The Salisbury Township School District board of directors meeting began May 8 with several student representatives from each level of the school system giving a rundown of the happenings within their schools.

Dehlaney Santiago, a student at Harry S Truman Elementary School, said third through fifth graders completed Pennsylvania System of School Assessment testing.

Field day is approaching for the elementary school students. Madden Hallman and Zaman Rizvi, Western Salisbury Elementary School students, gave a presentation about upcoming student activities which include a color run. The students also had a book collection for Cops ‘n’ Kids Lehigh Valley, which brought in 2,000 books to be distributed to children.

Salisbury Middle School representatives Hannah Kamp and Carlee Ziegenfus, showcased all of the charitable work happening at the school. Several students in clubs will be reading to HST students and the student council presented the teachers this past week with chocolates for Teacher Appreciation Week.

At the high school level, an art show was held May 8, which showcased imaginative artwork by students and teachers. On May 9, the high school held a driving simulator and SIDNE Cart for students and anyone who was in attendance to show the dangers of distracted driving and driving while under the influence.

Lastly, the prom will be held May 18 and the student representatives announced graduation will take place June 4.

All budget and operations items were approved for the 2019-2020 upcoming school year. Chief Financial Officer/Board Secretary Michael Taylor’s contract was renewed, as well as a change of terms. Taylor will now serve the district until May 8, 2023. Formerly, the contract was only to be for one year, but in referendum was changed to a four-year term.

All personnel changes in the district were approved. Kelly Paxton resigned as a full-time special education teacher at WSE effective April 26. Kathleen Ascani resigned as a part time cafeteria worker at WSE effective May 17. Ellen Winkler resigned as a part-time learning support instructional assistant at Salisbury High School effective May 15. Mark Kappes resigned as the 2018 and 2019 spring strength coach effective May 3. A German teacher position has been reduced from full time to part time. Carolyn Lucas was terminated as a part-time English teacher at SHS effective June 30 due to a substantial decline in class enrollment. Art teacher Aaron Yetter has been reduced from full time to part time effective July 1 due to a substantial decline in course enrollment. Hours have been reduced for part-time custodian Mona Nadraws effective April 1. Jennifer Roth, ESL teacher at WSE has been transferred to HST. Jennifer Sheeto, a full-time psychologist at HST and WSE has been transferred to HST and Salisbury Middle School. Erin Moeser was transferred from a full-time psychologist at SMS and SHS to SHS and WSE. Sean Roth was approved, pending completion of requirements, as the winter and spring strength coach. Thomas Cunningham was approved as a gameworker for the 2018-2019 school year. James Dylan Bonge was approved as a volunteer assistant varsity track vault coach for the 2018-2019 school term.

The district will save over $200,000 due to the faculty changes this upcoming year.

Director Joseph Gnall announced HST will hold its annual ice cream festival June 1. He also highlighted the tremendous work students brought to the high school’s art show.

The Salisbury twirling team won the Tournament of Bands/Tournament Indoor Association championship at both the high school and middle school levels. This was the first time that both levels had won and a student from Salisbury was also gifted a $5,000 grant by the competition for their essay. This was also a first for the district.

It was noted LCCC’s online courses have seen an increase in student participation, which was highlighted because of the eagerness for students to increase to push to higher learning classes while still at the secondary level.

Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss and School Director Carol Klinger gave a report about their trip to Harrisburg to talk with state representatives about school reforms. Klinger said they met with staff members from state Sen. Pat Browne’s office. “They are very well aware that we want charter school reform and that cyber school funding needs has to be changed,” Klinger said. Other concerns included mandatory transportation 10 miles from Salisbury’s borders and funding equity.

In other business, a 3-year agreement was approved between the district and Apptegy, Inc. for services regarding app and website development. Apptegy presents a technology resolution that would help eliminate pain points occurring within the district’s use of social media and web presence. The agreement will include a new website and a new app for mobile devices. They will help market these resources to the community and parents for the district.

In closing, SMS Assistant Principal Robert Sawicki gave a report on the Safe2Say tip line. This tip line is to be utilized for students who feel in danger or in life-threatening situations. Tips have come in on a regular basis and Sawicki said all tips are taken extremely seriously, with many situations being monitored and controlled in a safe manner. He was commended for his work in this area, as well as SHS Assistant Principal Brian Muschlitz.