During Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s Feb. 9 meeting, the board approved a number of changes aimed at improving the way Whitehall-Coplay School District runs day-to-day operations. Administrative support services were reorganized to better coordinate facilities, transportation and safety across all schools. As part of the changes, the long-standing position of supervisor of buildings and grounds was eliminated, and the employee in that role was released in line with board policies and state law.

Gabriel Dillard was reinstated as director of educational operations, retroactive to Feb. 2, with a salary range of $125,000 to $152,250. In addition, he will take on responsibilities as the district’s school safety and security coordinator.

Colleen Satkowski was welcomed as the new ESOL teacher at Whitehall High School, replacing Robin Matis, with a salary of $82,881. The board also approved substitutes Stephanie Gunderman, who began Jan. 27, and Andreo Ferraina, who begins Feb. 24, paid at the district’s 2025-26 substitute rates.

William Durney will serve as a substitute cafeteria monitor at $13.66 per hour; the position started Feb. 3.

Judith Dubuisson was hired as a cafeteria monitor at Zephyr Elementary School at $14.98 per hour, with her start date pending.

Several employees were granted leaves of absence, including intermittent FMLA leave for two staff members and a leave for another employee through April 17. The board also received the district’s audit report for the 2024-25 fiscal year from Chris Betley of Buckno Lisicky and Company.

Updates to the board’s conflict of interest policy and federal purchasing rules were reviewed to ensure transparency, fairness and compliance with regulations. Finance reports showed the 2026-27 base Act 1 index at 3.5%, down from 4% last year, with the district’s adjusted index at 4.7%. The district’s budget schedule includes a proposed final presentation April 13, adoption April 27, final discussion May 11 and final approval June 8.

Looking ahead, the Zephyr office team will visit the Pennsylvania School Safety Institute March 2, and Scholastic Scrimmage students are set to compete in the Eastern Regional Quiz Bowl Championship at Cedar Crest High School, Lebanon, April 18, pending approval.

The next school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at the WCSD Education Center, 2932 Zephyr Blvd.