Student representatives Ian Carey and Luke Chassard told the Salisbury Township School Board members of the philanthropic work being done by staff, students and parents within the district

Through the Salisbury Angels group, toys, clothes and other items have been collected for 80 students in the district. In addition, the student government association at the high school has compiled 20 baskets of food for families in need in the district, each with gift cards to Giant for turkeys and other items.

In other business, the mathematics curriculum for Salisbury Middle School and Salisbury High School was approved.

Student teacher Blake Unis from Cedar Crest College was approved to work with English teacher Beth Prokesch at Salisbury Middle School Jan. 14, 2014 through March 5, 2014.

Student teacher Cory Kercher from Kutztown University was approved to work with social studies teacher Tanya Kennedy at Salisbury High School March 17, 2014, through May 8, 2014.

In other personnel news, Harry S Truman Elementary School teacher Meghan Ott was approved for an extended general leave of absence through the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Melissa Cerco was approved to extend her employment as a full-time, long-term substitute teacher for Ott.

Mona Nadraws had her hours increased from 4.0 hours a day part-time custodian at the administration building to 4.75 hours a day, part-time custodian at SHS and the administration building.

Instructional assistant Diane Walbert was transferred from SMS to SHS.

Western Salisbury Elementary School teacher Allison Moyer was approved for a sabbatical leave for professional development for the first semester of the 2014-2015 school term.

WSE teacher Michaele Hippauf was approved for a FMLA effective Nov. 25.

SMS teacher Catherine Yurconic was approved for a FMLA leave effective Jan. 3, 2014.

Michael Garrigan was approved as a volunteer assistant girls basketball coach.

Marc Eripret was approved as a volunteer assistant girls basketball coach.

Director Mary L. Ziegler announced the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit received a $500,000 per year grant for four years. The CLIU was also told it will be used as a model program for the entire United States. Due to a decrease in expenses, there should be no change in the district contribution to the IU for next year. Salisbury paid $35,799 in 2013-2014; that amount is expected to decrease to $35,677 for the 2014-2015 school term. The IU receives $823,200 from all participating districts.

Board President Russell Giordano thanked Tom Mantz for his service as the Lehigh Carbon Community College representative from Salisbury. Mantz reported LCCC is currently looking for funding for a school resource officer.

Skills USA will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 29, 2014 at the Allentown Fairgrounds.

Business Manager Robert Bruchak said there is legislation being considered in both the state house and senate which will affect school districts if passed. House Bill 1722, House Bill 1735 and House Bill 779 amend the school code and allows districts to furlough professional employeees. Senate Bill 34 was recently passed outlining disciplinary procedures for misconduct by educators and Senate Bill 1085 involves charter school reform.

Resident Joyce Gibbs, former board member for eight years, attended the meeting to voice her concern about the school taxes being raised. She said the biggest costs to the district are the Public School Employees' Retirement System, health care and charter schools. She suggested there has to be a better way to fund these items. "Taxpayers are paying attention and many are upset about what's going on in our district," Gibbs said.

The next operations committee meeting is 7 p.m. Jan. 6, 2014, at the administration building.

The next curriculum and technology committee meeting is 7 p.m. Jan. 13, 2014, at Salisbury Middle School.

The next regular school board meeting is 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2014, at the administration building.

A special budget meeting has been set for Jan. 22, 2014 at the administration building.

Superintendent Michael Roth announced the board met in executive session to discuss committee structure and discuss how board members get information to make decisions.