A Catasauqua resident whose daughter will be entering the kindergarten at Sheckler Elementary School in the fall asked members of the Catasauqua School Board June 4 why foreign language courses are not offered earlier in a student's academic career.

Jessica Kroope shared with the school board research she conducted that has revealed teaching foreign language courses in a child's early development offers many benefits, including enhanced reading comprehension, stronger social skills, greater confidence and a better ability to understand one's primary language.

"I know you have a tight budget," Kroope said. "I don't know if there's another way to bring that [foreign language courses] back. It's something I'd really love to see brought in earlier."

District Superintendent Robert Spengler told The Press after the meeting foreign language courses at the middle school level were eliminated back in 2011 due to the state education funding crisis.

Spengler said, however, the district plans to analyze the results of the needs assessment that was completed in the spring to determine what programs, if any, should be reinstated in the future.

"We are gathering all needs that were expressed in the needs assessment and attempt to address them in the near future to rebuild meaningful programs and services for our students and families," Spengler said.

Kroope also asked the school board to clarify its decision to sell district-owned property located at 14th Street.

Spengler told Kroope the district is unable to construct a multilevel building similar to the high school on the plot of land due to airport height restrictions. This ultimately led to the property sitting idle for many years.

Spengler told The Press earlier that specifications for the bidding are currently under development as is consolidation of the property into one lot.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Catasauqua High School Assistant Principal David Domchek, effective July 1. Theboard and CHS Principal David Ascani lauded Domchek for his service.

The board also approved the adoption of salaries for the 2013-14 school year. Board President Penny Hahn announced Spengler will not be taking a salary increase for the upcoming school year.