During the Oct. 14 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting, the board and administration heard presentations from two firms hoping to serve as architects for the new Sheckler Elementary School addition project.

According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling, the process began in early September and the district advertised for architectural services. They held interviews Oct. 7 and asked two of the firms to share short presentations during the board meeting Oct. 14. She noted a decision is expected to be made at the Nov. 11 board meeting.

The addition plan is focused on the area of land in the front corner adjacent to both Sheckler Elementary and the district administration building.

Alloy5 Architecture emphasized the importance of connecting with the community and working together. They said, at this point, they wanted to propose concepts because the plan is for the actual design process to be collaborative with the district.

“This is your school. We design with you, not for you,” Randy Galiotto, principal architect, said.

Alloy5 suggested the space could be used as a STEAM and innovation space, which could also serve as a collaborative space for both the school and the larger community. They also suggested maximizing as much of the existing space as possible and emphasized modern learning environments.

MKSD Architects noted they have a “proven track record” with the district. The firm previously worked on several buildings in the district, including Catasauqua Middle School, Sheckler and the administration building.

Silvia Hoffman, partner and architect, noted they already have a plan for the space in question. The plans were drawn up back in 2010 when working on another district project. Todd Chambers, partner and architect, noted the plans could serve as a strong starting point and can be modified if the district is interested in exploring modular construction.

The plan adds four new classrooms, which could include movable walls if they want a more flexible option for the space. They showed a few different possible versions but noted they have not yet discussed specific needs with the district, so these are just a starting point.

In other business, CMS Principal Patrick McNulty introduced the Roughies of the Month for September. The recognized students are Annabelle Keller, fifth grade; Maci Schwenk, sixth grade; Zephaniah Wilson, seventh grade; Cecilia Deitzel, eighth grade; and Jiya Patel, related arts. Annabelle was not present at the meeting.

Business Manager Lindsey Wallace reported the district is still managing with having no state budget and now nothing from federal sources as well. She is hoping they will approve budgets by December. According to Wallace, the district has enough local revenue to keep the district financially stable through the end of the year but will need to consider options if there is still no budget in early 2026.

In related news, the board unanimously approved to withhold payments to charter schools and cyber charter schools until the state adopts a budget.

Student representative Dante Hatcher-Wilson asked if it is possible to have access to an app version of SmartPass to use in schools. He noted they have to use the website, which causes some issues with ease of access. Having access to an app would make things easier for the students to keep on top of things.

Student representative Nikoloz Kemashvili also reported the students are working to adjust to new phone and headphone policies at Catasauqua High School.

The board approved the appointment of Jose A. Sanchez, districtwide custodian; Malliah Morales and Breann Vanlieu, noncertified instructional aides at CHS; Crystal Manning, general kitchen help at CMS; and Lisa Davis and Ashley Soto, noncertified instructional aides at Sheckler.

A number of substitutes were added, including Renee Bogi, guest teacher; Loreni Sanchez, Carol Allar, Chuany Villegas and Donna Roesser, cafeteria substitutes; Pamela Bradley, teacher substitute; Chad Renner, daily building teacher substitute at CMS; Linda Dunn, substitute custodian; and Wilmary Maldonado, Louis Derrico, Alexandria DeJesus, Delycia Echevarria, Migdaly Martinez, Abdiel Camacho and Nicole King, non-CDL substitute drivers.

The change in employment status to move Ian Langsdorf from substitute teacher to daily building substitute at CMS was approved.

The board approved the resignations of John Yanek and Jonathan Kiefer, CHS debate advisers; Michelle Frye, noncertified instructional aide at Sheckler; and Dorianne Gogal, general kitchen help at CMS.

Chucky Mamari, from Moravian University, was approved to work with Brett Snyder in speech and language from Nov. 5 to Dec. 12.

Approved extracurricular positions include Andrew Brett and Becky Hunsberger as CMS Scholastic Bowl advisers at $607; Audrey Hackett and Charles Matz as CHS yearbook advisers at $2,056.50; Briell Carvalho as assistant girls volleyball coach at $2,240; Kawaunna Waldron as CHS Varsity C adviser at $1,749; Jason Deitzel as volunteer assistant girls basketball coach; and Robert Bogwist as volunteer assistant boys basketball coach.

Tom Moll, director of student activities, noted planning is underway with Northampton Area School District for the annual Turkey Day festivities.

Catasauqua resident Robert Zakos attended the meeting and emphasized the tradition and community importance of the game. He also proposed the idea of having a committee with community members to help with planning and promoting the Turkey Day events. He noted the fundraising potential of the event and said utilizing community members could help. A more detailed email was sent to board members.

Other approvals included the second reading of a policy on drug and alcohol testing for non-CDL drivers, a request to go out to bid for a Kubota utility vehicle and to award Rohrer Enterprises for a nine-passenger van bid for $67,945.

The next school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Lehigh Career and Technical Institute, 4500 Education Park, Schnecksville.