The Lehigh Valley Duel Language Charter School will not be expanding to a second location this school year.

During the Bethlehem Area School Board meeting Aug.12 the board voted against allowing the charter school to expand, citing legal compliance and educational achievement concerns.

According to the agenda, 24 P.S.A and 17-1722-A prohibit charter schools from operating in more than one location. There are also charter restrictions prohibiting the school from operating in any other facility other than its 551 Thomas St. facility without the written consent of the BASD Board of School Directors.

Representatives from the charter school had appeared before the board curriculum committee with their request and a presentation to improve and extend programming for their middle school students by opening a second location to begin the 2013-14 school year July 22.

The mission of the school is to provide an intensive and accelerated English language learning experience for students whose first language is not English and develop Spanish language skills in native English speakers.

BASD board member Irene Follweiler said, "I truly would like to see the Duel Language Charter School be able to have their second location and expand. I just believe that the recommendations of our administration and our solicitor it's just not the time for that, the law does not allow it. I truly wish them the best and truly wish that they are successful in their endeavor in the long run".

Board member Basilio Bonilla Jr. followed Follweiler's statement with, "I just want to say I am a member of the Latino community, a proud member of the Latino community. When it comes to this issue I feel that the Duel Language School is not yet ready to open up another location, nor should they under the law.

In other news, students at Broughal MS will finally be able to enjoy a completed planetarium. The funding for fixed seating for the planetarium discussed in the Aug. 5 BASD meeting was approved in 5-3, with Michele T. Cann and Follweiler voting against the funding as they promised earlier. The seating will cost about $23,800.

Improved security measures in the district's schools, specifically access card readers, was also discussed and voted on. The card readers would allow the district to ensure that school doors are secure by making them accessible by card reader only and controlling access to the school buildings. Expanded use of the automated phone system Parent Link was also discussed. The expanded use of Parent Link would allow the district to utilize text messages as well as phone calls.

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy said, "[The] key part of safety is communication. We use [Parent Link] very effectively, we have a smaller emergency package now and this broadens our contract with them so that we will be able to use Parent Link for text messages as well".

The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at Nitschmann MS and will include public presentations by three architects for the new Nitschmann building. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this meeting.