The East Penn Board of School Directors recognized student scholars at the Oct. 9 regular meeting.

School Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell and Board President Dr. Joshua Levinson celebrated Benjamin Wiese as Emmaus High School’s 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, as well as 15 commended students.

Recognized among their number were Aidan Arakkal, Ryan Baig, Madison Carreiro, Elijah Daly, Kayla DiGiacomo, Aidan Doyle, Tyler Finck, Chase Gravereaux, Jeremy Lam, Ogonna Nnodimele, Thomas Seislove, Sarvesh Senguttuvan, Henry Stewart, Angela Tran and Hugh Wilks.

Supervisor of Secondary Curriculum & Instruction (STEM) Michael Mihalik led the presentation of proposed new and revised curriculum. He listed nine new courses and changes to existing courses. Highlights include:

•Personal Financial Management is being revised to shift from 1 credit to 0.5 credits. While still maintaining dual credit status, this would give more students in grades 10-12 an opportunity to take this popular course.

•Entrepreneurship will be offered for dual credit.

•Foundations of Art is a new 0.5-credit entry-level course for grades 9-12. It replaces 2D Foundations of Art and 3D Foundations of Art by merging them together.

•Stage Design is a new 0.5-credit elective offered in the technology education department to students in grades 9-12.

•New and revised math courses proposed at this time come with added dual credit designation with Lehigh Carbon Community College.

•Intermediate Algebra replaces Math Analysis in order to help students enter community college without having to pay for remedial math courses.

EHS Principal Beth Guarriello discussed mostly minor changes to the 2024-2025 Program of Studies.

In her district update, Campbell announced October is “National School Principals Month” and mentioned building leaders will be recognized on the district website. She proudly informed the board EHS was recognized by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association for its outstanding visual arts programs. Campbell promoted the high school’s production of “Little Women” scheduled for Nov. 2, 3 and 4.

The superintendent clarified posting an edited “Board Highlights” on the district website is in addition to the full, unedited recording of board meetings.

The East Penn Board of School Directors voted unanimously to renew Assistant Superintendent Dr. Douglas Povilaitis’ contract. Povilaitis was approved for a further term of five years with the district commencing Nov. 12 and ending Nov. 11, 2028.

In other personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of Shoemaker Elementary School special education teacher Katelyn Carpenter, effective Oct. 6; Eyer Middle School health room nurse Stephanie Sywensky, effective Aug. 25 and Tammy Hensinger, a purchasing and accounting coordinator, effective Oct. 2.

Approved new hires include Carrie Okken as student activities director, effective Oct. 30 and William Halko as school psychologist at Eyer Middle School, effective Nov. 15.

Board member Dr. William Whitney reported on happenings at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit.

Lehigh Career & Technical Institute Joint Operating Committee member Paul Champagne announced the school’s annual open house for prospective high school students is set for Nov. 2.

There were seven requests to address the board.

While supportive of the directors, Emmaus residents Andrea Roth and Gab Klotz spoke about security, bullying, student fighting and school discipline.

Emmaus resident Lori McFarland praised the high performance ratings for the East Penn School District recently listed in U.S. News & World Report.

Stefanie Rafes, of Lower Macungie Township, thanked the board for East Penn’s reputation as an “excellent school district.”

School board candidate Shonta Ford, of Wescosville, praised the district’s plethora of extra curricular activities.

Lower Macungie Township resident and school board candidate Matthew Mull argued against “the accusation that I intend to ban books,” by stating his support of the board’s recent policy on selecting library resources.

Barbara Tantaros, of Emmaus, commented on YouTube board meetings and her concerns with Policy Code 109 regarding library resources.

Levinson announced an executive session was held before the public forum 6:30 p.m. to discuss “litigation, personnel, negotiations and confidential matters.”

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23. At an hour earlier than usual, this time change applies to this meeting only given the anticipated content for that meeting.

The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website. Livestreaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.