The Whitehall-Coplay School Board put the wraps on its final hiring and policy decisions at its last meeting before the start of school.

The final hires included Angelica DeLucia at Gockley Elementary School and Rachel Sculley at Zephyr Elementary School.

Sculley was introduced to the board and answered questions after the meeting.

Salaried substitutes included Michael Matyus, high school math; Ashley Koren, Steckel Elementary; Christine Nemeth, Steckel; and Brenda Baxter, Steckel. Paraprofessionals, support staff and maintenance were hired to fill vacancies.

In sports, George Cowitch was named as head coach for the girls' volleyball team. Sean Devine is the head coach for girls' tennis.

A raft of other assistant coaches, paid and volunteer positions, were identified and filled.

The board approved filling 84 advisers for advisory positions for selected clubs and extracurricular activities. The advisory positions carry an average stipend of $500.

Higher-rated positions include 2016 class advisers Rachel Early, Carolyn Radon, Michelle Bear and Jean Marstellar.

Deidre Herbert is the adviser for the district newspaper. Andrew Borghesani filled out multiple positions as choral director.

Matthew Tanzos is the marching band director and will work with the Jazz Club.

All new teachers in the district are included in an induction program that the district instituted ages ago.

"It has been very beneficial for new teachers to learn how we work in the school district," said Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent John Corby.

Mentors are paid for guiding new teachers.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lorie Hackett, who pioneered the school district's program, emphasized that the program lasts the entire school year.

"We have introductory sessions for mentors and new teachers before school starts, but mentors are available to new teachers throughout the year. New teachers can get advice on teaching techniques as well as procedures," Hackett said.

The program is state mandated, but each district manages the program locally.

New teachers in the program are Melissa Plesh, Morgan Kelly, Laura Karns, Laura DePrimo, Adam Konsavage, Jessica Alonge, Lindsay Miller, Michael Rile and Michael Matyus.

The district is ready for the starting bell Aug. 31.