Whitehall-Coplay School Board approved the collective bargaining agreement between Whitehall-Coplay School District and Whitehall-Coplay Education Association at its meeting Monday night.

District Solicitor Jeffrey Sultanik said this one-year contract was created with the association due to “concerns because of the budget passing in Harrisburg.”

“This contract calls for a reduction from 18 steps to 16 steps,” Sultanik said.

The starting salary will be increased from $42,749 to $46,175, and the maximum salary will be increased from $81,905 to $82,905.

In other matters, members of Whitehall High School Chorale attended the meeting, surprising Superintendent John Corby and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Barbara Chomik by singing “Happy Birthday” to them both.

“This is one of my highlights,” Corby said. “This has made my year.

“Don’t tell the board, but this is better than a paycheck,” he joked.