Meeting Agenda
1. Opening Exercises
1.1. Call to Order
1.2. Opening Exercises
1.3. Meeting Announcements
1.4. Roll Call
1.5. Presentations/Recognition
1.6. Public Comment - Only on the Board's Proposed Approval of the Agenda as Presented or as Modified
1.7. Approval of Agenda
1.8. Public Comment - Traditional Public Comment Period on Agenda Items Only
1.9. Reports
1.9.A. Student Board Representatives Report
1.9.B. Superintendent Report
1.9.C. Business Administrator Report
1.9.D. LCCC Representative Report
1.9.E. CLIU Representative Report
1.9.F. CCTI Representative Report
1.9.G. Lehighton Memorial Library Representative Report
1.10. Minutes
2. Financial Matters
2.1. * Consent Agenda
2.2. * MOU with Panther Valley School District
2.3. * 403(B) Plan Resolution
2.4. * Settlement Agreement
2.5. ESCO Agreement
2.6. Library Agreement
2.7. Donations/Local Grants
2.8. UTV
2.9. Per Capita/Occupational Tax Exemptions
2.10. Per Capita/Occupational Tax Refunds
2.11. Activities Funds
2.12. Financial Reports
2.13. Payment of Bills
3. Personnel
3.1. * Consent Agenda
3.2. * Cross Country Workers
3.3. * Resignations for Retirement
3.4. * Resignations
3.5. Candidates for Employment
3.6. Candidates For The Substitute List
3.7. Candidates for Athletic Coaching/Manager
3.8. Candidates for Extracurricular Activity Advisor
3.9. Pre-Approval of Employee Continuing Education Courses
4. Programs
4.1. * Consent Agenda
4.2. * 2026-2027 School Calendar
4.3. * 2026-2027 Bus Stops
4.4. * School Meals and A La Carte Items
4.5. * 2026-2027 Intergovernmental Agreement for Title I Equitable Services with CLIU#21
4.6. * PA Beef and Veal in the Classroom Grant
4.7. * Community Based Instruction
4.8. * High School Enrichment Journeys– Academic, Cultural, Performance, and Career Exploration Visits and Volunteer Opportunities
4.9. School Enrichment Journeys
4.10. Use of School Property
4.11. * Disposal of Surplus Property
5. Miscellaneous
6. Old Business
7. New Business for Discussion
8. Communications
8.1. Director's Concerns
8.2. Public Comment
8.3. Adjournment
Agenda Item Details Reload Your Meeting

Lehighton Area School District
Administration Building - Board Room
1000 Union Street, Lehighton, PA  18235
7:00 PM
Meeting: August 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Board Meeting
Subject:
1. Opening Exercises
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.1. Call to Order
Description:
Board President will call the Board Meeting to order.
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.2. Opening Exercises
Description:


Please rise, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and observe a moment of silence.
 
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.3. Meeting Announcements
Description:
A Board Meeting was held on July 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the District Administration Board Room.

A Special Board Meeting was held on August 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the District Administration Board Room.

A Workshop Meeting was held on August 10, 2026 after the Special Board Meeting in the District Administration Board Room.

A Board Meeting will be held on August 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the District Administration Board Room.

A Workshop Meeting will be held on September 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the District Administration Board Room.



 
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.4. Roll Call
Description:
 

Ms. Joy Beers

  

Mr. Jeremy Glaush

   Dr. Alex Matika
 

Mr. David Bradley

   Ms. Denise Hartley   Ms. Heather Neff
 

Mrs. Lory Frey

   Dr. William Howland  

Mr. Timothy Tkach
Speaker(s):
Board Recording Secretary
Subject:
1.5. Presentations/Recognition
Description:
 Frances Haas has resigned as a Crossing Guard after 59 years of service.
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.6. Public Comment - Only on the Board's Proposed Approval of the Agenda as Presented or as Modified
Description:
Public comment will only be permitted to discuss whether or not an item currently listed on the draft agenda that has been posted should be on the agenda or off the agenda.  No discussion on the substance of the agenda item will be permitted since the discussion will be exclusively limited to whether or not an item should appear on the agenda.  
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.7. Approval of Agenda
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the agenda as presented or in the Alternative.
  2. In the Alternative - MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the agenda with the following items (or items) to be stricken from the agenda....
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.8. Public Comment - Traditional Public Comment Period on Agenda Items Only
Description:
Welcome to the Board Meeting of the Lehighton Area School District.  We now open the public comment portion of our meeting. 

