The East Penn Board of School Directors approved the adoption of the district’s 2021-2022 budget June 14 at the first in-person meeting since state COVID-19 restrictions were declared in spring 2020.

Mask wearing and social distancing protocols continued to be in effect for the indoor, in-person gathering.

The proceedings were recorded and are to be posted online the following day, as had been done pre-COVID-19. Livestreaming cannot be achieved until the technology in the boardroom is upgraded. The administration is hopeful the vendor will be able to install the new equipment and presentation monitor by the July 12 meeting.

Although they celebrated the long-awaited return to the boardroom, a moment of silence was held for former board member Francee Fuller, who died June 10. Fuller had served 15 years on the East Penn School Board, including one term as president.

The unanimously approved and adopted final budget authorizes expenditures totaling $169,195,819 for the school year.

During his presentation, Business Administrator Robert Saul mentioned the administration had estimated back in January 2021 a 3.6 percent tax increase may be needed, but the revised final budget has brought it down to a 2.7 percent tax increase.

The school district will levy a tax of 19.1035 mills per dollar of assessed valuation on real estate. Under Act 511, the following taxes being levied include a one-half percent earned income tax and a one-half percent real estate transfer tax.

Homestead and farmstead exclusion real estate tax assessment reductions were authorized for the school year beginning July 1.

To provide tax relief to qualifying seniors, the Property Tax Rebate program continues for 2021-2022 with the following updates:

• Claimants having total household income of $0 to $10,000 receive a $650 maximum rebate.

• Claimants having total household income of $10,001 to $15,000 receive a $500 maximum rebate.

• Claimants having total household income of $15,001 to $18,000 receive a $300 maximum rebate.

• Claimants having total household income of $18,001 to $35,000 receive a $250 maximum rebate.

Athletics general admission fees were set for 2021-2022 with $5 adult admission and $3 student admission to varsity football matches, varsity and junior varsity basketball for both boys and girls games and varsity and junior varsity wrestling events. Football and basketball general admission season tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students.

Senior citizens with an East Penn Gold Card will be admitted free.

In her district update, Superintendent of Schools Kristen Campbell expressed gratitude that more than 700 graduating seniors were able to enjoy an in-person commencement at the PPL Center June 13. She mentioned another in-person event was recently held for retired East Penn District employees.

Campbell offered congratulations to Emmaus High School student Hayden Schmidt for earning a gold medal in the 2021 National German Exam Level 3. She also praised spring athletes for winning district championships and winning accolades for good sportsmanship.

The superintendent announced the supplemental weekend food program will continue for the summer. The program is sponsored by the Emmaus Rotary Club and other local community organizations, as well as businesses in the East Penn area.

In personnel matters, the directors acknowledged the retirement of EHS music teacher Rita Cortez, effective June 30 and the retirement of Michele James from her position as supervisor of elementary STEM administration, effective Aug. 30.

Campbell commended both retiring employees for their years of distinguished service.

The board also accepted the resignation of Wescosville Elementary School first grade teacher Kelly LaFronz, Lower Macungie Middle School instructional specialist teacher Elizabeth Babbin, and EHS health room nurse Edith Halsey. All are effective mid-June.

The directors and administrators personally welcomed newly-hired Jefferson Elementary School Principal Samuel Hafner. They also approved recently-hired teachers Harold Fairclough for health/wellness/fitness at EHS, Scott Morro for fifth grade at Wescosville Elementary School and Nicole Szarka to teach second grade at Willow Lane Elementary School.

Four temporary teaching positions were filled, as well as five full-time substitutes were approved for hire.

James Keiffer from KCBA Architects was available to answer questions about an upcoming districtwide facilities study before the board’s approving the firm’s $18,225 contract.

Board members Joshua Levinson, Allan Byrd and Adam Smith were chosen to serve as appointed delegates to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association Delegate Assembly being held in October.

Director Paul Champagne reported on happenings at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, including a large number of East Penn students registering for Camp LCTI.

Bacher announced there was an executive session held 6:45 p.m. before the public forum on “negotiations.”

No members of the public addressed the board.

The East Penn School Board meets 7:30 p.m. generally on the second and fourth Monday of each month. The next regular board meeting is scheduled June 28 and will be in person. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website.