During the Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting Aug. 12, the board and administration heard a presentation from Mark Gallick, of McClure Company, about the potential Sheckler Elementary School addition and Catasauqua High School HVAC project and an update on the CHS roofing project. McClure has been helping the district with capital planning for large projects.

According to Gallick, they have been exploring the possibility of utilizing off-site permanent construction for the potential Sheckler addition. This method of using a factory-built building allows for tighter oversight and standardized process, shorter timelines since building and site preparation happen simultaneously without extra weather concerns, less material waste and reduced environmental impact and minimal site disruption.

Gallick noted some of the board and administration members were taken on a tour of the factory to see the operation.

“It was really impressive,” board President Dale Hein said.

According to Gallick, this method of building is not popular in Pennsylvania due to the Separations Act, which mandates separate prime contractors for general construction, electrical, mechanical and plumbing services for public construction projects.

Challenges may include fragmented project delivery while coordinating separate contracts, longer timelines needed to bid and award multiple contracts and a higher risk of miscommunication, change orders and delays, Gallick reported.

He noted the McClure team is exploring options to streamline the process for the district, aiming for a potential completion in 2026 or 2027. They are currently in the coordinate solicitation/evaluate procurement stage of the process. The next step will be the request for proposal for architecture services once all data is collected and decisions are made. The current timeline has the groundbreaking in spring 2026.

Gallick noted they are also evaluating procurement tools to help expedite the process and focusing on reducing district risk by guaranteeing the pricing and ensuring no change orders.

McClure is expected back before the board in September to discuss the CHS HVAC replacement project, as they are still working to develop the plan.

Gallick also reported the CHS and concession stand roof projects are finished. Final cleanups are occurring, with the final inspections later in the month.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling thanked Gallick and McClure for their assistance with district projects.

In preparation for the start of the new academic year, the board approved the 2025-26 handbooks for CHS, Catasauqua Middle School and Sheckler; the emergency operations plans for all three schools; the van and bus stops; and the 2025-26 board goals.

Planned courses of study for capstones of mathematics for grades 11-12, entrepreneurship for grades 10-12, AP precalculus, AP calculus, AP English literature and composition and AP seminar-English 10 at CHS and grades 3 and 4 art at Sheckler were approved.

Additionally, the board approved a number of personnel agenda items, including the substitute list for the 2025-26 school year and the certified and noncertified instructional aides at all district schools. Extracurricular positions were also approved, with their stipends.

Three CHS teachers were approved for tenure, having successfully completed three years in the district. These include Aaron Bilby, physics; Benjamin Ritter, English language arts; and Madison Walker, special education.

Christina Ottey, of Eastern University, was approved to work with school nurse Donna Tercha Sept. 15-Dec. 15.

The board approved the resignations of Christopher Casciotti, noncertified instructional aide; Jessica McNally, general kitchen help; Jonathan Cordon-Pinto, student worker; Jesi Cericola, certified instructional aide; and Daniel Saas, custodian.

Lisa Rosario was approved to change from a cafeteria substitute to general kitchen help at Sheckler, and Alexander Strohl is changing from a summer worker to a student worker. Loni Stephen was added to the district as a cafeteria monitor at Sheckler.

The second readings of two policies were approved regarding nondiscrimination and student records. These policy updates were explained at the June 18 meeting. The board also approved the first reading of policy 313 regarding drug and alcohol use and testing of CDL drivers. These updates align with changes on the federal level and include updating and checking drivers’ histories on the Clearinghouse database.

The board approved the food services contract for Innovative Arts Academy Charter School and letters of agreement for Title I services with Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, Title I equitable services with Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 and liaison services to support the Student Assistance Program with Center for Humanistic Change.

The job description for the assistant high school principal was approved.

Director of Curriculum and Assessment Melissa Inselmann reported on development steps being taken to prepare for the new academic year and said they are working on a strategic assessment plan for the district.

Assistant Superintendent Eric Dauberman reported there is increased security at school doors in the district and provided updates on summer projects.

Business Manager Lindsey Wallace noted they are still waiting on the state budget but added she does not expect much to change for the district. She also explained options to help fill the void until the state funding comes in.

Daniel Kotran, coordinator of instructional technology and federal programs, reported they are working on the AI implementation plan, including training for teachers and education for students on safe and ethical usage. He noted their goal is educator readiness and student awareness.

The school principals thanked their teams for getting the schools ready for the upcoming academic year. The first day of school for students is Aug. 25. The board members all expressed their excitement for the start of the school year.

“It is incredible to see all the work throughout the summer and ramping up to the start of the year,” Lutz-Doemling said. “Everyone plays a role, so thank you for all you do.”

The next school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 9 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.