Please note that this session is recorded. Speakers will be called in the order they signed up. When recognized, please state your name and municipality for the record. Each speaker has 3 minutes to speak. We ask that you keep your comments respectful and direct them to the presiding officer. 

Failure to follow these rules - including the use of profanity, personal attacks, or disruption - may result in the forfeiture of your speaking time or removal from the meeting.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
1.9. Reports
Description:
Reports will be given at this time.
Subject:
1.9.A. Student Board Representatives Report
Speaker(s):
Student Board Representatives
Subject:
1.9.B. Superintendent Report
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Subject:
1.9.C. Business Administrator Report
Speaker(s):
Business Administrator
Subject:
1.9.D. LCCC Representative Report
Speaker(s):
LCCC Representative
Subject:
1.9.E. CLIU Representative Report
Speaker(s):
CLIU Representative
Subject:
1.9.F. CCTI Representative Report
Speaker(s):
CCTI Representative
Subject:
1.9.G. Lehighton Memorial Library Representative Report
Speaker(s):
Library Representative
Subject:
1.10. Minutes
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the Minutes of the July 27, 2026 Board Meeting, the August 10, 2026 Special Board Meeting and the August 10, 2026 Workshop Meeting.
Speaker(s):
Board President
Attachments:
Subject:
2. Financial Matters
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
2.1. * Consent Agenda
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve consent agenda items *2.2-*2.4.
Subject:
2.2. * MOU with Panther Valley School District
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the MOU with Panther Valley School District to share equipment to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and support educational and facility operations while maintaining accountability for District-owned assets.
Description:
This will prevent duplication of services and keep costs down.

 
Attachments:
Subject:
2.3. * 403(B) Plan Resolution
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the attached 403(b)-retirement plan documents as provided by OMNI & TSACG Compliance Services, the District's third-party administrator.  In order to maintain the qualified status of Lehighton's 403(b)-retirement plan, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) periodically requires employers that use pre-approved plan documents to formally restate their plans. These required restatements consolidate legislative, regulatory, and administrative changes that may have accumulated since the prior restatement and ensure the plan document remains fully compliant with current IRS and Department of Labor requirements. 
Attachments:
Subject:
2.4. * Settlement Agreement
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the Settlement Agreement and corresponding attorney fees for a student.
Subject:
2.5. ESCO Agreement
Subject:
2.6. Library Agreement
Subject:
2.7. Donations/Local Grants
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the following donations and/or local grants:
Description:
  1. Camera & Photography equipment to the High School Photography Department including 2 Nikon DSLR cameras with lenses, flash, batteries and chargers, a few camera bags, and some smaller accessories such as filters, gels etc.
  2. 10 boxes of various school supplies from Kids In Need Foundation, courtesy of their esteemed partner, the Burger King Foundation.
  3. Giant Food Stores "Stuff a Bus" donation for various back-to-school supplies for students.
Subject:
2.8. UTV
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to purchase a 2027 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Cab (Avalanche Gray) from Backwoods Outdoor Center in an amount of $21,999.00
Description:
This UTV is going to replace the current 2014 Kawasaki Mule side by side that has front end damage and starting issues. 

* This has been updated to reflect a corrected recommendation.
Attachments:
Subject:
2.9. Per Capita/Occupational Tax Exemptions
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the Per Capita and/or Occupational Tax Exemptions for August 2026.
Speaker(s):
Business Administrator
Attachments:
Subject:
2.10. Per Capita/Occupational Tax Refunds
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the Per Capita and/or Occupational Tax refunds for August 2026.
Description:
-James Lambert - 2026 Occupation Tax - $122.50 - Retired
-Susan Tertel - 2024 & 2023 Occupation Tax - $245.00 - Disabled
-Dene Smith - 2025 Occupation Tax - $122.50 - Retired
 
Speaker(s):
Business Administrator
Subject:
2.11. Activities Funds
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the Lehighton Area High School and Lehighton Area Middle School Activities Funds for July 2026 .
Speaker(s):
Business Administrator
Attachments:
Subject:
2.12. Financial Reports
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the Financial Reports for July 2026.
Description:

