East Penn School District Board President Alan Earnshaw announced his resignation at the April 9 meeting, citing job relocation. His resignation will be effective in June.

In other business, the board approved a resolution to refund a series of bonds – 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2007 – with an estimated $250,000 in debt service reduction.

School Directors Chris Donatelli and Carol Allen voted against the refunding of bonds.

Emmaus High School Guidance Counselor Jen Carolla was awarded Counselor of the Year by the Lehigh Carbon School Counselor Association.

Emmaus High School German students took first place overall in the statewide competition in German at Penn State University. EHS students competed against students from 19 other Pennsylvania schools in six categories: spelling, poetry recitation, geography, jeopardy, poster design and movie design. This is their sixth first place finish in the seven years since Penn State has hosted this event.

A jazz band competition was held at Emmaus High School April 6 and Emmaus earned numerous awards. Lower Macungie Middle School and Eyer Middle School students were also involved.

In personnel news, the board accepted the resignation of Kay Wetzel, a health room nurse at Lower Macungie Middle School effective June 4.

Brenda Reinhart was assigned to Jefferson Elementary as a food service support staff. Victoria DeLorenzo was assigned to Wescosville Elementary School as an instructional assistant.

With the retirement of Director of Athletics and Student Activities Dennis Ramella in June, Rebecca George has been hired as his replacement. Her prior experience includes being the director of athletics at Palisades School District. During the years of 2007, 2010 and 2016, George earned the title of “Best Athletic Director of the Year.”

The food service contract was extended for another year. Earnshaw expressed his satisfaction with their service.

The board also approved the Apple lease April 30 through April 30, 2021.

In his legislative report, Director Charles Ballard said there is a possible proposal to suggest all students must pass a civics test as a requirement for graduation. This test would be similar to the one citizens-to-be must pass.

It was also suggested a prescription or note would be needed for application of sunscreen.

The East Penn Board of School Directors will next meet in regular session in the board room located in the administration building, 800 Pine St., Emmaus, 7:30 p.m. April 23.