The East Penn School District Board of School Directors took action on the Emmaus High School 2026-2027 Program of Studies and revised graduation requirements at its Nov. 10 regular board meeting.

After reviewing revisions to the EHS 2026-2027 Course Curricula, the directors approved it. New courses include:

•AP Business with Personal Finance

•Skills for Independence

•Photography 2

•Modern Music Making

•Revised Curriculum

•FCS – Food Fundamentals (previous course was Creative Foods)

•Business – Marketing 2 (adding Lehigh Carbon Community College dual credit)

•Business – Retail Management 2 (adding LCCC dual credit)

•Business – Business Law (adding LCCC dual credit)

•Tech Ed – Graphic Design (credit change)

•Tech Ed – Drafting & Design (condensing previous courses into one)

•Science – Environmental Science (adding LCCC dual credit)

Following that vote, the board passed the 2026-2027 EHS Program of Studies in its entirety, as well as instructional resources for Grades 6- 12 Social Studies and 6-8 English Language Arts.

Beginning with the Class of 2030, all graduates of the East Penn School District will have to earn a total of 21.5 credits. This change is in accordance with Act 35 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education which mandates a course in personal finance beginning in 2030.

Emmaus Student Government Association School Board Student Representative Maitreyi Kukade reported on the recent production of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” National Honor Society inductions and opportunities for college visits that can be arranged through the counseling office. She also spoke about fall sports, math team and SGA activities.

In her district update, Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell gave a shout out to the fall season student athletes. She offered congratulations to the cross-country, boys soccer, girls volleyball and the girls field hockey teams for a winning season. “They are still going strong,” Campbell said.

She lauded the cast and crew of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” for a “riveting performance.” Campbell promoted upcoming theater productions including “Mascots” and “Friday Night Sprites,” at Eyer Middle School and “Fractured” at Lower Macungie Middle School.

The Lehigh Career & Technical Institute’s prospective student open house is scheduled Nov. 20 and the district’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon is being hosted at EHS and both middle schools that day for EPSD Golden Age cardholders, bus drivers and crossing guards.

Campbell talked about two high school clubs. The CLEO Club and Buddy Up Club are hosting a Tech Connect workshop Dec. 3 to assist senior citizens with learning how to navigate their phones and other devices.

In personnel matters, the directors accepted the retirements of Willow Lane Elementary School custodian Robert Kish effective Dec. 17, along with EHS art teacher Tracey Maley and Jefferson/Wescosville gifted teacher Steven Neikam, both effective June 18, 2026.

Campbell noted Maley’s 32 years of service, Kish’s 27 years and Neikam’s 18 years with the district.

EHS food service support staff Elaine Kneller’s retirement was updated to be effective Dec. 19.

The board also accepted the resignations of Macungie Elementary School Psychologist Leah Kara as of Oct. 20 and Special Education Teacher Emine Limani as of Nov. 7.

Campbell introduced Dayne Buttafuoco as the new director of community relations to the board. The new hire has worked as a news anchor at WFMZ-TV.

This meeting was the last for Michael Felegy, Alisa Bowman and Vice President Adam Smith whose terms expire. Each reflected on their tenure as directors and expressed appreciation for their working relationships and friendships with fellow board members and the administration.

All three outgoing board members were praised for their service by Heather Harlen and Ziad Munson during public comment. Harlen and Munson, a former board member, are Emmaus residents.

Campbell and their fellow directors expressed gratitude for the time these three spent with them as board members. The superintendent presented each with a gift bag.

Board President Dr. Joshua Levinson mentioned an executive session was conducted before the public forum for personnel issues.

He announced the district will be closed Nov. 27 through Dec. 1 for Thanksgiving break.

A reorganization meeting is scheduled 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and the next regular school board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website. Livestreaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.