The Salisbury Township School District board members worked on a motion at the Aug. 19 meeting to withhold a percentage of funds tied to last year’s subsidy for charter schools.

The issue was brought to the table by board member Frank Frankenfield, who while approving bills, asked about issuing funds to charter schools when the district has not received any state money since a Pennsylvania budget has not passed.

Business Administrator Robert Bruchak told the board the district receives about 20 percent of its revenue from the state.

In other business, Bruchak gave an update on the summer construction projects,

At Salisbury Middle School, 95 percent of the lockers are complete as well as exterior and interior door work. The bathroom renovation was estimated to be 100 percent complete by Aug. 21. New cafeteria tables are in place and “safe and functional,” according to Bruchak.

At Western Salisbury Elementary School, the terrazzo flooring is 95 percent complete and the interior door work and trim is complete.

At the administration building, the interior doors, trim and key sets have been completed. The generator is expected in September.

At Harry S Truman Elementary School, the exterior doors are 95 percent complete, as are the bathrooms. The roof is 90 percent complete and the siding work will continue into September. The interior doors and the new cafeteria tables are in place.

New student handbooks were approved for all schools as well as VAST elementary and VAST secondary. Board member Dr. Christopher J. Spedaliere voted against the handbooks disagreeing with the “treat” policy at the elementary schools.

Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss explained the district takes the safety of the students seriously and has a large number of students with allergies. The policy states food treats are not permitted to celebrate birthdays and non-edible items are permitted. Ziegenfuss said three times a year parties are held: Halloween, Valentine’s Day and end of year holidays. Listed in the handbook are acceptable treats which can be sent to school including packaged items showing all ingredients.

Salisbury Youth Association was approved to use the SHS stadium, with and without lights, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 30 to Oct. 18 and 12:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 for football home games. Frankenfield noted he was pleased the board is supporting the youth association.

Board member Samuel DeFrank noted Lehigh Carbon Community College will be holding year-long celebrations to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary. The board approved a resolution recognizing the college on this special occasion.

In the Allentown Public Library report, volunteer Norma Cusick said the library had a very successful summer reading club June 8 through Aug. 15. Highlights and special programs included a Hero Min-Cong, a K9 visit with an Allentown Police dog, Marvel comic book illustrator/author Bob McLeod, a Super Hero Party for preschoolers and Super Heroes Training Camp. Cusick also noted the library van visited the Salisbury Township parks during the summer playground program.

Ziegenfuss said the teachers will have their opening day Aug. 26. At a meeting that day, teachers who have been with the district 20 and 30 years will be recognized for their service.

Orientation for students in grades kindergarten, first, sixth and ninth will be held Aug. 31. School begins for all students Sept. 1.

Upcoming meetings include the curriculum and technology meeting 7 p.m Aug. 31 in the administration building, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at SMS and the regular board meeting 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16.