July 2026

Condensed Board Summary
Expenditure Report
Revenue Report
Treasurer's Report
Fund Summary
Speaker(s):
Business Administrator
Attachments:
Subject:
2.13. Payment of Bills
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the following Payment of Bills:
Description:

August 2026:

     General Fund:
--Non-Negotiable             $     94,505.40
--Regular Checks             $1,811,724.16
--Credit Card                   $             0.00
     Debit Card:               $      2,022.27
     Payroll (July):          $2,124,213.71
     Capital Reserve:      $       7,136.00
     Food Service Fund:  $     81,391.10

                       Total:     $  4,120,992.64
Speaker(s):
Business Administrator
Attachments:
Subject:
3. Personnel
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
3.1. * Consent Agenda
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve consent agenda items *3.2-*3.4.
Subject:
3.2. * Cross Country Workers
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the following individuals to serve as event staff for the home Cross Country Meet on October 6th at a $35.00 stipend for working the event.
Description:
Brenda Buffington
Grace Kern
Skye Hawk


Cross Country Event Workers are needed due to the large number of athletes participating for a multi-district meet.
Subject:
3.3. * Resignations for Retirement
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , Recommendation to accept the resignation for retirement of the following employees with appreciation:
Description:
Lori German - Middle School Licensed School Nurse effective October 19, 2026 after 23.98 years of service to the District.

Donna Lilly - Elementary Center Paraprofessional effective November 2, 2026 after 24.12 years of service to the District.
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Subject:
3.4. * Resignations
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to accept the resignation of the following employees, with regret:
Description:
Vikki Johnson - High School Part-Time Cleaner effective August 3, 2026.
Subject:
3.5. Candidates for Employment
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the following candidates for employment in accordance with the respective contracts, pending any necessary paperwork:
Description:
Erin Lauda - Behavior Technician at the Elementary Center at an annual salary of $36,000.00 prorated for the 2026-2027 school year and an effective date on or about August 25, 2026.
Michael Yeakel - Paraprofessional at the Elementary Center at an annual salary of $21,923.00 prorated for the 2026-2027 school year and an effective date on or about August 25, 2026. 
Stacey Hoffman - Paraprofessional at the Elementary Center at an annual salary of $21,923.00 prorated for the 2026-2027 school year and an effective date on or about August 25, 2026.

Noah Hottenstein - Part-Time Cleaner effective August 25, 2026 at a rate of $13.50 per hour.

After-School Lobby Supervisor at a contracted rate of $37.00 per hour:
Nicholas Costantino
June Potts
Timothy O'Connor
Angela Harris

Saturday AM Detention Monitors at a contracted rate of $37.00 per hour:
Melissa Solt
Carrie Kenny
Timothy Sharrow




 
Subject:
3.6. Candidates For The Substitute List
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the following list of requested candidates for the 2026-2027 Substitute List, pending any necessary paperwork:
Description:
Kristine Betz - Substitute Teacher
Kathleen Silvonek - Substitute Teacher
Morgan Nothstein - Substitute Teacher
William Kunkle - Substitute Teacher
Devin Dunwoodie - Substitute Teacher
Glen Whiteman - Substitute Teacher
Shirley Rodgers - Substitute Teacher
Emily Sangiuliano - Substitute Teacher
Joseph Lynn - Substitute Teacher
Ashley Russo - Substitute Teacher
Amber Miller - Substitute Teacher 
Madelyn Kessler - Substitute Teacher
Martha Cox - Substitute Teacher

Atasha Hunter - Substitute Nurse
Dorothy Pollock - Substitute Nurse

Susan Eremus - Substitute Secretary/Paraprofessional
Paula Ewing - Substitute Secretary/Paraprofessional
Kyle Smith - Substitute Secretary

Doris Sheckler - Substitute Lunch Aide

Susan McHale - Substitute Cleaner/Custodian
Stacey Hoffman - Substitute Cleaner/Custodian
Asher Andrew - Substitute Cleaner
Subject:
3.7. Candidates for Athletic Coaching/Manager
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , Recommendation to approve the following requests for Athletic Coaching/Manager Candidates, as per contracted rates, pending any necessary paperwork:
Description:

Megan Kusse - Assistant Competition Cheerleading Coach

Emily Summers - Assistant Sideline Cheerleading Coach
Tatum Hartsell - Assistant Sideline Cheerleading Coach

Zachary Zehner - Volunteer Middle School Football Coach

Tyler Rehrig - Assistant Boys Basketball Coach 
Alex Schwab - Junior High (Freshman) Boys Basketball Coach

