At the May 18 school board meeting, several special presentations recognized student achievements.

Genesis Almodovar was recognized for being a 2016 Student Poster Contest Winner, Leah Quay was recognized for being a 2016 Student Essay Contest Winner and Amanda Hirst, Ashley Hirst, Rhiannon Neipert, Robert Stoker, Emily Suter and Kaitlyn Zong were recognized for being 2016 Group Video Contest Winners. All students were challenged with entering the district contest, “What could the future of learning look like in Salisbury?”

Also honored was Desiree Nester for her participation in the SkillsUSA state competition.

Nester, who attends Lehigh Career and Technical Institute in Health Occupations, placed second in basic health care skills at the state competition.

Earlier this year, in the annual competition, LCTI students faced their peers from Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School, Career Institute of Technology, Monroe Career & Technical Institute and Upper Bucks County Technical School in more than 50 contests of skill ranging from advertising design to welding.

Nester earned a gold medal in that competition and competed at this spring’s 2016 SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Leadership and Skill Championships in Hershey.

In other news, the board said goodbye to two senior student representatives who will graduate June 9 – Matthew Fainor and Olivia King.

Following the student representatives report, President Frank Frankenfield thanked Fainor and King for their thorough reports and wished them the best of luck in their future endeavors. Fainor will attend Lehigh University and King will attend Lehigh Carbon Community College and Moravian College.

Salisbury High School Principal Heather Morningstar also commended King for receiving a scholarship for holding successful blood drives in the school.

Student representatives Agostino D’Ancona and Rania Nimeh joined Fainor and King in providing news about activities in all four schools.

The board unanimously approved the 2016-2017 proposed final general fund budget reflecting total expenditures in the amount of $35,097,038. Homeowners will see a 2 percent increase in their taxes if final approval is given in June. On a home valued at $206,356, the tax increase will be $73. The administration and the board have time to adjust the budget prior to the June approval of the final budget.

Board Secretary Robert Bruchak said the 2016-2017 gaming funds are available for tax relief to each qualifying home under the Homestead Act. Registered homeowners should see a reduction of $126.41 which is less than last year.

In personnel news, Catherine J. Meholic has resigned, due to retirement, as a mathematics teacher at Salisbury High School effective June 15. Brian K. Covely has resigned, due to retirement, as a full-time custodian effective Aug. 16. Barbara J. Weiss has also announced her retirement as a part-time learning support instructional assistant at Salisbury Middle School effective June 15.

Director of Transportation Verna C. Schuon has resigned, due to retirement, effective Aug. 19. Judy L. Roblyer has resigned as a part-time cafeteria worker at Harry S Truman Elementary School.

Doug Hensinger has resigned as the cross country coach.

The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Salisbury Township Education Association and the district regarding the additions of a special education department chair position and special education elementary liaison position beginning with the 2016-2017 school term.

The board approved Holly Derhammer as a long-term substitute teacher at SMS, Brenda Cherry as a full-time Spanish teacher at Salisbury High School effective Aug. 23 and Theresa Bruns as the cross country coach for the 2016-2017 school year.

Approved for summer custodial help are Christopher Bishop, Corbin Nesfeder, Brett Spencer and Eric Frankenfield.

A number of policies were given final approval at the meeting, including: possession, use and administration of medication; possession and use of Epinephrine auto-injectors, asthma inhalers and insulin; use of standing order emergency Epinephrin and Naloxone in schools; attendance; temporary medical excusals; foreign exchange students; exception to the academic sequence; nondiscrimination in district practices and conflict of interest.

During citizens comments, Bambi Guptill thanked the board for approving the foreign exchange student policy.