During Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s virtual meeting Feb. 23, the board approved a resolution seeking a $5 million Public School Facility Improvement Grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for renovations at Steckel Elementary School. The resolution designates Whitehall-Coplay School District Superintendent Christopher Schiffert and Business Administrator Mike Malay to execute all necessary documents related to the grant application.

Schiffert also announced the planned WHS brass band performance and district communications and public relations presentations from Andrew Fehnel, district technology coach, and Chris Ohocinski, assistant athletic director for sports medicine and public relations, have been postponed until the March meeting.

Maya Williams, Whitehall High School Student Council president, provided an update on high school activities. Course selection is underway for students in grades 8-11. The ski club recently traveled to Lake Placid, N.Y., and students participated in a prom fashion show Feb. 27. Spring sports began March 2, and the theater department is preparing its spring production of “The Wedding Singer.” The Student Council is also planning a March Madness-themed activity period and spirit week and will attend the upcoming Region I Conference.

Several field trips were approved, pending travel guidelines and administrative discretion. Whitehall-Coplay Middle School students will compete in the regional spelling bee March 15 in Wilkes-Barre; Scholastic Scrimmage students will travel to Lebanon April 18 for the Eastern Regional Quiz Bowl Championship at Cedar Crest High School; and Science Olympiad students attended a competition Jan. 31 at North Pocono High School.

The board accepted the January treasurer’s report. The district began the month with a balance of $5,493,407.57. Receipts totaled $2,125,572.37, and $4 million in investments matured, bringing total cash available to $11,618,979.94. After $5,968,508.47 in expenses, the month-end balance stood at $5,650,471.47.

The board approved payment of bills and salaries from the general, cafeteria, capital projects and capital reserve funds and authorized exonerations and/or refunds for certain per capita and real estate taxes.

In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignations of Karen Holubowski, cafeteria employee, as of Feb. 12, and Becky Adams, paraprofessional at Steckel Elementary, effective Feb. 27.

Approved appointments include Maisey Hartman as a paraprofessional substitute; Sandeep Yadav as a bus driver; Deborah Maustellar as a cafeteria monitor at Zephyr Elementary; and Norah Lando as a salaried substitute in special education. A mentor assignment for Laurie Ganey was approved, and the board acknowledged one FMLA request.

The board also approved Jennifer Nguyen as a 50% varsity track and field coach and Cameron Parsons as a volunteer varsity boys volleyball coach for the 2025-26 school year.

Committee meetings were expected to be held March 9. The next regular school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. March 23.