Nicole Salerno - Assistant Girls Middle School Basketball Coach
Jennifer Grima - Assistant Girls Middle School Basketball Coach
Danielle Uyvari - Volunteer Girls Middle School Basketball Coach

Spring Head Coaches for 2026-2027 School Year
JC Dietz - Head Baseball Coach
Ed Ziegenfuss - Head Softball Coach
Erica Pagotto - Head Track and Field Coach
Andrew Hozza - Head Tennis Coach

Fall Game Managers for the 2026-2027 school year per the Game Workers Pay Scale:
Theresa Kokinda
Diane Brownmiller
Ronald Rabenold
Timothy Sharrow
Subject:
3.8. Candidates for Extracurricular Activity Advisor
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , Recommendation to approve the following requests for Extracurricular Activity Advisor Candidates, as per contracted rates, pending any necessary paperwork:
Description:
Terry Haberman - Fall Weight Training Advisor at a stipend of $1,052.30.
Lydia Weller - Theater Production - Dance Advisor at a stipend of $750.00.
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Subject:
3.9. Pre-Approval of Employee Continuing Education Courses
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the following requests for pre-approval of Courses/Programs of Study for employee continuing education:
Description:
  1. Employee # 1943 - August 24-December 11, 2026 - Advanced Psychology of Learning (Educational Psychology - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 15 Semester Hours).
  2. Employee # 1943 - August 24-December 11, 2026 - Collaborative Consultation in Education Settings (Educational Psychology - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 15 Semester Hours).
  3. Employee # 1072 - September 1, 2026-June 1, 2027 - Educational Development and Strategies Program (Wilkes University - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 15 Semester Hours).
  4. Employee # 951 - July 13-September 14, 2026 - Creating an Effective Co-Teaching Classroom (Graduate Course/Non-Degree Seeking- up to $602.00 per credit for up to 6 Semester Hours).
  5. Employee # 951 - July 13-September 14, 2026 - Emotional Intelligence (Graduate Course/Non-Degree Seeking- up to $602.00 per credit for up to 6 Semester Hours).
  6. Employee # 1783 -August 24-December 12, 2026 - Problem Based Learning Through Instructional Technology (Instructional Technology Certification - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 6 Semester Hours).
  7. Employee # 1783 - August 24-December 12, 2026 - Distance Ed/K-12 Educator (Instructional Technology Certification - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 6 Semester Hours).
  8. Employee # 1084 - July 28, 2026-January 27, 2027 - Transition and Life Skills Development for Students with Disabilities (Graduate Course/Non-Degree Seeking - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 6 Semester Hours).
  9. Employee # 1084 - July 28, 2026-January 27, 2027 - Community Based Learning (Graduate Course/Non-Degree Seeking - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 6 Semester Hours).
  10. Employee # 1775 - September 1-December 1, 2026 - AI Uses for Special Education (EDUC - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 6 Semester Hours).
  11. Employee # 2002 - August 24-December 12, 2026 - Leadership for Reading Educators (Reading Specialist - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 15 Semester Hours).
  12. Employee # 2008 - December 16, 2026-June 19, 2028 - M.Ed. with initial Certificate Program Grades 7-12 (Kutztown University - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 15 Semester Hours).
  13. Employee # 2004 - August 24, 2026-June 18, 2029 - Master in Library Science Program (Kutztown University - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 15 Semester Hours).
  14. Employee # 1884 - August 24, 2026-May 30, 2028 - Family & Consumer Science Ed Cert Program (Indiana University of Pennsylvania - up to $602.00 per credit for up to 15 Semester Hours).
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Subject:
4. Programs
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
4.1. * Consent Agenda
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve consent agenda items *4.2-*4.8.
Subject:
4.2. * 2026-2027 School Calendar
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the revisions to the 2026-2027 School Calendar.
Description:
Detail revisions affected by the additional Professional Development Day on August 17, 2026.
Attachments:
Subject:
4.3. * 2026-2027 Bus Stops
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , Recommendation to approve the 2026-2027 Bus Stops.
Description:
Bus Routes are not posted publicly for safety purposes.
Subject:
4.4. * School Meals and A La Carte Items
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , Recommendation to approve the 2026-2027 School Meal prices as well as a la carte prices, as per the attachments.
Description:
All students at the Lehighton Area High School, Lehighton Area Middle School and Lehighton Area Elementary Center will have access to free breakfast and free lunch through the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) for the 2026-2027 school year.
Attachments:
Subject:
4.5. * 2026-2027 Intergovernmental Agreement for Title I Equitable Services with CLIU#21
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , Recommendation to approve the 2026-2027 Intergovernmental Agreement for Title I Equitable Services with CLIU#21 for Title I services provided to eligible LASD students who attend non-public schools. 
Attachments:
Subject:
4.6. * PA Beef and Veal in the Classroom Grant
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to accept the PA Beef and Veal in the Classroom Grant for the High School and the Middle School, should it be granted. 
Description:
For 2026-2027 the Lehighton Area School District was approved for 2 grants from the Pennsylvania Beef Council for the Middle School Family Consumer Science class and the High School Family Consumer Science class for cooking lessons. We are awaiting final details.

