Members of the Northwestern Lehigh School Board were honored during their January meeting in celebration of School Director Recognition Month.

This group of nine spends dozens of hours each month voluntarily leading the schools and making difficult decisions.

They play a significant role in creating an environment where student success can happen.

Each board member received a Tiger tumbler from Student Council, an art “Thank you” picture from Weisenberg Elementary students and a group picture from Northwestern Elementary.

“They are part of a team,” Superintendent Jennifer Holman said. “Thank you for your help.

Board members have a total of 53 years public service.”

During public comment period, two district residents voiced opposition to the turf planned for the athletic fields.

John Fritz of Germansville stated his opposition alleging five soccer players developed cancer at a school in the Philadelphia area that has the turf.

According to Fritz, in 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency said the turf did not create a dangerous problem.

Fritz said the cost was going to be $6 million, and asked what happens when that money is gone.

He also said after its life span, nothing will grow under the turf.

School board President Bill Dellicker said the $6 million figure was wrong.

Business Manager Leslie Frisbie said $2.5 million had been budgeted for the turf.

Dellicker said the issue could be further discussed during the February workshop.

Holman reported the collective bargaining agreement between the Northwestern Lehigh School District and the Northwestern Education Association covers the period July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022.

Joe Fatzinger, Holman and Leslie Frisbie represented the school district. Educational association Co-Presidents Kevin Sunday, and Jeremy Smoyer, along with Trisha McKenzie, represented the association in the discussions.

Holman thanked the participants and said negotiations had been a collaborative project.

“We want the best for our colleagues,” Holman said. “It was the process rather than the outcome that was important,” she said.

Approval to bid the stadium projects was given by the board.

Activities Director Jason Zimmerman said the bleachers need to be of sufficient size because they may be playing larger schools. They will need to be redesigned.

A 2001 backhoe is being purchased from Whitehall Township at a price not to exceed $25,000.

Operations Director Arthur Oakes is working with the Lehigh County Authority on a 30-year-old problem.

Water from the storm sewers is going into the sanitary sewer. Three pipes, some as much as 20 feet deep, have to be replaced.

After these many years, a break in the lead pipes have been found and the township is anxious to have the corrections completed quickly.

Approval was reached with the Music Theater International for the Middle School to produce “Madagascar Jr.”

On May 10, Weisenberg fourth graders will visit the Quiet Valley Historical Farm, Stroudsburg, at a cost of $512.

Middle schoolers will go to see the IronPigs May 8 at a cost of $736. Both will be paid by the activities fund.

During board member sharing time, Todd Leiser described the first meeting of the new year as a “love fest” and said he hoped future meetings would continue in so friendly a manner.