Modernization costs for Northwestern Lehigh High School from five contractors total $10,134,582.

School directors discussed the costs, with two members attending via electronics. during the March 15 board meeting at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, Schnecksville.

When soft costs, such as furnishings are included, the expected cost is $12.6 million.

If one large amount is borrowed more interest will accrue.

If done in two stages, the second amount taken the following year will have no interest until used.

Authorization was given so if interest goes down, PFM financial managers can proceed.

The school has an AA Standard and Poors credit rating allowing for a lower interest rate on amounts borrowed.

Operations Director Arthur Oakes said some items, such as doors and auditorium seating that will be replaced may be sold at auction instead of being discarded.

He said there was interest in the school logo on a floor. Oakes said removing things in sellable pieces will not be more expensive than destroying them for removal.

In other matters, Nicholas Klenbara of Troop 89, New Tripoli, attended the meeting and took notes toward earning his Citzenship in the World and Communications badges.

Superintendent Mary Anne Wright heard from Jeremy Schmoyer that the Math Challenge Team placed in the second round of the challenge.

Wright said she always finds it great to beat out 200 teams from across the country.

The ACE team defeated Palmerton in the final round, 36-21, which makes Northwestern the winner of the ACE competition.

A survey has been prepared on the subject of all-day kindergarten. Northwestern Lehigh residents can participate in the survey by going to nwlehighsd.org and check the box on the top right side of the page.

Leann Stitzel, director of curriculum, said she would turn the meeting over to the teachers who revised and created new curriculum to make classes more interesting for the students.

They looked into current research, trends and their own data. All documents are on the school website.

Some are not complete but will be as soon as possible. Written curriculum documents can be changed and are so every student can grasp the concept.

In some instances, teachers may want to teach in their own way and will be permitted to do so.

Middle School Principal William Dovico introduced the teachers beginning with Christine Fogel, arts instructor. She wants to teach traditional art in untraditional ways.

Debra Aardewijn teaches family and consumer science. She said she wants electives that can be inspiring.

James Mole teaches tech education including such manufacturing items as carpentry, preprinting and laser engineering. He said carpentry is a favorite.

Lifetime sports are in integral part of physical education as taught by Joseph Webster. Being physically fit helps students do better in classwork.

Scott Brown said music students are most interested in keyboarding. He wants a two-year program beginning in seventh grade.

More graphic work is one aim of Shannon Kistler’s computer classes. She wants to integrate it with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Design, and Math (STEAM).

Stitzel said there will be more changes and the final approval will be at the April meeting.

Andrea Madochick, food service director, told the board about meals prepared for outside organizations that have a meeting in the school and want a catered meal.

“Any organization that comes to the district and we provide a meal, the cost of all services will be covered by the organization,” Madochick said. “If preparation causes extra costs, a 10-percent profit will be added to just covering costs.

Rotary breakfasts and sporting events occur at a time when staff is already in the building, and just recovering costs is sufficient,” she said.

She also discussed the federal food service program which prefers the kindergarten milk program be kept in the policies.

Free milk is provided for Headstart programs. A child nutrition account is referenced twice in the policy and is confusing because Northwestern just uses the term food service.

Director Paul Fisher said a la carte prices should go at market value. There is a formula for customers.

Madochick said she keeps a la carte prices at market value so students do not choose a la carte lunches instead of a full lunch.

This has been looked at by the auditors. The subject will be further discussed at a workshop.

In other matters, Fisher asked if the board meetings should be rescheduled when the school is closed for the day.

Superintendent Mary Anne Wright said school may be closed in the morning but roads are good by the afternoon.

Director Todd Leiser said everyone should make their own decision if they want to drive or not.