Even though class has officially been in session for three weeks, the teachers and staff of Whitehall-Coplay School District have been busy preparing for the school year since before the Aug. 29 start date, and the school board held its first meeting of the new year Monday night.

Student Council representatives from Whitehall’s Class of 2017 addressed board members about the group’s activities thus far. Student Council President Gavin Wood spoke of the success of the group’s participation in the freshman orientation program.

Student Council also sported Class of 2017 T-shirts that displayed the class’ slogan: The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

Robert Kolb, vice president of the school board, thanked the students for their presentation.

“I just want you to know that every month when you come up here to speak with us that you are not wasting your time,” he said. “We take great pleasure in hearing what you are doing, and we really do appreciate it, and I always can’t wait to hear the good that you are doing and the enthusiasm behind each project. So thank you.”

The board welcomed Laura Vandegrift as the new human resources manager for the district.

Superintendent Dr. Lorie Hackett spoke about Vandegrift’s previous accomplishments, saying, “While interviewing Laura, we were inspired by her knowledge and demeanor. The pride she has for her profession is outstanding, and she absolutely is a team player.”

Two other noteworthy new hires were in attendance: Natasha Lewis, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School librarian, and Bethany Lewis, Whitehall High School librarian.

During the board’s fiscal report, members approved field trips for the middle school and high school Student Council advisers to attend a state conference, the high school’s Marching Zephyr Band to perform in a pre-game parade at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia and a trip for high school students to attend the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

The long-term substitute rate for paraprofessionals who have worked 90 days or one full semester was approved by the board, and a contract with The Wire Guys LLC for the purchase and installation of a districtwide closed-circuit television system was approved.

The board will next meet 4 p.m. Sept. 26 for committee reports and 7 p.m. Oct. 10 for the regular meeting.