Catasauqua Area School District

The board meeting agenda includes personnel actions such as substitute hiring, resignations, FMLA and leave approvals, and nominations for extra-curricular positions. Financial business items feature the approval of the treasurer's report, budget transfers, bill payments, the independent auditor's report, and several service agreements for testing. The board will consider the second reading of a policy regarding suspension and expulsion, the 2026-2027 school calendar, and the K12 Guidance Plan. Infrastructure and operational items include management services and bidding for the Sheckler Elementary School Project, the lease of iPads for students, disposal of obsolete technology, and approval of revised bus and van stops.

The board meeting featured a presentation on the Sheckler Elementary School addition, leading to the approval of classroom layout option 1. The administration provided updates on academics, including career pathways, updated communication plans, and career readiness initiatives. Discussions regarding building and grounds covered snow removal, construction manager selection, facility maintenance, and grant applications. The board reviewed policy updates, athletic department logistics, and budget matters, including the approval of the Lehigh Carbon Community College and Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit budgets. Personnel actions, such as hiring, retirements, leaves of absence, and salary adjustments, were addressed alongside approvals for student activity trips and revised transportation plans.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a presentation on Sheckler Elementary Students of the Month and an update on the Sheckler Elementary School Addition, where Classroom Layout Option 1 was approved early in the agenda. The Academics and Education committee reported on mid-year benchmark data, an updated communication plan, the Chapter 339 Guidance Plan, and Career Readiness updates, including the district being awarded the Career Ready PA Mega Challenge. The Finance committee is preparing for a Special Budget Meeting and reassessing the Capital Projects Plan. The Building & Grounds committee recommended Pelorus as the construction manager for the Sheckler Addition and is focusing grant applications on High School masonry repairs and window sealing. Athletic discussions involved guidelines for overnight trips, replacement of the CHS Gymnasium scorer's table, coaching salaries, facility rental fees, and concerns regarding the Turkey Day bonfire location. The Board reviewed policy updates, discussed crossing guard management and sidewalk shoveling responsibilities with local Boroughs, and reviewed economic status research pertaining to warehouse trends. Financial agenda items involved the approval of proposed budgets for Lehigh Carbon Community College and Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21. Personnel actions included accepting several substitute applications, approving days without pay, accepting two intents to retire, handling resignations and rescinding an employment offer, approving multiple FMLA requests, adjusting a salary increment, and appointing extra-curricular positions. Curriculum items approved included the 2026-2027 CHS Career Planning Guide. Other approvals covered authorizing the bid for fuel oil, summer school attendance agreements, and the selection of The Pelorus Group as Construction Manager. The Board also approved the first reading of Policy 233 regarding Suspension & Expulsion and authorized payment for various financial reports and bills.

Key discussions included presentations recognizing Students of the Month from Sheckler Elementary and CMS Roughies of the Month for October, November, and December. An update was provided on the Sheckler Elementary School Addition, resulting in a Board Approval Item to select the Traditional construction method over the modular method. The Board recognized School District Directors. Administration reports covered the smooth operation of Winter Keystone and WIDA assessments, planning for the 2026-2027 budget, the successful delivery of a new Kubota RTV for grounds maintenance, and the second reading of Policies 702 and 201.1. Athletics reported on recent boys' basketball milestones, including a coach's 400th victory and a player scoring 1,000 career points, alongside scheduling senior nights and the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Financial actions included the exoneration requests for delinquent 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 property taxes. Personnel actions covered substitute removals, retirements, resignations, new substitute appointments, changes in employment status, and salary increment adjustments. The Board approved a resolution to restrict the 2026-2027 tax increase according to the state index, reaffirmed PSBA's Principles for Governance and Leadership, approved the amendment of a scholarship name, and authorized settlement on a tax assessment appeal for 1787 Airport Road. Guest speakers provided input on PIAA playoff athletics rules, grant funding utilization, and local development.

The meeting focused on reviewing past and current safety incidents. Old incidents included a maintenance worker experiencing shoulder pain, which resolved after implementing rest recommendations. New incidents involved a counselor and an aide at Sheckler being struck by thrown objects (a chair and a door, respectively), requiring recommendations on de-escalation techniques and situational awareness. Another incident detailed a teacher falling while texting on the stairs, leading to a recommendation against walking while texting. Walk-through completions for the 3rd Quarter for classrooms were reviewed. The committee was made aware of the LifeVac device, but it was noted that it is not supported by approved organizations. Concerns regarding bathroom cleaning procedures were also brought forward to management.