Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education met virtually April 14 to discuss business.

The school board members and administration were connected through Zoom, a videoconferencing app. The Zoom meeting was livestreamed over YouTube for the public to view. There was a special email created for input and comments from the public.

It was noted things have been busy as teachers and administration prepared for the switch to virtual classes. Students began online learning April 14.

“It’s been a busy, busy few weeks, but we’re getting there,” said Kathleen Kotran, coordinator of instructional technology and federal programs.

“Things are coming together the best they can,” said Wayne Karess, district network manager.

“Right now, it’s feeling good,” said Robert Spengler, CASD superintendent. “We’ve got our feet on the ground.”

He attributed much of the district’s success to the supportive environment - the administration, staff, students, families and community.

“I would want to travel this road with no other team than who is around me,” he said.

The school principals noted they are proud of their staff for adapting to their new circumstances and working together.

“We had a great first day of classes,” said Adam Schnug, Catasauqua High School principal. Catasauqua Middle School Principal Melissa Inselmann agreed they had a successful first day of online learning.

Sheckler Elementary School Principal Eric Dauberman commended his staff on stepping outside their comfort zone and working to best assist the students.

It was noted the principals will give a more in-depth look at the online learning system at the next meeting.

Many of the school board members extended their thanks to the administration and staff in the district for their creativity and work in bringing online learning to the students.

Board member Jason Bashaw extended special thanks to the technology team for making online learning possible in the district.

Shelley L. Keffer, CASD coordinator of student services, gave a special shout-out to Officer Jenna Potak, one of the district’s school resource officers. Keffer noted Potak assisted in making house calls to the families the district needed to contact and helped deliver iPads to the students who needed one.

“It’s hard for her to go out and make house calls right now,” Keffer said. “But she did it to help the students.”

The quick meeting also involved approving minutes from the previous meeting, March budget transfers, the treasurer’s report for March, bill payments and more.

The board members voted unanimously to waive the senior career presentation graduation requirement for the 2019-20 school year, due to the unique circumstances. Students are generally required to create a career portfolio as part of their graduation requirements.

When it came to personnel, board members approved the intent to retire for four district employees. Sheckler Elementary teachers Kurt Anchorstar and Claudette Burker were approved to retire at the end of the school year. Anchorstar has 33 years of service, and Burker has 32 years.

CMS teacher Judith Evans was also approved to retire at the end of the school year, after 36 years of service. Janice Walenta, CMS teacher, was approved to retire effective Oct. 9 after 27 years of service.

As they signed off, the board members wished good health and safety to their colleagues and to those watching the meeting live.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to meet face to face next time,” said Carol Cunningham, board president.

The school board will next meet 7 p.m. May 12.