During the Aug. 28 Whitehall-Coplay School Board meeting, two township residents addressed the board regarding the recent tax increase.

Bruce Charles spoke about the 2023-24 tax hike and his concerns regarding potential future increases.

Charles said the board was not prudent with tax dollars, citing the recent improvements to the athletic facility.

“This is a high school, not a Division III college. How money is spent should reflect that,” Charles said. “Wish-list spending needs to be cut. This is not a revenue issue; it is a spending problem.”

Charles also said he was pleased to receive email responses from Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Steckel regarding questions sent in his correspondences.

Whitehall resident Anthony Kopack also voiced concerns regarding taxes and potential increases in the 2024-25 school year. Kopack mentioned people living on fixed incomes, such as Social Security, need “to put aside two months’ worth of income to pay the yearly tax.”

In other business, Steckel recognized and thanked St. John’s United Church of Christ, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chick-fil-A of Whitehall and Whitehall Township Recreation Department for contributing backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and hygiene products for students about to start the new school year.

Other outstanding business included approving a confidential settlement and release agreement that was discussed in executive session, Whitehall Township Public Library trustee Edward Hozza, WCSD and Lehigh County Children, Youth and Family Services transportation plan for 2023-26 and changes made to policies in several areas of operations within WCSD.

The board also recognized the agreement between WCSD and Whitehall-Coplay Education Association to provide increases to employees who have successfully completed credits beyond their degrees.

The board gave notice of two executive sessions - the first, Aug. 14 regarding special legal matters, and the second, Aug. 28 for the discussion of personnel matters.