is replacing Jennifer Churetta, who resigned, and Rile is replacing Ean Costenbader, who also resigned.

High School Principal Christopher Schiffert introduced Alonge. According to Schiffert, she received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Ceder Crest College and worked as a registered nurse at St. Luke's Intensive Care Unit before working for the district. Schiffert said references described her as caring, doing what's best and good with children.

Rile is a Whitehall High School alumnus who recieved a bachelor's degree in education from Kutztown University. He is certified in special education and social studies.