The March 8 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting opened with a moment of silence for the late Bennett Koppenhaver, who died Feb. 18. Koppenhaver served as a member of the school board for 25 years, with 10 years as president.

Sheckler Elementary School Principal Eric Dauberman recognized the Students of the Month. This month, they honored second-grade students. The students are Harper Caverly, Zoey Kalman, Mave Roth, Ryan Roth, Nyah Samboy and Adrianna Vannote.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling reported the administration is in the process of setting up tutoring services for Catasauqua High School students through tutor.com. This service will be available 24/7 and will connect students with a tutor to help with homework, writing feedback and more.

Lutz-Doemling noted this service will be in addition to the after-school tutor program currently in place at CHS. While the service is not yet available, she said she hopes to have it by the end of this month.

Student representative Grant Heimbecker thanked her for working to add this service for students who have to work after school. It was noted many athletes have practice during those after-school hours as well.

In his budget report, Superintendent of Schools Robert Spengler said work is continuing on the 2022-23 budget. He said commonwealth funding proposals are looking positive, but inflation prices will need to be considered when crafting the budget.

There is a special budget meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. March 29.

Spengler reported the district is getting new scoreboards for the baseball and softball fields. He added that, since district employees are installing the signs themselves, the district is saving on costs.

Additionally, they are preparing to install the final track surface in June since the process requires a consistent warm, dry temperature. Summer projects are also being planned across the school buildings.

Student representative Angele Diamacoune reported she took part in the recent guest reader day at Sheckler Elementary. She read to a kindergarten class and couldn’t say enough good things about the entire event.

“It was an amazing experience,” she said. “They were adorable!”

She also said how fantastic it was to have a regular, in-person spirit day event at the high school. The excitement of having everyone in the gym together, cheering each other on, was wonderful.

Lastly, she reminded board members the high school’s drama club is presenting “Chicago.” The show is scheduled 7 p.m. March 18 and 19 and 2 p.m. March 20 in the CHS auditorium.

Heimbecker reported they held the Student of the Semester assembly Feb. 28. This was the first time the event was held in-person since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 30 students recognized for their employability skills.

According to Heimbecker, the debate team members got to announce and introduce each of the honored students. This allowed some of the newer team members to practice speaking in front of a large audience.

This practice will come in handy when the debate team heads into the final round of its semifinal debate.

Regarding personnel changes, Rosemary Hernandez was added as a substitute driver, and Lorry Bradley was added as a substitute teacher. Diana Daubert, bus driver, was approved to retire effective June 9.

Substitute rates of $130 per day for Trey Hinkle, effective Feb. 22; $180 per day for Cathy Moore, effective Feb. 11, half day to the end of the year; and $180 per day for William Cecchini, effective March 2-May 24, were approved.

Madison Walker was approved to be added as an assistant track coach at $2,671. She is filling in for an employee currently on sick leave. Courtney Grim was approved as a volunteer assistant softball coach.

The board approved adjustments to the 2021-22 secretary/clerk salaries, effective April 1, and the 2022-23 salaries, effective July 1. Salaries and adjustments with the same effective-by dates were also approved for food service and transportation workers. The 2022-23 custodian and maintenance salaries were also approved.

Nancy Sankari was approved to move from a substitute teacher to a noncertified instructional aide at Catasauqua Middle School at $130 per day, effective March 25.

Regarding curriculum, board members gave preliminary approval for four new textbooks for CHS Spanish classes. Lutz-Doemling recommended the books.

“They integrate seamlessly with Canvas, which our teachers are excited about,” she noted, adding they can link assessments, resources and other activities to make learning interactive for the students.

Other board approvals included a special education services agreement for the 2022-23 school year with Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, the 2022-23 district calendar, the CASD comprehensive plan for July to September 2025, the CASD equitable services plan and the CASD health and safety plan.

Zachary Bittner, with Perfection Landscaping and Lawn Care, won the bid for lawn care services for the next three years. Unlimited cuts and trims, at $51,000 per year, will cost the district $153,000.

The board also approved Campbell, Rappold and Yurasits as the new auditor for school district funds and accounts. The firm will review internal controls, perform Single Audit Act compliance and prepare required annual financial reported for a five-year contract.

A tax assessment appeal at 794 Roble Road for Health Network Laboratories LP was passed, with two board members abstaining. The new assessed value is $11,523,000.

Additional bus stops were approved for 254 High St., Catasauqua, and 300 Allen St., Bath.

CHS Principal Adam Schnug reported there has been a 25-percent increase in student involvement in activities. While he was anticipating a rise in numbers since things are returning to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic, he noted the current numbers are a 12-percent increase from the 2018-19 school year.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 12.