Ann Towne was the first to speak during the public comment period at the Dec. 7 Northwestern Lehigh School Board meeting.

Towne said the success of contract negotiations between the district and the education association depends on the board, community members, administration and teachers.

She said teachers were looking for a fair contract that will move things forward and teachers would like contract resolution as quickly as possible. Many teachers were present but Towne was the only one to speak.

During opening exercises for the regular meeting, a moment of silence was held for those who died during the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec. 7, 1941.

Superintendent Mary Anne Wright congratulated the members who had been sworn in and thanked them for time already put in learning the job.

Recycled notebooks had been donated and were used to hold information for board members.

A report was given on the Related Arts and Google Chromebook Initiative.

Parents are being contacted to see if they want the Chromebooks to be taken home. There would be a $25 insurance charge, although this year it is $15 because it is only part of a year.

In January, students will be told their responsibilities if they take them home.

They would be used for communication, collaboration and to create a higher level of thinking. Benefits are working together, work at own pace, virtual labs, enhance studying and helping with homework.

Board member Bill Dellicker said money was set aside in the budget.

In Related Arts the desire is for a STEM academy but it will be slow. STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Electives will be offered in eighth grade providing a choice of a traditional road or something more to their interests.

The Northwestern Foundation Association donated $13,000 to get started. Students will be surveyed for possible courses.

The district may have to buy new software but much is available without charge.

Wright said it will give students a better idea of what they want in high school.

Once it is set up in eighth grade it may move to lower middle school grades.

Don Allen, assistant high school principal, said there are few revisions in curriculum.

There will be no graduation project for 2017, AP chemistry and physics will not be offered for lack of interest.

In budget discussions, the district is trying to fund a plan and meet district needs while minimizing potential tax increases. A senior citizen tax rebate is included in budget talks. District wide, Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Lehigh Carbon Community College and cyber-charter schools are included. At present there is a $1.9 million shortfall but it is expected that will be decreased and no tax increase if foreseen.

Revenue is $39,517,118 and expenditures are $41,430,604, subject to change, dependent on such things as final assessment values and state and federal contributions.

The proposed budget has to be approved in May with final approval in June. A resolution was adopted to keep any increase within the 2.8 percent index.

A transportation agreement with Bieber Bus is to take the Science Team to Cambridge, Mass. Jan. 22-23 for $3,000 and to Solon, Ohio, Jan.29-30 for $3,750.

From the student activities fund there are contracts for DJ Smooth for the Class of 2016 prom at $550 and the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs for Northwestern Elementary on April 29 at $1,255.

Vice President Paul Fisher said the pension is still a concern with the state Appropriations committee.

At LCCC Gloria Wolfe is working on aiding returning veterans get a college education.

Joseph Reiter, former board member, said student Evan Karpyn is doing well in trap shooting.

The Lehigh Valley has one of the oldest leagues at 61 years.

It is one of the fastest growing sports, Reiter said.

Student representative Josephine Steidinger said the fall drama club produced a successful performance with cast and crew doing an amazing job.

The football team was District XI AA silver medalists and received the Refereees Association Sportsmanship Award.