 
Subject:
4.7. * Community Based Instruction
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , Recommendation to approve Special Education Community Based Instruction (CBI) Trips for the 2026-2027 School Year.
Subject:
4.8. * High School Enrichment Journeys– Academic, Cultural, Performance, and Career Exploration Visits and Volunteer Opportunities
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve 2026-2027 off-campus High School learning trips for invited classes, clubs, and student groups visiting local educational, civic, and industry sites, such as the Carbon County Courthouse, local history walks, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) campuses, St. Luke's University Health Network, and regional agricultural sites including local orchards and farms.
Description:

These experiential learning visits provide students with direct exposure to career pathways, civic processes, regional history, and hands-on scientific concepts that extend classroom instruction into real-world settings. Students will be transported either by walking, school vans, or buses funded through LAHS budget projections, and all outings will be fully chaperoned by district faculty and staff with required permissions and safety protocols maintained prior to each trip.

Purpose:
To support student engagement in community service, artistic performance, and academic enrichment through meaningful, real-world experiences that promote leadership, civic responsibility, and intellectual growth and to provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities that promote physical wellness, mental health awareness, student leadership development, and career exploration in the health and wellness fields.
Subject:
4.9. School Enrichment Journeys
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by to approve the following School Enrichment Journey requests:
Description:
  1. LAHS Earth Science/Ecology Class (Jordan Cook) - October 26, 2026 - 9:00-11:30 AM - No. 9 Coal Mine, Lansford, PA - Local Mining industry and ecological impacts.
  2. LAHS National Honor Society (Suzanne Howland) - September 9, 2026 - 8:30 AM-1:30 PM - Franklin Township Fire Company - Volunteer for the Senior Expo.
  3. LAHS Student Forum (MaryJo Frehulfer) - October 5, 2026 - 7:30 AM-2:15 PM - CLIU #21 - Student Forum Event.
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Subject:
4.10. Use of School Property
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve Use of School Property for the following requests:
Description:
LABC (Jeremy Stein & Stephanie Haldeman) - Dates TBD August-November (Including Sundays) - 8:00 AM-5:00 PM - Multipurpose Stadium - Football Games.
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Subject:
4.11. * Disposal of Surplus Property
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to approve the disposal of the attached unneeded surplus, unusable, and/or obsolete property from the District that is consuming valuable storage space according to policy 706.1.
Attachments:
Subject:
5. Miscellaneous
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Subject:
6. Old Business
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
7. New Business for Discussion
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
8. Communications
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
8.1. Director's Concerns
Description:
In accordance with Policy 006 - Board Members may submit items for the agenda in writing, together with supporting materials, before noon - five (5) days prior to regularly scheduled Board meetings. All items so submitted shall appear under the category Directors' Concerns.
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
8.2. Public Comment
Description:
We are now at the closing of our Board Meeting and are offering a second opportunity for public comment on our Board Meeting. 

Please note that this session is recorded. Speakers will be called in the order they signed up. When recognized, please state your name and municipality for the record. Each speaker has 3 minutes to speak. We ask that you keep your comments respectful and direct them to the presiding officer. 

Failure to follow these rules - including the use of profanity, personal attacks, or disruption - may result in the forfeiture of your speaking time or removal from the meeting.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Speaker(s):
Board President
Subject:
8.3. Adjournment
Recommended Motion(s):
  1. MOTION by , SECONDED by , to adjourn the Meeting.
Speaker(s):
Board President

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