A resolution to support the Allentown Public Library was created, read and adopted at the Oct. 9 meeting of the Salisbury Township School District.

"WHEREAS, The Allentown Public Library is an essential part of our educational system, providing information to preschoolers through senior citizens; and

"WHEREAS, libraries play a vital role in supporting the quality of life in our communities; and

"WHEREAS, Public libraries around the country are facing budget cuts on the federal, state and local levels; and

"WHEREAS, libraries enable individuals to make informed decisions about their self-governance by promoting unrestricted access to information and by serving as community centers for lifelong learning; and

"WHEREAS, in a world undergoing constant change, libraries provide enduring connections to the past and future of our communities, nations and civilizations; and

"WHEREAS, libraries provide entry to important research about health, economics, housing, the environment and countless other areas to support better living conditions and to help people lead longer, more productive and fulfilling lives;

"WHEREAS, libraries support a competitive workforce with basic literacy programs, computers and other resources to help children and adults learn to find, evaluate and use information they need for their jobs, health, education and other needs;

"NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Salisbury Township School District will encourage its board of directors, and others, including parents, staff, students and district taxpayers, to urge the Salisbury community to continue to take measures to support the Allentown Public Library."

"We thank the library for all the good things they have done for our students," Board President Russell Giordano said.

Salisbury High School student representatives reported the Scholastic Scrimmage team won their first match which will be televised Nov. 8 on WLVT PBS39. Students also mentioned student government is selling spirit cards for discounts to area restaurants.

The German American Partnership Program was approved by the board after hearing the cost to the district which would only include three substitute teachers for two days while the German students are visiting Salisbury at a cost of $900 and $50 to send Krista (Frau) Spradlin to training in New York. Spradlin is not seeking any monetary compensation to oversee the program which would commence with the 2014-2015 school year.

In personnel news, Elyse Saeger was approved as a part-time learning support instructional assistant at Salisbury Middle School. Anita Gopen was approved as a part-time instructional assistant at Western Salisbury Elementary School. Connie Yost, head cook at Western Salisbury Elementary School was approved for a general leave of absence Sept. 14 through Oct. 11. Paul Koba was approved as the National Honor Society advisor for the 2013-2014 school year. Edward Nesfeder was approved as a volunteer assistant varsity wrestling coach for the 2013-2014 school term.

The following clubs were approved for the 2013-2014 school year: Salisbury Athletic Booster Club, Salisbury Baseball Booster Club, Salisbury Boys Basketball Booster Club, Salisbury Football Booster Club, Salisbury Girls Basketball Booster Club, Harry S Truman PTO, Salisbury Music Association, PAGE (Salisbury Chapter), Salisbury Swim Team Booster Club, Salisbury Twirling Booster Club, Salisbury Wrestling Booster Club and Western Salisbury Elementary PTA.

Director Tom Mantz announced Lehigh Carbon Community College received a Science in Motion grant to provide a mobil science unit with an educator who will travel to member school districts.

Director Frank Frankenfield announced 62 Salisbury students attend Lehigh Career and Technical Institute morning and afternoon sessions and seven students attend the full day academic center. Lehigh Career and Technical Institute is the largest technical institute in Pennsylvania and the third largest in the United States, according to Frankenfield.

Superintendent Michael Roth told the board 41 percent of students at HST receive free and reduced lunches, 15 percent at WSE, 32 percent at SMS and 23 percent at SHS. He said this number has increased over the last several years.

Regarding transportation, Roth said 1,691 students are transported each day in 39 vehicles to 46 schools including six charter schools, 21 private schools and 15 other school districts. There are 323 bus stops and in the 2012-2013 school year, 454,131 miles were traveled.

Secretary of the Board Robert Bruchak reported there are currently two proposed property tax elimination bills being discussed in the legislature. He and the board urged residents to become acquainted with these bills and to talk to legislators regarding the bills.

House Bill 1189 would reduce or eliminate property tax, increase earned income tax, increase net profits, increase mercantile and business privilege tax and would have no change in sales tax or personal income tax.

Senate Bill 76 would eliminate property tax, show no change on an earned income tax or mercantile and business privilege tax, increase sales tax to 7 percent and increase personal income tax from 3.07 percent to 4.34 percent.