When a 10-acre property at 2619 Stadium Drive, on the east side of Orefield Middle School was listed for sale, district officials took action to acquire it.

At the Aug. 27 meeting, the board approved the purchase at a cost of $185,000.

The long, narrow parcel includes a few unoccupied buildings and is bordered by the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

"Because of its location, it has a lot of possibilities," said Mark Lapos, director of school services.

The land could be used for a parking lot or for the district bus fleet, which is centered at OMS, Lapos said.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak said the property will be useful if any district departments or offices ever need to be moved out of the Troxell Building.

Sniscak discussed the land acquisition.

"It serves a valuable purpose for potential future needs," Sniscak said. "It's a prudent step by the board, which protects our interests into the future."

In other matters, the board approved a parameters resolution granting authority to the administration, solicitor and financial advisers to terminate an interest rate basis swap, if the action is in the best interest of the school district.

Business Manager John Vignone reported the district received $1 million from a swap in 2005.

Although fees were $250,000, the benefit was $750,000.

Sniscak spoke in favor of the swap.

"It is working. There are a lot of checks and balances, and this will sunset in one year," Sniscak said.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman reported two additional elementary teachers are needed for 2013-14, due to increased enrollment.

A fifth-grade class has been added at Fogelsville Elementary School, while new kindergarten sections have been set up at Jaindl Elementary and Fogelsville.

These will be covered by the same teacher, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

"This will enable us to keep within our class size guidelines," Troutman said.

As the school term began, enrollment was 3,737 students at the elementary level, 2,373 in middle school and 3,190 at the high school.