The East Penn Board of School Directors gratefully accepted an initial contribution of $10,000, as well as additional future contributions, to be deposited in the EPSD Memorial Fund to establish the David A. Stortz Scholarship Fund at the Jan. 9 meeting. The fund will support an annual scholarship for two graduating Emmaus High School seniors.

“Just wanted to express our gratitude to our community partner for their work in supporting our students,” School Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell said. According to Campbell, Stortz, a 1964 Emmaus High School and Muhlenberg College graduate, as well as an Air Force veteran, is supporting the scholarship named for him through his Emmaus-based accounting firm, David A. Stortz & Associates.

A performance-based, guaranteed energy savings agreement was reached with McClure Company for energy conservation services for Macungie Elementary School which was identified in the recent facilities study as having the greatest need. The upfront cost to the district is $4,432,060 paid in the first year.

Facilities Director Steve Onushco and McClure Company Senior Account Executive Alyssa Wingenfield explained the mechanics of the contract to upgrade HVAC systems, replace clocks with LCD units with message boards, as well as other work to provide savings on the electrical usage. Some other work, such as new basketball hoops for one of the schools was folded in. Most of the work would be done during the summer months.

The district is estimated to see $493,000 in energy savings over the course of the 20-year contract and have a streamlined process for the retrofit and maintenance.

Onushco cited Act 129, Pennsylvania’s energy efficiency law, as inspiration for going this route.

Board member Paul Champagne had experience working with McClure through his work in industry and mentioned the company was highly reputable.

Silfies Masonry, LLC was awarded a bid for brick and masonry restoration at Jefferson Elementary School. The contracted amount is for $106,000 with a clause to deduct $5,900 for alternate work.

Another bid for concrete work at Jefferson Elementary School was rejected as being cosmetic and not necessary for safety reasons. It also came in $50,000 over budget explained Onushco.

The directors voted to authorize the creation of the Eyer Middle School Chorus Activities Fund for the purpose of collecting and distributing funds for student activities.

The board approved an agreement of sale to sell property located on South Mountain Street in Emmaus for $150,000.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Lower Macungie Middle School math teacher Colleen Hayduk, effective Dec. 17, 2022 (updated).

All voting was unanimous.

During her district update, Campbell provided updates on Lower Macungie Township’s support of the crossing guard program for Willow Lane Elementary School. A township grant of $26,000 will help pay for the crossing guards. While the local government considers “there will no longer be a need for a written agreement between the township and the district,” the district will reapply for the community grant annually.

An alumni page has been added to the district’s website where Emmaus High graduates can connect with former classmates, Campbell said after mentioning a December 2022 art department alumni event.

Campbell recognized the directors for their service in conjunction with Pennsylvania School Boards Association School Board Recognition Month with praise and gifts of stainless-steel beverage bottles.

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit board member William Whitney announced the search to find a replacement for retiring Executive Director Dr. Elaine Eib has begun.

Joint Operating Committee Member Paul Champagne said Lehigh Career & Technical Institute reported the Animal Sciences program has been expanded. The popular vo-tech program provides high school seniors with the opportunity to explore veterinary and animal-centric careers while taking Lehigh Carbon Community College science courses for college credit. The application deadline has been extended to Feb. 16.

Champagne also noted security measures are being reviewed and upgraded in response to threats made in November 2022. The school was closed or locked down for nearly a week due to violent threats reported to the state’s anonymous tip line. Although, no arrests have been made, he said potential suspects have been identified by law enforcement.

There was one request to address the board. Shannon Petrunak returned to object to the retracking process recently approved by the board that will eliminate General Prep levels in social studies and English.

President Joshua Levinson announced the district will be closed Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

He mentioned a 7 p.m. executive session was held before the public forum on “real estate, confidential matters and negotiations.”

The next regular school board meeting will be held Jan. 16. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website. Live streaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.