Joe Reiter questioned the Bieber Bus contract during the public comment period at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Northwestern Lehigh School Board, saying the district should try to find cheaper rates.

He also said more handicapped parking spaces are needed.

Reiter told the board a community group is being formed and there will be a whistle blower hotline that can bring items to the board without fear of retribution.

Ron Morrison asked why Northwestern Lehigh budget plans were not on the agenda while Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, LCCC and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 were.

He also asked if there were any leaks from the heavy rain where the roof had been repaired.

Superintendent Mary Anne Wright said Bieber Bus had done many things to help the school such as supporting extracurricular activities.

The company has been a valuable partner and vendor, she said, but has not received special consideration because it is local.

Bieber is providing transportation on May 9 to Gettysburg for eighth graders.

The trip will be paid from the student activities fund. The amount is $5,188.

Two other companies were contacted.

In other matters, High School Principal Aileen Yadush reported to the board Keystone Exams as a requirement for graduation have been delayed but will still have to be taken because they track growth of students.

Retesting is allowed preceded by remediation. Ideally, a 95 percent proficiency rate is sought.

“We do not teach to the test, but how to take tests,” she said.

Wright said students should do their best even if the tests are not required. The legislature has six months to develop a plan and focus groups are being formed.

“We want to be at the table when focus groups do their work,” she said

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is accepting requests for reimbursement for excessive costs during the heavy snow. The district request was for $17,000 covering rental of extra snow removal equipment and salt.

The cost for electricity came in favorably, said Business Manager Leslie Frisbee. There is a savings of $250,000.

A five-year term agreement was accepted with PenTeleData for fiber connection for the Weisenberg Elementary School campus at a monthly price of $1,360.

Approval was given for a budget contribution to the Lehigh Carbon Community College of $245,268. The CLIU Unit 21 budget will receive $37,198 and Lehigh Career and Technical Institute will receive $1,026,812 for its general budget and $25,008 for the Academic Center.

LCCC also depends on a state contribution and is waiting for the state budget to be completed.

Weisenberg Principal Jill Berlet told board members students are learning to play the recorder for a May 11 musical program.