The Whitehall-Coplay School board approved the reduction of diagnostic kindergarten program from full-time to half-time.

The reason for the action, taken at the Jun e 10 meeting, is cuts in Title I funding for the 2013-14 school year.

Board President Eileen Abruzzi made the motion and board member Robert Taschler seconded. All board members voted in favor except board member Robert Kolb.

Before the roll-call vote, Kolb addressed the board.

"I would like to apologize to my fellow board members because I should have brought this up during a committee meeting. However, after thinking about it I have some concerns," he said.

"I understand that the reduction to half-time is due to cuts in Title I funding, but of all the things we do, if we prioritize what we need as a district, there are no harder grades then kindergarten through third grade, to provide our neediest students with an extra half day is something I should give consideration," added Kolb.

Board Vice President Tina Koren asked Assistant Superintendant Dr. Lorie Hackett to clarify the number of students in the class.

Hackett directed the question to Gockley Elementary School Principal Dr. Mary Fekula.

"There are approximately 12 students," replied Fekula. "There is an aid that services students for the other half day."

***

In other business, the board unanimously approved a bid from Singer Equipment Company to purchase and install a conveyor type dishwasher at Steckel Elementary School at a cost of $29,342.19.

Regarding education/ student activities committee matters, the board unanimously approved a resolution identifying and authorizing the superintendent to sign agreements with the Pennsylvania Department of Education electronically with an e-signature.

The board approved the hiring of Margaret Philapavage and Katie Weidner as high school special education teachers for the 2013-14 school year. They had b een working at the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit.

The board also approved the appointments of Julie Tonnies as a high school speech therapist and Jennifer Churetta as the high school nurse.

The board announced that it will hold a special school board meeting Monday, June 24, at 6 p.m.