As part of the continuing facilities plan process, the East Penn Board of School Directors revisited redistricting options at the start of the Dec. 8 regular meeting.

Before getting down to business, President Shonta Ford administered the oath of office to newly-reelected director Dr. William Whitney. New board members Rita Perez, Christine Price and Melissa Stiavelli had been sworn in at the Dec. 3 organizational meeting.

Dr. Kristen Campbell introduced Stephen Behrens and Brian Huber from Breslin Architects as they presented an overview of the redistricting option for board consideration. Campbell emphasized the building upgrades and boundary changes for students kindergarten through eighth grade were just proposals for consideration.

A history of the process was traced back to fall of 2021 when it all began through facility studies, community surveys and option presentations on redistricting verses realignment where the board chose to go with realignment as the most cost efficient.

When the K-8 realignment financial plan was discussed in June, increased construction and related costs due to tariffs and nationwide financial uncertainty prompted several board members to balk at moving ahead with it. The directors voted to pause the project’s trajectory and reexamine the options again with updated demographic data and an eye to keeping the district safe from too much financial risk.

With redistricting, Behrens and Huber showed that schools targeted for additions and renovations would include Alburtis and Lincoln elementary schools, as well as Eyer and Lower Macungie middle schools.

Joining the discussion, James Lynch from CHA answered questions on how the district could finance the cost of the redistricting option.

New classrooms, nontraditional spaces, cafeteria expansion and upgrades to related infrastructure would cost around $140 million. The elementary schools would be phased in first with construction projected to be completed by 2029. The middle schools would be finished by 2032.

Next steps in this process during winter and spring of 2026 is a realignment recap and high school options, as well as proposed financial models.

A “waterfall” approach to redistricting would be followed to reduce overcrowding at some schools while providing equity to all. Efforts would be made to not split up children from the same housing development.

New boundaries would accommodate the unequal capacity numbers between the two middle schools as LMMS has room for 200 more students than Eyer.

The school board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution not to exceed the Act 1 Index for funding the 2026-2027 budget. Whitney requested the administration to do their best to keep any tax increase as far below East Penn’s 4.1% adjusted Act 1 index as possible.

Emmaus Student Government Association School Board student representatives Maitreyi Kukade and Kyana Deabreu took turns reporting on school sports, an upcoming blood drive and other activities.

In her district update, Campbell commended the National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society for hosting the Nov. 20 annual Thanksgiving luncheon. She expressed gratitude to the students providing musical entertainment and food service staff at each of the three schools that provided lunch for around 900 Golden Age cardholders, bus drivers and crossing guards.

The Tech Connect workshop recently hosted by the Cleo Club and Buddy Up Club was such a hit that another is likely to be offered, according to the superintendent. Tech savvy students helped area senior citizens with navigating their phones and other devices.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the retirements of Emmaus High School English teacher Denise Reaman and Jefferson Elementary School Grade 4 teacher Cynthia Hynes effective June 18.

Campbell noted Reaman and Hynes each served 17 years with the district.

The resignations of Wescosville Elementary School special education teacher Sean Connolly and Macungie Elementary School psychologist Peter Slay effective mid-January 2026 were acknowledged.

Approved new hires include Brianna Perreca as a special-education teacher at Wescosville Elementary School starting Feb. 9, 2026.

Dr. Joshua Levinson re-upped and Vice President Gabrielle Klotz volunteered to be appointed as Lehigh Career & Technical Institute Joint Operating Committee members for a three-year term beginning December through November 2028. Ford reminded the other members they still need someone to fill a vacant seat.

Levinson provided news from LCTI and mentioned East Penn District’s contribution has been rising due to increased enrollment of students from the district.

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit Board member Whitney promoted the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children’s Foundation’s 2025-2026 winter basket raffle fundraiser.

Lower Macungie Township resident Bart Bailey and Emmaus resident Jess Denke, along with former board members Alisa Bowman, of Emmaus and Adam Smith, of Lower Macungie Township, provided comments during the meeting.

Bailey requested the district allow members of the Black Student Union in leadership positions be allowed to wear a Kente cloth stole at graduation. Denke and Bowman spoke in support of Bailey’s request.

“Welcome aboard,” Smith said, as he advised new members to engage in “conversation over confrontation,” and reminded them their allegiance is to the district students and not any political entity.

Ford mentioned an executive session was held before the public forum 6:15 p.m. on litigation and personnel matters.

She announced the district will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 2, 2026 for the Christmas and New Year holidays and winter break.

The next regular school board meeting is scheduled 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12, 2026. 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.