Editor’s Note: This is a corrected version of the article in the April 24 edition of The Press.

The East Penn Board of School Directors and administration recognized Benjamin Wiese, a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship program at the April 22 regular meeting.

As his proud parents Paul and Cathy Wiese looked on, the young scholar was lauded by School Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell for his academic achievements.

When asked, Wiese, a graduating Emmaus High School senior, revealed he is headed for Penn State as an engineering major.

Getting down to regular business, the school board members discussed their support of and concerns about the 2024-2025 proposed final budget, along with the senior citizens real estate tax rebate program for the 2024-2025 school year.

These were adopted by a vote of 8-1 with Director Michael Felegy voting against.

It was noted by all this preliminary vote is just one more step in the budgeting process before they hold a final vote.

The 2024-2025 proposed final budget in the amount of $197,800,544 includes the following tax levies:

• 21.1762 mills on the assessed valuation of real estate

• 0.5% (0.005) Act 511 earned income tax

• 0.5% (0.005) Act 511 real estate transfer tax

Continuing the senior citizens real estate tax rebate program for the 2024-2025 year is part of the package with the income eligibility guidelines to be established at the final budget adoption.

Felegy and others asked if the priorities presented at previous meetings were all “needs” or if there were any “wants” among them that could be cut or postponed. While the proposed 5% tax hike seemed a bit high to those gathered, it is under the district’s ACT 1 Index of 6.2%.

Campbell said the administration and educators working on the budget initially had twice as many priorities than were later presented. She described the final list of priorities as “needs.”

Director Gabrielle Klotz pointed out the increase would cost the average taxpayer around $20 more per month.

A few asked if Saul could “sharpen the nub of his pencil” and get the tax increase down to 4%.

Board President Dr. Joshua A. Levinson concluded this vote was a formality and they should continue moving forward with the budget process.

The 2024-2027 special education comprehensive plan was approved for the period of July 1 through June 30, 2027.

The directors authorized the creation of an EHS Unified Track and Field account, EHS Muslim Student Association account and EHS Groove Club account in the EHS student activities fund, for the purpose of collecting and distributing funds.

The board approved the school crossing guard agreement between the Borough of Emmaus and East Penn School District for school crossing guards.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the retirements of EHS Librarian Kelly Bower effective June 10 and EHS special education teacher Amy Yastrop effective July 1.

Campbell noted Bower’s 17 years serving East Penn of her 38 years as an librarian and Yastrop’s 25 years with the district of her 30 years as an educator.

The directors also accepted the resignation of Lower Macungie Middle School social studies teacher Christopher Thomas effective June 7.

Approved new hires to fill positions left vacant by retirements include Tyler Booth and Casey Frank as math teachers at EHS, as well as Lynne Reichl as an elementary teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. All are effective Aug. 15.

A new policy on “Educational Opportunity for Military Children” and updated current policies including “Enrollment of Students, Eligibility of Nonresident Students, Graduation” and “Public Participation in Board Meetings” previously read and discussed, were adopted.

On these items, all voting was unanimous.

In her district update, Campbell gave a shout out to the high school Stinger staff for doing well in a couple of recent student newspaper competitions.

She also expressed appreciation for a donation of more than $13,000 from the Giant Feeding Schools Program to assist low-income families with school lunch debt.

Campbell promoted the annual College Fair hosted at EHS April 25.

EHS Student Government Association School Board Student Representatives Julena Patel and Elizabeth Samer reported on girls and boys spring sports, as well as academic and club activities. They announced upcoming orchestra, band and choral concerts.

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit Board member Dr. William Whitney spoke about the unit’s Multiple Disabilities Support-Function program and how it helps the students it serves.

There were nine requests to address the board, six of which turned out in support of the middle school and high school girls wrestling program. While thanking the board and administration for providing them with club status for their inaugural season, they asked the program be continued.

The student athletes praised the coaches and others involved with the newly-formed girls wrestling team. Gemma Kennedy, of Zionsville and Emmaus residents Allyson Schwalm, Haily Laible and Brynn Koberlein eloquently described the positive impact participating in girls wrestling had on them.

Koberlein’s sister Ariana, a member of the girls track and field team and their dad Kris Koberlein joined in to ask for the district’s continued support.

EHS Band Drum Major Stavros Marangos expressed appreciation for the district’s music and arts programs. He passionately described the recent jazz fest held at the high school where middle school bands performed along with the high school band.

Emmaus resident and former school board member Ted Dobracki returned to encourage the board to go for the maximum millage hike allowed under ACT 1 for the proposed budget.

Kristina Schware, an instructional assistant at EHS stressed the importance of the district’s instructional assistants and requested more than just the six positions slated for full-time status in the proposed budget be considered.

Levinson announced an executive session was held before the public forum 6:30 p.m. on matters of safety and security and negotiations.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled 7:30 p.m. May 13. 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.