The Catasauqua Area School Board in 2014 was busy discussing and voting on two major issues: technology and school uniforms.

The board last year decide to move forward with the district's one-to-one laptop program.

The board at last April's meeting approved the purchase of 581 MacBook laptops for distribution to every Catasauqua High School student. The cost of the project over four years is $600,000.

To date, CHS students use the laptops in each class. Those students who wish not to utilize the device may do so, but they are required to complete the classwork, homework and tests in an alternative fashion.

Some board members expressed concern with the cost of the program.

"I'm not really convinced we have the finances to do this," board member Christine Naegel said during a meeting last year. "We really should know where we are."

Proponents of the program urged the board to move forward with the program.

"From my perspective, I think the board should embrace this," board Vice President Carol Cunningham said.

The board also discussed at length a possible uniform policy for district students. The board ultimately struck down the uniform proposal at last February's meeting.

Concern among board members and the public included the costs of purchasing uniforms and the difficulty finding appropriate clothing that meets a uniform policy.

"I feel they are more pricey," board member Dawn Berrigan said last year. "I really don't think burdening residents in the district and principals with another thing to deal with is the way to go."

Board members in support of the uniform policy, such as President Penny Hahn, said the policy would decrease the amount of additional work teachers need to do in determining clothing that is appropriate in school and also decrease the potential for bullying.

Board member Don Panto, a major supporter of the uniform policy, said he felt the board should have capitalized on the policy, but added he respects the voting process.

"I think we missed an opportunity to tap into something special, but if we don't have consensus moving forward, we let it die," he said.

The board also ended 2014 with an improved fund balance going into 2015.

The district's fund balance in 2013 was $349,000. The district ended 2014 with a balance of $992,485. The fund balance account is used for emergency purposes and for special district projects.

"We're slowly getting to where we need to be," district Superintendent Robert Spengler said. "We are slowly increasing the fund balance."

Meetings in 2015 will be held the second Tuesday and first Monday of each month 7 p.m. in the district administration office board room, 201 N. 14th St.