The East Penn Board of School Directors agreed to not exceed the Act 1 Index for 2022-2023 during the Jan. 24 regular, masked, in-person meeting.

District Treasurer Robert Saul presented a 2022-2023 proposed preliminary budget overview where he recommended the board pass a resolution to not exceed the Act 1 Index in regard to raising property taxes. This would limit any increase to be at or below 4 percent, the Act 1 adjusted index for the East Penn School District.

The 2021-2022 real estate tax currently is set at 19.1035 mills. The maximum millage for 2022-2023 would be 19.8676 mills, if there were a need for a tax increase.

As this is a work in process, Saul provided a timeline which continues with an expenditure and revenue overview in February, long-range fiscal plans and suggested priorities in early spring, concluding with a presentation and adoption of the final budget by June 13.

A team of educators, administrators and students presented a diversity, equity and inclusion update. Presenting the findings taken from recent student surveys were Supervisor of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction Erin Murphy, Assistant Superintendent Laura Witman and Willow Lane Elementary School Principal Anthony Moyer. Two student members of the committee, Sydne Clarke and Olivia Pinocci-Wrightsman joined in as presenters. They are seniors at Emmaus High School.

Data gathered from students from an equity and inclusion survey shows when it comes to a “sense of belonging” and “cultural awareness and action,” East Penn ranks in the 30th percentile nationally in both categories.

The district did rank near the 90th percentile nationally for “diversity and inclusion.”

An equity audit indicates a “disproportionality in academic data” with minority students.

The comprehensive plan from 2018 to address these issues was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic impacting schools starting spring 2020 through 2021, according to Murphy.

Moving forward, proposed goals include:

“• Identify and update policies, procedures and practices related to discipline that negatively impact students.

• Identify and update policies, procedures and practices related to academics that negatively impact students.

• Implement instructional practices that provide equitable access and outcomes for all learners.

• Buildings will create practices that foster a culture and climate in service of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

They plan to maintain a district level steering committee with representation from each building to maintain consistency across the district.

The committee is seeking to connect with outside organizations, schools and equity leaders who are experiencing success to learn about best practices.

They look to continue utilizing Panorama to ensure consistent data collection while working on a long-term timeline for prioritizing and implementing action steps.

The committee is working on a comprehensive plan draft which would be posted for public review March 25.

The comprehensive plan is to be presented to the board at the April 25 meeting.

The directors expressed gratitude for the committee’s work, especially for the student involvement.

During her district update Campbell described the process on how the administration makes decisions regarding inclement weather days. She explained if severe weather is strongly predicted the night before, they may decide then to close school for the next day and announce it that evening. Otherwise, they monitor the roads, school campuses and what’s going on in other districts beginning 4 a.m. The administration also consults with Student Transportation of America and Lehigh Career & Technical Institute before making a decision, usually by 5:15 a.m.

If it appears the storm would end soon and the streets would be cleared quickly, a 2-hour delay would be announced. They also factor in conditions along mountain and rural roads before making a decision.

If significant snow and ice threaten travel and possible power outages, along with other factors, a snow day would be used.

A flexible instruction day may be utilized depending on circumstances.

Campbell announced East Penn is again hosting a virtual Mental Health Symposium Feb. 21 through March 6 with registration links available on the district website.

Emmaus High Student Government Association representatives Katelyn Cole and Maggie Machulsky reported on winter sports and student awards garnered at the regional Scholastic Art and Writing competition. They mentioned upcoming events, including the spring musical “The Addams Family” scheduled to begin March 30.

In personnel matters, the directors approved the resignation of EHS special education teacher Jennifer Layton effective Jan. 24. Layton has been promoted to coordinator of special education at EHS effective Jan. 25.

The administration is still looking to fill vacant support positions.

School wellness policy updates were approved after Assistant Superintendent Douglas Povilaitis assured the board all previous input had been included. These involve proper nutrition, physical well-being, growth, development and a student’s readiness to learn.

Board President Joshua Levinson mentioned an executive session was held prior to the public forum 6:15 p.m. on “negotiations and personnel.”

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 14. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district web site. Live streaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.