Superintendent Mary Anne Wright’s report at the Northwestern Lehigh School Board meeting included Pennsylvania still does not have a budget and the district will not get any of its state money until there is one.

The state provides 30 percent of the budget and the taxpayers, “that’s you,” provide the other 70 percent, she explained.

Wright said residents should educate themselves about the property tax reform that may come up for a vote in Harrisburg.

A proposed increase in the sales tax would put the commonwealth second highest in the nation.

Wright discussed the number of students inducted into honor societies.

“Our students are amazing,” she said.

The House and Senate are discussing graduation testing requirements with tests not going into effect until 2019.

Although, the Lewisburg-Northwestern soccer game was a tough loss, Northwestern goalkeeper Kyle Bellhorn was congratulated for showing good sportsmanship.

The strategic plan, with which 120 people were involved in development, has been completed and turned in to the Department of Education.

There will be no separate policy for transgender students but the issue is covered with policy 103, nondiscrimination in school and classroom practices and 248/348, unlawful harassment.

Separate stalls will be provided for anyone who prefers to use them.

Rather than a policy specific to transgender, this is considered an administrative guideline.

Contingency plans were put in place at the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute to cover the budget impasse. Funds were taken from production and will be replaced after there is a state budget. Lab equipment purchases were cut in half.

Excess revenue from the school districts cannot be held over for the following year but must be returned to the contributing districts. Northwestern will receive $13,607.

Board member Ron Morrison said the recreation committee discussed a walking trail, whether to use screenings or more expensive paving; and has purchased 40 trees to provide shade for those who come to watch games.

A resolution to extend to Dec. 31, 2016, the approval for LCCC to purchase real estate was approved.

Board member Phil Toll said he visited school on Veterans Day and was asked at least 20 questions above and beyond those about military service.

Wright said there is a discrepancy in enrollment reports because Intermediate Unit students from Northwestern are included as Northwestern enrollees. The correction will be made.

There will be an increase of $184 in Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21’s budget for Northwestern’s contribution for the next two years.

A video was shown for the summer classes attended by special students in a “Helping Children Learn” session.

There are art and gym classes to build interactive motor skills.

Visually impaired students are taught how to move about easily. There is physical and occupational therapy.

Wright said the four retiring board members Joe Reiter, Greg Sanders, Ron Morrison and LeRoy Sorenson put in a lot of time debating and wrestling with difficult decisions.

Reiter said he would continue to be involved by being in the audience.

“Thank you for all your time,” Wright said.

Bill Dellicker wished everybody a Happy Thanksgiving.

“We have a lot to be thankful for,” he said.

The board’s reorganization meeting will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 7.