Secretary of the board Robert P. Bruchak reported with the passage of the state budget, the school district will receive $4,130 more than the amount approved in the final budged adopted in June.

There is a $3,929 increase in special education funding. Bruchak said Salisbury is also caught up in the Plan Con moratorium with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Charter School funding reform was not part of the 2013-2014 state budget.

Regarding pension reform, Bruchak said the General Assembly did not send the plan to Governor Tom Corbett.

They did, however, allow school districts the ability to reopen their budgets to make state general appropriation changes. This would apply if the school district passed their budget in June and the state allocated more or less money to Salisbury. They would be able to open their budgets to make adjustments.

King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC was appointed as solicitors for the 2013-2014 school year.

The Salisbury Twirlers Booster Club was approved to use Salisbury Middle School Nov. 10 for a basket bingo.

The board approved the contract between Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 and STSD effective July 1 to June 30, 2014 for the driver education program.

Bruchak was approved as a voting delegate to the 2013 PSBA Legislative Police Council.

In the superintendent's report, Michael Roth told the board they are preparing for the start of the school year.

Regarding enrollments, there are currently 402 students enrolled at Harry S Truman Elementary School. There are 43 students registered for kindergarten. There were 431 students in June with 69 kindergarten students in June. He said new enrollments are coming in every day.

At Western Salisbury Elementary School, there are 231 students registered; there were 224 students in June. There are 40 students registered for kindergarten; there were 28 kindergarten students in June.

At Salisbury Middle School, there are 384 students registered; there were 392 students in June.

At Salisbury High School, there are 607 students registered; there were 593 students in June.

Roth said there is a welcome back for staff Aug. 20, an opening session Aug. 21, an Act 80 day Aug. 22, new student orientation for grades kindergarten, first, sixth, ninth and new students Aug. 26 and the first day of school for all students Aug. 27.

The schools are completing their summer projects including a security entrance at WSE, secure entrance at HST, sidewalks at HST and SMS and heating and cooling work at the administration building. They are awaiting the sign for SHS.

Roth said the administration is also starting to work on the strategic plan for 2014 through 2020.

The administration is also working on a number of initiatives put forth by PDE.

Roth also said the first release of school performance profile will be received in the fall; this replaces adequate yearly progress. They are working on principal effectiveness and continuing with social media, all while keeping students in the forefront.

At the elementary level, Principal Grace Hartman said the teachers have been in the buildings since Aug. 1 getting their classrooms ready. "It's a credit to the Salisbury teachers for their commitment to kids," Hartman said. She said the new family welcome at WSE held Aug. 13 was attended by 75 people. The board questioned Hartman if she knew why enrollment was up at WSE. She said she has heard because homes are available now and because of Salisbury's reputation as a small district.

SMS Assistant Principal Ken Parliman said laptop distribution went well and gave special recognition to the computer technicians for preparing the computers for the students throughout the summer.

SHS Assistant Principal Bill Dovico commended the maintenance crew for their work on the school during the summer. He said orientation will have the new students going through their schedule.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss said the district will be presenting on the use of social media this year at the Pennsylvania School Board Association conference.

Roth thanked the administrative team and the teachers, some of which canceled their vacations, to conduct interviews for new hires and for their commitment to summer learning and presentations. "This is a stellar group; we are very lucky," Roth said.

Board member Brian Bobeck asked when the construction would be completed on Oxford Drive at Fish Hatchery Road and if that would affect the bus transportation for students. The Press contacted PennDOT after the meeting and was told the construction is expected to be completed at the end of August.