At the Jan. 12 meeting, Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education members were honored for School Board Director Recognition Month.

CASD Superintendent Robert Spengler opened the meeting with a tribute to the board members.

“In times of crisis, leadership is more important than ever,” Spengler said.

He noted the COVID-19 pandemic brought times of uncertainty but thanked the school board for their dedication and work to persevere through it.

He noted the board was able to provide a robust, predictable schedule and system for students and families, either with a comprehensive online learning system or the five-day in-person model.

“In my many years, I have never been more proud,” Spengler noted.

Following Spengler’s words, the board members were treated to videos thanking them for their efforts.

Sheckler Elementary School students shared things they are thankful for this school year.

Catasauqua Middle School students shared individual thank-you notes for the school board members detailing different things the students appreciated, including the iPads, being in the schools, hot meals and more.

Catasauqua High School students thanked the board members for working to keep the students safe, for allowing both in-person and online learning, for the opportunity to take dual enrollment courses and more.

Additionally, several teachers and staff members, including CHS Principal Adam Schnug and school resource officer Jenna Dumansky-Potak, shared their appreciation.

You can see the videos from the staff and students of the three district schools on the school district website, cattysd.org.

“I didn’t expect to get teary-eyed at tonight’s board meeting,” board member Christy Cooper said.

She thanked the students and school administrations for the videos.

“We really feel appreciated,” board member Lauren Cieslak added.

She thanked all the school district personnel for their hard work and dedication.

Other board members shared similar sentiments of appreciation.

“It’s really a testament to the small-town, value-based, community-driven atmosphere of the district,” board President Duane Deitrich said.

Deitrich also thanked the school administration for surprising the board members with yard signs showing their appreciation.

In other business, board members approved Charles Hutterer, Shey Marth and Samantha Gaydos as substitute teachers and Brandon Zellner as a substitute custodian. The retirement of Sheckler cafeteria worker Linda Tavares, effective Dec. 23, 2020, was also approved.

Dawn Fisher and Lisa Roth were approved as CMS newsletter advisers at a rate of $274.50, and Douglas Keller and Jean Beegle were approved as districtwide custodians.

Student teachers were approved by the board. Chantal Jacobs, from DeSales University, will work with CHS English teacher Andrew Gruver Feb. 1-May 7.

Meghan Wald, from Kutztown University, will work with CHS music teacher Robert Arnold March 15-May 6.

Jacquelyn Garner, from Kutztown University, will work with Sheckler learning support teacher Jennifer Moyer March 15-May 6.

Loren Rich, from Delaware Valley University, will work with CASD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling for superintendent field experience, effective Jan. 13 until the completion of the required hours.

At the recommendation of Spengler, the board approved a resolution not to raise taxes beyond the state index for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Spengler reported he and CASD Business Supervisor Lois Reed are working on the 2021-22 budget. He reported the revenue numbers are looking strong thus far. An early look at the budget is expected at next month’s meeting.

Schnug reported CHS sporting events are livestreamed on the school’s YouTube page, youtube.com/channel/UCbhKCIQ_3_LahKm24HSMqZQ?reload=9. The gymnasium’s cameras are able to capture the athletics for public view since spectators are not permitted due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. A few of the school board meeting attendees admitted to watching the CHS basketball game in the background of the meeting.

Board members also approved the donation of a marimba and an upright piano from Roberta Daubenspeck and handmade padded seat covers and cart from Roy Gable and his wife.

The next school board meeting is 7 p.m. Feb. 9.