On Sept. 18, the Salisbury Township Board of Directors held a regular school board meeting to approve personnel changes, a new mental health program, adopt district policies and receive an update on new grants awarded to the district.

In her treasurer’s report, Dawn Nickischer informed the board that due to nine property assessment appeals resulting in a reduction of assessment values, the district needs to refund a total of $100,070 to residents who have won their appeal. Ten more properties in or above the $500,000 assessment range are awaiting judgments on their appeals. As a result, the district will start the 2025 year with a drastic drop in assessed property values.

The board granted approval to provide agreements with Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 for a partial hospitalization program for two students and to provide professional development services in Science, Technology, Engineering and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) for Allentown Diocese staff.

Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten clarified the outlay of funds to the Allentown Diocese by saying the district receives federal grant money the district is required to distribute to nonpublic schools within district borders.

During the operations committee portion of the meeting, the board granted approval for a memorandum of understanding with Kooth USA, a free digital mental health program offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, a solicitor agreement extension with King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Paul through 2028, an agreement with Amerigis health care staffing and a student activity fund account for the Class of 2024.

The board approved a list of additions and changes to the district’s 2024 per capita tax rolls resulting in an increase in additional revenue in the amount of $360.

The personnel committee brought several items to the board for approval. The board granted approval for the retirements of Director of Student Activities, Monica Deeb and Administrative Assistant, Cherie Pennella.

New employees approved by the board include Zeven Adamcik, part-time custodian, Angela Hagenbuch, full-time library media specialist, Isabella Caban, building substitute and Julia Urich, assistant boys soccer coach, Salisbury High School.

A transfer was approved for Christine Russell from full-time long-term substitute Business/IT/Computer Science teacher to full-time Business/IT/ computer Science teacher.

The board approved a release from duty for Instructional Assistant Claribel Rosario and granted tenure status to the following: Alexander Hess, Dana Kosman, Deanna Robison, Alexandra Serson, Alexis Bove and Emily Paramonte.

Also approved were the 2024-2025 superintendent and assistant superintendent performance goals.

Board approval was granted for the policy committee’s final reading and adoption of three policies related to Discrimination/Harassment Affecting Staff or Students and Nondiscrimination - Qualified Students with Disabilities.

In her superintendent’s report, Fuini-Hetten produced a chart depicting 2024-2025 projected and actual enrollments for each grade level. While most grade levels reflected a trend of actual enrollments matching closely with estimated projections, kindergarten proved to be an outlier showing a significantly lower number of students enrolled compared to projections.

During opening day activities for the district, administration recognized staff members Michaeleen Reinhard and Barbara Yetter for 30 years of service to the district while Donita Marze, Eric Molitoris and Angela Xander were recognized for 20 years of dedicated service.

Fuini-Hetten reflected on a recent news conference with Gov. Josh Shapiro and ceremonial signing of the historic investment in education bill held at Emmaus High School.

The board was given an update on grants for the coming year and it was announced a $103,127 Ready to Learn Grant was allocated to the district and will be used to support full-day kindergarten.

A substantial $457,920 environmental repairs grant was awarded to be used for the water mitigation project at Salisbury Elementary School. This infusion of grant money will allow administration to reallocate capital funds to be used for other much needed projects within the master facilities plan.

Also pending is a Commonwealth Financing Authority grant which, depending on the size of the award, will also help to offset the cost of other projects.

The Salisbury High School Key Club planned a voter-registration drive at SHS Sept. 28. The sole purpose of the drive was to offer voters who may need assistance a chance to register, not to campaign or advertise.

The homecoming parade was planned for Oct. 4.

Fuini-Hetten also noted the district is seeking applicants for several open positions including school psychologist, part-time art teacher, behavioral specialist, instructional assistants and substitute teachers.

The next regular school board meeting will be held 7 p.m. Oct. 16.

All meetings are held in the administration building, 1140 Salisbury Road, Allentown.