At the June 11 meeting of Catasauqua Area School District School Board, members unanimously approved a revised service contract with Lehigh Valley Health Network for sports medicine services for a term spanning July 2019-July 2031, with a three-year optional renewal term.

These services are provided at no cost to the district.

Thomas Moll, school district director of student activities, mentioned the district is currently in the third year of a five-year agreement with LVHN. Having been so pleased with the collaboration and services offered, Moll reported the district and health network entered into discussions regarding an extended contract.

The two entities agreed upon and signed a 12-year contract to continue services in the district.

LVHN provides training services for the athletes in the district as well as trainers. This agreement included the addition of a new trainer for the district. Moll also reported the contract included assistance from LVHN for the renovation project at Alumni Field. The agreement will help with more than $1 million in funding toward the facility renovation project. Superintendent Robert Spengler noted the district has already been in contact with D’Huy Engineering, Bethlehem, to begin the first stages of work on the field.

“I think it is a momentous time in our district,” Moll said.

He continued to discuss how proud he is to have the district working so closely with LVHN.

Brian Leader, vice president of orthopedics, neurosciences and special surgery; David Maxted, director of sports medicine programs; Evan Wagner, administrative resident; and Sara Smey, one of the district’s athletic trainers, attended the meeting.

“Thank you for the opportunity,” Leader said. “We look forward to the partnership with the district.”

Spengler credited Moll and the work he has done crafting such a positive relationship and partnership with LHVN.

“I have been thrilled with the level of service over the years,” Spengler said.

He noted the collaboration holds exciting new possibilities for the future.

Following the unanimous vote from the board in favor of the services contract, Spengler said, “Without your support as a board, we’d go nowhere in this district.”