Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling, Catasauqua Area School District acting superintendent of schools, took the helm for her first school board meeting without her predecessor, Robert Spengler, Sept. 12.

Lutz-Doemling’s term as superintendent officially starts Oct. 10, but she and Spengler have been working through the transition to ensure a seamless switch.

The district administration team and all board members commented on what a smooth and successful start to the new academic year they experienced. All present emphasized the importance of the team effort and thanked everyone involved with getting ready for a new year.

The board members approved the CASD organizational chart. It was noted this is important and appreciated, especially with all the recent shifting and addition of new positions and roles.

The job descriptions of several district positions were also approved, including the accounting specialist, assistant to the superintendent for human resources and operations, athletic director, business manager, coordinator of instructional technology and federal programs, coordinator of student services, director of curriculum and assessment, director of operations, district receptionist, executive assistant to the superintendent, human resources specialist, network manager, office manager, PIMS reporting administrative assistant and superintendent of schools.

The board also reapproved the district health and safety plan.

Lindsey Wallace, borough business manager, reported they are preparing for the annual financial audit, set to start in October. She also noted the district is considering investment options.

According to Wallace, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget is still in the works and has not yet been approved. She did note the district could expect to receive approximately $6 million for the basic education budget and about $1.2 million for the special education budget. She said she will keep the board updated.

Eric Dauberman, assistant to the superintendent for human resources and operations, noted the effort is continuing to get digital signage for Catasauqua Middle School and Sheckler Elementary School.

He also recommended the board approve an agreement with McClure Company for a feasibility study of all the district buildings including Sheckler Elementary, CMS, Catasauqua High School, the district office, field house, maintenance garage, boiler house, transportation facility, stadium and Thomas Field. The study will include demographics such as enrollment projections and building capacities, general data and photographs, floor plans, operational costs summary, building improvements and construction costs, conceptual floor plans, program summaries and cost summaries.

The board members approved the agreement.

The board also approved the agreement with Salisbury Behavioral Health to provide services in the district July 1-June 30, 2024.

The board approved the appointment of four new members to the CASD team. Rachel Stephenson will serve as the CHS physical education teacher at $68,740; Sylvia Seregelyes and Jodie Finney will join as noncertified instructional aides at Sheckler at $138 per day; and Alicia Roman was approved as a district van driver at $22.54 per hour.

Stephenson attended the meeting and thanked the board for the opportunity. Stephenson’s mentor teacher will be Michael Baclawski.

A number of substitutes were approved, including Chloe Bundra, Caitlin Kier and Samantha Onushco as substitute teachers, Mercy Ortiz Susana as a cafeteria substitute and Roseaida Nieves as a substitute non-CDL driver and cafeteria substitute.

The resignation of Sheckler noncertified instructional aide Tara Jones was approved.

A change in employment status was approved for Xavier Fryslin. He is moving from working grounds and maintenance to the districtwide grounds leader at $72,168. His mother attended the meeting on his behalf to thank the board. She noted Fryslin was currently taking a welding class to help him be more prepared and better equipped for his new position. She noted he is dedicated to the district.

Three student workers - Reece Lopez, Andrew Strohl and Keira Thomas - were approved to continue as student workers in the district at $10 per hour.

A number of extracurricular positions were approved by the board. Additionally, the board members approved coach and band stipends for the 2023-24 academic year.

The short-term substitute rate of $190 per day was approved for Sarah Seng for Aug. 28-Oct. 6, Elizabeth Miller for Sept. 13-Oct. 2, Deborah Elek for Oct. 10-27 and Vicki Maclaughlin for Sept. 8-Oct. 2.

The board also approved Kristen Bloszinsky as a substitute coordinator at $17.65 an hour.

As members of Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the CASD board approved the election of the PSBA officers including Allison Mathis of North Hills School District as president-elect, Sabrina Backer of Franklin Area School District as vice president, Karen Beck Pooley of Bethlehem Area School District as treasurer, Marsha Pleta of Washington School District as the western zone representative, Erik Meredith of East Allegheny School District for section W3 and Marianne Neel and Michael Faccinetto as trustees. Board Secretary Jason Bashaw nominated Bethanne Zeigler of Skikellamy School District and Jennifer Davidson of Manheim Township School District to the forum steering committee.

The next board of education meeting will be 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.