Kenneth Dunkelberger

The board addressed several administrative and operational items, including the ratification of fund transfers, payment of bills, and approval of the treasurer's report. Key actions included the approval of various personnel appointments, such as coaches, custodians, and teachers, as well as the acceptance of a retirement. The board also approved new school policies regarding pre-employment drug testing, a vaping prevention and intervention program, agreements for student assistance services, and construction work for a stadium concession stand. Additionally, the board approved a lease agreement for classroom space, acknowledged grant funding from the John E. Morgan Foundation, and approved the 2026-2027 proposed preliminary budget.

The board meeting included several key agenda items, such as the ratification of fund transfers and bill payments, and the approval of the treasurer's report. The Auxiliary Committee presented recommendations for the 2025-2026 school year, including staffing appointments for various athletic coaching positions, band staff, and custodial roles, along with drama club adjustments and changes to golf team home courses. The Education Committee recommendations covered administrative appointments for assistant principals, various teaching and paraprofessional staff updates, retirement notices, and the appointment of department chairpersons and extended school year staff. The Finance Committee items included the approval of tax reports, tax refunds, a CSIU Eservices agreement, contracts for masonry and stadium concession stand work, paving projects, tax bill envelopes, a solar array maintenance agreement, and a linkage agreement with Clarvida/Redco Group. Additionally, the board approved a Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement with the McClure Company for HVAC and lighting upgrades across several district schools.

The agenda for the board meeting includes reports from the secretary, treasurer, and superintendent, including a federal programs update. Committee recommendations cover a wide range of administrative and operational items: the Auxiliary Committee will address the board treasurer position, volunteer coaches, retirements, and staffing; the Education Committee will handle policy readings and adoption, homebound instruction, agreements, appointments, resignations, and substitute teacher approvals; and the Finance Committee will review tax reports, exemptions, refunds, bill payments, delinquent tax collection, the Act 1 index, and various purchases. The meeting will also include legal and personnel discussions during executive sessions.

The board approved various personnel actions, including the hiring of coaches and substitute custodians, and accepted several teacher and administrative retirements. Educational approvals included a student driver education program agreement, out-of-pocket trip requests, and the appointment of new school principals. Financial approvals covered the payment of bills, the adoption of technology center and intermediate unit budgets, and capital expenditures for security and surveillance equipment, cafeteria point-of-sale systems, and athletic scoreboards. Additionally, the board authorized an investment grade audit and a matching grant request for facility improvements.

This Special Education Plan outlines the strategic direction for the Tamaqua Area School District, a comprehensive learning facility serving over 2100 K-12 students. The plan emphasizes the professional staff's commitment to educational excellence, providing knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students to succeed in a global community. It also highlights the dedication of support staff to delivering the best possible education and the community's financial support in fostering student success and future preparedness.