Margaret Davalos

The Ad Hoc Finance Committee meeting covered several agenda items, focusing primarily on financial and capital planning matters. Key discussions and actions included the presentation regarding Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School Renovations, and discussions leading to action on Food Service Catering and Food Service Take Home Lunch programs. The committee also reviewed and moved to send Procurement Card Policies (Policy 625 and Policy AR-0) to the Board for approval, and moved the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School MOU to the Board for approval. A discussion was held regarding the status of the high school pool heater.

The meeting commenced with recognition for a former district employee. Following the approval of the agenda, an Executive Session was held to discuss Superintendent goals and an Expulsion Waiver. Key agenda items involved approvals for the Class of 2026 graduation date of June 5, 2026, and approval for the Competitive Cheerleading Team's participation in the National High School Cheerleading Championship, with costs covered by students and fundraising. The Expulsion Waiver Agreement for a specific student was also approved. Personnel actions included approving appointments for a Vocal Director and coaches for the 2026-2027 school year, as well as approvals for medical sabbatical, unpaid leave, FMLA leave, and resignations for several employees. The Board reviewed the 2025-2026 budget timeline for the 2026-2027 School Year and discussed the reorganization of Board Committees, including the potential creation of a Policy Committee. Citizens also provided comments regarding communication with local officials and the budget.

The Business Meeting included the approval of the agenda and the presentation of bills totaling $1,652,630.68, categorized across General Expenditures, Cafeteria Expenditures, and Health Benefits. Key agenda items involved Education actions, such as approving an Expulsion Waiver Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with St. Luke's University Health Network for professional health volunteer experience. Personnel actions included approving new Day-to-Day Substitutes, transfers for Bus Drivers, the hiring of a Full-Time Floating Custodian, approval of Homebound Instructors, an affiliation agreement with Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, and accepting a resignation. Facilities approved the 2025-2026 bus routes, subject to enrollment changes. Finance actions involved approving funding for the 2025-2026 High School and Grade 3 - 5 Theatre Productions, the Special Education Contract with Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, and two donations from the Saucon Valley Foundation for Educational Innovation. Additionally, the Board approved a contract with Harlem Wizards for a fundraiser and the slate of officers for the PSBA. New business included a request to discuss implementing a "Committee of the Whole."

The meeting involved reviewing and moving for approval to the Board several items related to Procurement Card Policies, specifically Policy 625 and Policy AR-0. Additionally, the committee discussed sending the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the Board for approval. A discussion was held concerning the status of the high school pool heater.

This Schoolwide Title 1 School Plan for Saucon Valley Elementary School outlines a strategic direction focused on enhancing student learning and achieving potential through continuous innovation. Key priorities include improving mathematical growth and achievement via targeted professional development, data-driven interventions, and collaborative learning communities. It also emphasizes providing consistent, research-based Tier I ELA instruction founded on the Science of Reading, supported by comprehensive professional development. The plan aims to engage families in best instructional practices for both mathematics and reading.