By a 6-1 vote, the Salisbury Township School District passed a resolution at its Oct. 12 meeting stating a concern “with the resources being diverted to standardized testing in classrooms and in districts across the state and the overuse of standardized tests which has a disproportionate impact upon our most vulnerable children: minority students, low-income students, special-needs students, as well as students who do not speak English as their first language; particularly when those tests are used to determine ranking and graduation of students or to evaluate teachers and school staff and overall school performance.”

The board also opposes the state mandate requiring Keystone exams in all Pennsylvania public schools as graduation requirements.

School Director Dr. Chris Spedaliere voted against the resolution.

Student representatives Agostino D’Ancona, Matthew Fainor and Olivia King reported on recent and upcoming activities at the elementary, middle and high schools.

Salisbury Middle School students will participate in a breast cancer walk Oct. 27. Elementary school students are looking forward to parent visitation day Oct. 22 and the annual Halloween parade at both schools Oct. 30.

At the high school, students will participate again in the German Exchange program, Salisbury twirlers are hosting a basket bingo at SMS Nov. 8, students will host a food drive Nov. 2 and will participate in the Holiday Hope Chest, also starting Nov. 2 to collect gifts for the needy.

In personnel news, Mary Paine has resigned as a part-time nurse assistant at SMS effective Oct. 21. Kristine Thornburg has resigned as a full-time special education teacher at Salisbury High School effective Sept. 24. Nora Perron-Jones, director of special education, was granted an FMLA leave for up to 60 days in a 12-month period effective Aug. 10 through Nov. 2 tentatively.

Kristine Alder was approved as a two hours a day, part-time cafeteria worker at SMS. Edward Spadt was approved as a three hours a day part-time cafeteria worker at SHS.

Vicky Evener was approved as a long-term substitute special education teacher at SHS effective Aug. 26.

Theresa Bruns was approved as the assistant varsity track coach for the 2015-2016 season.

Angela Mosley was approved as the elementary chorus advisor for Harry S Truman Elementary School and Western Salisbury Elementary School tentatively Oct. 23 through Feb. 1, 2016 while Elyse Saeger is on leave.

David Puckettt was approved as a volunteer football coach for the 2015-2016 school term without pay and/or benefits.

The board acknowledged tenure status for Shannon Stokes as a result of three years of satisfactory service effective Oct. 16.

There was a discussion on the lack of a state budget and the effect on education.

Director Mary Ziegler reported the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit approved $10 million to cover the gap, if needed, due to the state budget not being passed.

Director Samuel DeFrank said a similar resolution was approved by the Lehigh Carbon Community College to cover expenses if needed. “They are hoping not to draw on it,” DeFrank said.

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute is having the same discussion, according to Director Frank Frankenfield.

Business Administrator Robert P. Bruchak said the Salisbury Township School District will make it to May or June, 2016 without a state budget being passed if needed. Bruchak said not all school districts are like Salisbury. “Some won’t make it to December,” Bruchak said.

The first Apple Distinguished Partner program site visit will occur Oct. 21. Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Lynn Fuini-Hetten said students and staff are excited to showcase the success of the district to the visitors.

Ziegenfuss encouraged residents to visit www,SalisburySD.US to read staff features and upcoming events in the district.

November programs at the Allentown Public Library, 1210 Hamilton St., Allentown, include a presentation by the Allentown Health Bureau designed to manage falls and increase activity levels for older adults 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 2; a free adult cooking class 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, Dec. 3 and 10 and a tribute to Sinatra 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 7. For a listing of other activities, visit www.allentownpl.org or call the library at 610-820-2400, ext. 2.

Upcoming meetings include a curriculum and technology committee meeting 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at LCCC, an operations committee meeting 7 p.m. Nov. 2 and a regular board meeting 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18.