In business operations, the East Penn School District School Board members approved the district bills and treasurer’s report at its March 9 meeting. The contracts and agreements were tabled, specifically for the lease agreement for the iPads for use in the elementary schools. Director Tim Kelly questioned the value of the one-to-one device programs and how it impacts student learning at the elementary levels.

District Superintendent Kristen Campbell explained it is critical how students are using the device. She said the iPad initiative is part of a long-range technology plan and this is the time of year when the 3,500 devices are ordered so the technology team can get them ready for fall. There is a 0% financing rate.

Campbell said “technology has to purposely enhance instruction. Since COVID-19, screen time has become a concern. Just because students have the device, does it mean they are on them all the time? What are the guidelines for how much time we want students to be using their iPads?”

She clarified differentiated and personalized lessons in ELA and math are used and students access specific apps determined by administrators and teachers. The focus is the K-5 iPad lease agreement.

The board was in agreement to table the discussion regarding the lease. The concerns involved actual student learning and screen time.

The use of district facilities requests were approved as well as student activity fund advisers and officers.

Regarding policy, the board approved the third and final reading and adoption; new policy 122.1 and updates of current policies 102, 105, 105. 2, 122, 123 and 209.2. Gabrielle Klotz made a motion to separate policy 816.

Lehigh Carbon Community College Board of Trustees Member Ann Thompson shared with the board the budget has not been increased in over a decade. Originally, the plan was the state would pay one-third, the district would pay one-third and students would pay one-third.

Thompson noted the district currently pays 9%. She also said Eli Lilly coming to the Lehigh Valley will bring wealth and opportunity. She reported LCCC will provide training for the 850 employees. Average salaries of Eli Lilly will be $100,000. Approximately 2,000 trained union employees will be involved in this company. “This is a big deal,” Thompson said.

The board approved the LCCC 2026-2027 operating, debt service/lease and capital budgets as well as the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 proposed 2026-2027 general operating budget.

Finally, the board approved the appointment of Director Dr. Rita Perez as a Lehigh Career & Technical Institute joint operating committee member and appreciated her efforts to be a part of this group.