The East Penn School District Board of School Directors solemnly observed a moment of silence in memory of Karen Caiati at its Sept. 22 regular board meeting.

The recently-retired Macungie Elementary School teacher died Sept. 11 after a yearlong battle with cancer.

“As we all know, today is the first day of fall,” Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell said as she listed the fall schedule of theater productions during her district update. These include Emmaus High School’s “The Diary of Anne Frank’ 7 p.m. Nov. 6-8, two one-act plays at Eyer Middle School with “Mascots” 7 p.m. Nov. 14 and “Friday Night Frights,” 7 p.m. Nov. 16 as well as “Fractured” at Lower Macungie Middle School 7 p.m. Nov. 20-22.

She encouraged students and their families to attend the high school counseling office’s postsecondary planning night to learn about college and career planning held at the high school 6 p.m. Sept. 25.

Campbell announced the EHS girls varsity field hockey team provided Coach Sue Butz-Stavin with her 1100th career win. The varsity field hockey, boys soccer and boys and girls cross-country teams are undefeated so far. The varsity football Homecoming game is happening Oct. 10.

She mentioned printed district calendars went home with students recently.

In personnel matters, the directors accepted the resignations of special education teachers Lee Curtin from Willow Lane Elementary School as of Sept. 10 and Emine Limani at Wescosville Elementary School effective Nov. 7.

A notification of advertisement for bids was approved for the library rooftop unit replacement at Lower Macungie Middle School.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Douglas Povilaitis and School Solicitor Marc Fisher discussed Pennsylvania School Boards Association recommended updates to existing policies regarding Federal Fiscal Compliance, Travel Reimbursement - Federal Programs, Conflict of Interest, Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures, Educator Misconduct, Freedom of Speech in Nonschool Settings and Service Animals in Schools during a first reading.

Director Adam Smith enjoyed a chuckle that miniature horses may be utilized as service animals. “It’s just what’s really in the law,” Povilaitis explained.

Freedom of Speech in Nonschool Settings garnered the most questions, as several board members pointed out some parts of it were somewhat vague.

They all agreed with the policy stating: “The Board respects employees’ freedom of speech. Public school employees do not surrender their rights to free speech merely because of their status as an employee of the school district.”

There were concerns over the following text: “In situations in which a district employee is not engaged in the performance of assigned duties, the employee’s freedom of speech may be addressed when the employee’s speech impacts efficiency or constitutes a reasonable likelihood of disruption, as indicated by anyone of the following: Impairing discipline by superiors or harmony among coworkers; Having a detrimental impact on close working relationships requiring loyalty and confidence; Impeding the performance of the duties of the employee that conducted the speech; or Interfering with the operations of the school district. Any decisions based on the above listing shall take into consideration all of the facts.”

The terms “harmony” and “loyalty” were considered “so broad” and “too subjective” and hence a bit problematic as the board members requested language that provided more clarity.

Fisher explained recent court rulings have created the vagueness surrounding the policies.

Povilaitis and Fisher promised to seek more clarification from PSBA and by reexamining the court cases behind the policy change.

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit Board Member Dr. William Whitney reported 36 East Penn students were part of the 244 enrolled in the unit’s extended school year. The summer session assists students exhibiting a high risk of regression if they were on an extended school break.

The CLIU board is dealing with the ongoing budget impasse in Harrisburg by authorizing the securing of a revenue anticipation note for up to $15 million for 2025-2026 if it’s needed.

There were no requests to comment at the meeting.

President Dr. Joshua Levinson said an executive session was held before the public forum 6:30 p.m. on litigation and another executive session was held Sept. 11 on personnel issues.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website. Live streaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.