During Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s Oct. 27 meeting, Bruce Charles, a district resident, spoke regarding district spending and the budget.

“I feel like I’m wasting my time — the outlandish spending continues and is approved by this board. It’s not acceptable. Why? Because the Whitehall-Coplay School District doesn’t have the money,” Charles said.

Charles argued the electronic boards outside the high school were an unnecessary purchase.

“These boards were not needed, and it appears common sense is completely lacking in these kinds of financial decisions,” he said.

He went on to criticize what he described as wasteful spending of taxpayer money on color-changing lights used during football games, as well as electronic boards in the gyms and stadiums, calling the purchases “foolish.”

“Someone voted for those expenditures, and I suppose this is only the tip of the iceberg. If I can see and recognize this, why can’t you?” Charles concluded.

He said he feels it’s time for voters to elect a new board.

“When we get to our committee meetings and begin our budget discussions, the items you mentioned will be addressed and reviewed. Thank you for your time,” board President William Fonzone said.

Parent LoriAnn Fehnel opened the public comment portion of the meeting, addressing what she referred to as educational matters.

“No letter will silence me,” Fehnel said. “I’m not going to be silenced. My son is a special-education student, and he’s been facing barriers in this district for many years. It’s always a tug-of-war with the district regarding the services my son needs.”

Fehnel claimed some teachers in the district do not review quizzes or tests with students after they are administered.

“There is a lack of services here,” she continued. “Some of our children are stuck at a certain level in their learning — and they’re just stuck, with no improvement. Why is there no progress in their education within this district?”

In other news, the board welcomed Amie Tracy, the new special education facilitator for the high school. Tracy joins the district from Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 20, bringing many years of experience, a supervisor certificate and a background working at the high school level.

“Thank you for this opportunity. I’m very excited,” Tracy said. “I’ve lived in this district for 10 years, and I’m thrilled to now be part of it in my professional career.”

Current employee Jenna Notareschi, previously an MDS-B special education teacher at Gockley Elementary School, will be moving into the position of special services consultant.

“I just wanted to say thank you so much for approving the position and my transfer. I am very passionate about special education and the work that I do,” Notareschi said.

Cindy Zayas will be joining Steckel Elementary School, replacing Lea Rossanese, who will be transitioning to a new role in the Life Skills classroom. Zayas will serve as the school’s new emotional support teacher.

“I really look forward to being a part of your school district. It seems really lovely,” Zayas said.

Jennifer Stancombe will serve as the new assistant director of special education. She previously worked as a special education facilitator within the district.

“I’m really excited for my next step in the district,” Stancombe said.

“We look forward to having you here and being highly successful educators,” Fonzone said.

Board members also received an update from Student Council. Three members of the student body were recognized as Merit Scholars, with Habib Leyos and Tristan Quach named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The high school recently hosted a pep rally to celebrate Homecoming week, featuring performances by the band, the choir’s rendition of the national anthem and a cheerleading routine among other activities. The Homecoming dance, themed “A Night Under the Stars,” was reportedly a success across all grade levels. It was noted PSATs were administered Oct. 22, and the first quarter officially ended Oct. 30.

For Homecoming, the high school football team faced Emmaus and won 38-31. It was also announced this year’s high school musical will be “The Wedding Singer.”

The meeting continued with a musical performance from the middle school. Students offered a preview of their upcoming production, “High School Musical Jr.,” performing the song “What I’ve Been Looking For.”