During the July 28 WhitehallCoplay School Board meeting, the board recognized new additions to the school’s administrative team.

The board announced Bianca McGrath will serve as the incoming director of special education, having an extensive professional background in this field for more than 17 years. Before joining Whitehall-Coplay School District, McGrath worked with students at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20. Her work has spanned preschool to age 22, and she is currently completing her doctorate in special education leadership.

Rebecca Marmas will join the district as an assistant director of special education. Her experience spans across 16 years, including 10 years as a special education classroom teacher followed by six years in administration.

The board also welcomed Robyn Maddess, who will be joining Whitehall High School as an ESL teacher, and Jaclyn Rivas, who will be joining Zephyr Elementary School as a special education teacher.

The board announced current employee Marlena Stroup will be transitioning from an ESL teacher at Zephyr Elementary to be the district’s ESL facilitator.

During the Aug. 11 meeting, a school improvement plan update was presented. The district currently faces the following challenges: English Language Learners and special education performance on Keystone Exams, ELL and special education attendance and WHS’ requirement to prepare a targeted support improvement plan for Pennsylvania Department of Education.

A proposal for the Class of 2026 commencement was also presented. In recent years, commencements have taken place at PPL Center, Allentown, but the presentation highlighted the complications of parking and rising costs with renting the venue. Five alternative locations were presented to the board as options for the 2026 graduating class: Stabler Arena, Symphony Hall, Archer Music Hall, Zephyr Stadium and Coca-Cola Park.

“My biggest concerns are cost. It is becoming extremely costly to do graduation. On the flip side of that, it’s the safety and security piece,” WCSD Superintendent Christopher Schiffert said.

The board discussed some of the options presented, with a heavy interest in Coca-Cola Park.

“I’ll prepare a summary document for your review, and I’ll prepare a contract with Coca-Cola for your review,” WHS Principal Dr. Peter Mayes said.