At the Whitehall-Coplay School Board meeting Nov. 8, Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Steckel recognized the service of three outgoing board members - Eileen Abruzzi, Joseph Shields and Wayne Grim, president.

Abruzzi joined the board in 1997, and though she was no longer a current member, she stepped in to fill William Leiner Jr.’s seat in April.

“Her support and insight during the past seven months have been a tremendous help for the board and the district as a whole,” Steckel said.

Steckel thanked Shields, who began his term December 2017.

“His even demeanor, his analytical approach certainly helped to support the school district through some trying years during his term,” Steckel said.

Finally, Steckel thanked Grim, who joined the board in September 2004 and has been president since 2015.

“Mr. Grim’s a tremendous leader who was able to guide this school board for many years through several projects and some difficult times,” Steckel said. “Personally, for me, he’s been a valuable mentor over the last eight months. I appreciate his insight and his obvious care and support for our community.”

Treasurer George Williams said, “Similar to our topography in the area, Wayne experienced many hills and valleys along the way, but in the end, he always found his way to the top. As board president for these past several years, Wayne has assisted three superintendents in navigating the very difficult issues while maintaining consistent communication and integrity.

“Tonight, we want to thank Wayne for his years of leadership, consistency, dedication and, most of all, his love for the district,” Williams added.

To honor Grim, a brick in his name will be placed in the walkway at Zephyr Stadium.

Grim thanked everyone and said he has worked on the board with many people over the years, and when they have committee meetings, he always thinks about how they agree on some issues but disagree on others.

“But at the end, we come together, we pull together, and we do what’s best for the district,” he said.

“So, for new board members coming in, you know, it’s OK to disagree behind closed doors, but make sure you pull together. We are a united front when we come out,” Grim said.

“A year ago, we weren’t in school, right? We’d have done anything to have our kids back in school,” Grim said. “So, we get them back in school in September this year, and the point of my conversation is everything doesn’t have to be political. The kids are back in school.”

Grim added that upon attending the first day of school, all of the children got off the buses, and nobody pulled their masks off.

“Most of them accessorized their masks. They had Spider-Man and things like that. Think about where we were a year ago and where we are today,” he said.

Also at the meeting, Steckel said he has spent the past weeks conducting walk-throughs with building principals, as well as participating in student forums with Whitehall-Coplay Middle School and Whitehall High School students.

“I was incredibly impressed with the efforts of our teachers and all of our staff and the engagement of students in every building as I walked around the campus,” Steckel said. “I also really appreciated the genuine and honest feedback from our students on programs that are going well and should continue, as well as programs that could be revamped a little bit to meet the needs of our students.

“Things are heading in the right direction,” he said.

In other news, Student Council President Alexis Quach reported to the board the WHS Homecoming dance was a success, with a high turnout and positive feedback from students.

Quach also discussed attending the annual Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils’ leadership conference Nov. 4-6 at Mt. Lebanon High School, Pittsburgh, with 11 other WHS Student Council members.

Quach, Mikayla Warren, Mackenzie Laub and Arizona Marakovits were presenters, with Quach and Warren discussing the importance of time management and Laub and Marakovits presenting about friendship and how it contributes to leadership.

Also during the meeting, Whitehall-Coplay PTO PLUS President Toni Fillman gave an update on Steckel Elementary School’s fundraiser at Chick-fil-A, set for 5-8 p.m. Nov. 15. Fillman said customers must mention Steckel Elementary in order for the school to get credit. Fillman added Gockley Elementary School’s Little Shoppers’ Shop will be held Dec. 2 in the gymnasium to give students the opportunity to buy gifts for their families, as well as purchase spirit wear.

In other business, the board approved job descriptions for the assistant business manager, principal, assistant principal, director of athletics, director of food services, supervisor of buildings and grounds, assistant supervisor of buildings and grounds, supervisor of educational equity, supervisor of educational technology, supervisor of ELA and humanities, supervisor of special education K-5, supervisor of special education 6-12, supervisor of sports medicine and supervisor of transportation.

The board approved the treasurer’s report, with a cash balance of $4,283,732 as of Oct. 31.

The school board will next meet 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

Committee meetings on finance/personnel, education/student activities and operations/transportation will be held 4 p.m. Nov. 22.

A reorganization meeting is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 1.