During the March 9 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler gave a “big picture” look at the 2021-22 budget. He reported the district is looking at a zero-percent tax increase this year.

The budget includes safety and security upgrades, new and continued positions, operational and technology updates and more.

Regarding safety and security, the district will add a third school resource officer to allow for each school to have an SRO. The budget also accounts for the district’s mental health professionals.

The district is adding four teachers to account for virtual learning and class-size reductions. The district is also budgeting in a work experiences certified teacher.

Operational expenses include the Alumni Field stadium project, vehicle and equipment upgrades, districtwide cleaning equipment and more. At Sheckler Elementary School, repairs will be made to the north wall. Lockers, stage curtains and classroom carpets at Catasauqua Middle School and blinds at Catasauqua High School will be addressed.

An updated infrastructure is on the list of technology needs.

“Luckily, our local revenue has generally stabilized,” Spengler said.

He noted there is positive movement in the region. Spengler also reported a state budget deficit is not expected.

In regard to federal revenue, there are no specific numbers yet, but Spengler is expecting the district will receive COVID-19 relief funds. He said the administration is also working to receive and allocate grant funding.

“It could be significant,” Spengler said regarding funds.

When it comes to the cost of doing business, the budget includes salaries and benefits for the staff. Various factors taken into consideration include replacing retirees and resignations, class-size reduction and online teachers and the membership for the countywide health care consortium.

The district is still evaluating additional positions and changes needed.

The budget reflects contributions for the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and works to build the fund balance.

Charter school tuition payments have increased approximately $200,000. Spengler reported the district is spending more than $2,200,000 of the budget on charter school tuition.

Spengler reported there will be a more detailed presentation at the April board meeting. Preliminary approval is expected in May, with final approval expected in June.

In other business, Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling, assistant superintendent, reported the district is preparing to administer the PSSAs in April and May. She said all the PSSA testing will be online.

Thomas Moll, director of student activities, thanked the board members for their support over the district’s successful winter sports season. He reported the spring sports season began March 8.

Board members approved the CASD and Lehigh Valley Health Network return to sports competitions guideline updates for the spring sports season.

Other approvals include the 2021-22 calendar and the second reading of the updated food services policy.

CHS Principal Adam Schnug reported staff is working to make the end of the school year as close to a “traditional year” as possible.

“It has been a struggle, but we’re getting through it, thanks to you,” Trista Graser-Jewell, a school board student representative, said.

She thanked the board members for their support and for their efforts to keep the school year as normal as possible.

The next school board meeting will be 7 p.m. April 13.