Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent John Corby discussed the district's recent closings, due to the weather, during the Operations and Transportation committee meeting Jan. 27.

"I've put together something with knowledge on how we reach a decision," Corby said.

Corby presented a document he said he would release to parents through email and make available on the district's website.

The document provides seven points on how the district makes its decision on delays, early dismissals and closings.

"I'm out on those roads and check the areas before a decision is made," he said. "We transport students to over 35 districts and we touch base with all of them.

"The bottom line is and always will be, that when faced with making the immediate decision based on the information we have at hand, I will never risk the health or safety of any child, no matter what the outside influences," he said.

During the meeting, Corby explained the changes made to the 2013-2014 school calendar as of Jan. 27.

"I have three snow days," he said. "We've used six."

Due to this, school will be held Friday, Feb. 14, Thursday, April 17 and Monday, May 5.

"I'd like to bring the kids in on May 5, because this allows one more day for seniors, as opposed to bringing students in on June 11," Corby said.

Corby also discussed the adoption of the 2014-15 school calendar.

The schedule has students starting school Tuesday, Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day, and ending on Monday, June 15, 2015.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has asked that the district place clothing collection bins on the campus.

"It's a win-win," Corby said. "We will get $50 per month, per bin, and they get money that goes toward the programs. I'd like to explore this more."

According to Corby, the bins would be located in an area of high visibility and maintained by the Big Brother and Sister Program.

In other business, during the Finance and Personnel Committee meeting, board members discussed the budget timelines.

The 2014-15 budget timeline includes:

· Jan. 29: legal notice of Intent to adopt 2014-15 preliminary budget;

· Feb. 10: preliminary adoption at school board meeting;

· Feb. 19: deadline to adopt preliminary budget;

· Feb. 27: legal notice to file for exceptions to Act 1

· March 6: submission to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

"Nothing is set in stone," said Treasurer Arthur Taschler Jr. "This is the starting point for us. It [preliminary budget] is like a funnel, it's early, and as we go along we will pinpoint it down."

In other matters, during the Education/Student Activities Committee Meeting, Assistant to the Superintendent Dr. Lorie Hackett presented, along with Layne Turner and Darby George of Lehigh Valley Drug and Alcohol (LVDA), an idea to start a district wide program to assist high-risk students.

"This program focuses on what's best for students," said Hackett.

The district first partnered with LVDA with the Choices Program.

The program would help integrate parents, the community and the school district to work together for high-risk students.

"The program doesn't only focus on drug and alcohol abuse, but also other issues, such as social awkwardness," Hackett said.