At Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s reorganization meeting Dec. 2, it opened with a brief introduction from the temporary president, followed by the formal seating of newly elected and reelected directors. LoriAnn Fehnel, William Fonzone Sr., George Williams and Joseph Shields were invited to the front of the room to receive their certificates of election. Afterward, each approached the podium individually to take the oath of office.

The board then announced the full list of school board members who will serve in the upcoming year: Williams, Nichole Hartman, Patty Gaugler, George Makhoul, Fonzone, Fady Salloum, Shields, Seth Kubat and Fehnel.

Terms were also confirmed publicly. Fehnel, Fonzone, Shields and Williams will serve through 2029, while Gaugler, Hartman, Kubat, Makhoul and Salloum will continue through 2027.

Two nominations were presented for board president — Fonzone and Williams. After voting, Fonzone was elected as president of the school board for 2026. He will assume the position immediately. Makhoul was selected to serve as vice president.

The board then went on to designate Times News and The Morning Call as the district’s official newspapers for legal notices, public announcements and advertising throughout the next calendar year.

The board president will appoint members to the district’s various committees in the coming weeks. Until those appointments are finalized, all current committees and assignments will remain active and functioning, ensuring continuity in district governance.

The school board will next meet 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Committee meetings, including operations/transportation, finance/personnel and student activities/education, will be 4 p.m. Jan. 12, 2026.