Before the regular school board meeting, an executive session was held regarding personnel, safety, security and confidentiality issues.

Directors Dr. Rita Perez attended the meeting virtually and Melissa Stiavelli was not present. President of the School Board Shanta Ford read a statement regarding Board Policy 903 involving public comments including a three-minute limit for public speakers.

In public comment, Emmaus High School student Ema Bisram addressed the board on the negative impacts of early start times for high school students. Bisram conducted research on the topic for her AP Language Class and shared data about sleep and academic success.

Bisram offered a solution of a “zero block” schedule where students could choose an “early path” which would begin 7:23 a.m. for students interested in extra electives or the opportunity to end their school day earlier. Alternatively, students could choose the “sleep path” beginning their school day 8:30 a.m. Bisram explained how the extra block could be used in a variety of ways to meet the specific needs of students. Bisram noted students are “stuck in a sleep deprived system which becomes a barrier to their success.”

After the minutes were approved Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristen Campbell took a moment to acknowledge Bisram who interviewed her as part of her research for this topic. Campbell commended Bisram for her research and efforts to present to the board.

In the school district update, Campbell recognized EHS musicians who attended the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State concert band, which is an exceptional honor.

Campbell also acknowledged four EHS students who participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition. The Science Olympiad Team earned first, third and fifth place recognitions. The chess team competed in Hershey earning third place overall, as well as individuals who received top 10 finishes. Lehigh Career and Technical Institute students who participated in the Skills USA District competition were noted. In addition, LCTI had six students earn top finishes at a leadership conference which focuses on health care careers. Madilynn Roach earned first place in speaking skills at the HOSA-Future Health Professionals state competition and will compete in the international competition in Indianapolis later this year.

Campbell invited the community to attend the annual spring concerts at Shoemaker Elementary School, the spring musicals at Jefferson Elementary School April 18 and Lincoln Elementary School June 3-5. She acknowledged the success of the high school production of “Jekyll and Hyde.” Campbell said the production was “breathtaking, mature and heavy content that was handled so well.”

Campbell reminded parents kindergarten orientations begin in May and asked parents to register their students as soon as possible.

The superintendent also congratulated EHS softball team member Abby Derr on achieving a milestone 100 career hits.

The school district’s first academic showcase will be held 6-8 p.m. April 15 at the high school. Innovative work by students and teachers will be on display for the public.

The East Penn Education Foundation also will host its career fair during that time. Students of any age are invited to attend to learn more about careers.

On April 23 in both high school gymnasiums more than 130 institutions will participate in the EHS Counseling Career Fair. The event is scheduled 6-8 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Finally, Campbell said the district newsletter and annual report have been brought back to provide updates and important information. Both documents can be found on the district website for those interested.

Treasurer Robert Saul provided a comprehensive budget update. The budget presentation and adoption of the proposed final budget will take place April 27. The final budget approval will take place June 8.

Saul was confident the possible reductions offered could result in a balanced budget. The administration provided the board’s earlier request of two possible scenarios involving a 4.1% tax increase and a 2% tax increase. A tiered level approach was described.

Tier 1 suggested minimal impact on instructional programs. Limited professional development opportunities, conferences and travel, software licensing, reduced substitutes for professional development/curriculum and building substitutes, elimination of elementary interns, elimination of adult education program and reduction in facilities positions through attrition as well as reduction of building and department budgets by 5% were presented in this scenario.

Tier 2 eliminates after-school remediation programs, reduces student clubs, activity buses, field trips, intramural programs for middle school, eliminates contacts for student support programs through outside providers and reduces professional contracts through attrition impacting class size and elective offerings.

Tier 3 focused on staffing and structural reductions such as professional staff contracts which could impact core programs and student support services, eliminates internal support programs and reduces summer work positions as well as transfers of positions.

It was estimated Tier 1 would save $626,000, Tier 2 would save $1,074,000 and Tier 3 would save $989,000 with a combined total savings of $2,689,000.

All the cuts appeared to be impacting students and teachers. Perez, Tim Kelly and Jeffrey Jankowski inquired about administrative pay freezes.

Perez shared when there are financial struggles in a family and cuts have to be made, it is still important to provide an extracurricular activity such as art or dance class for their children.

Kelly and Jankowski agreed the board has a responsibility to all its taxpayers, especially senior citizens on a fixed income. Could the administration examine the number of administrative offices and positions at extraordinary salaries and find possible savings in this area? Teaching shortages exist. Could these administrators return to the classroom to alleviate increasing classroom sizes and eliminate an extra administrative salary to help ease the burden? It was said many families are struggling financially and increasing taxes is not something the board wants to do.

Campbell encourages public questions and feedback for the April 23 meeting to provide direction.

Dr. Joshua Levinson admitted the 2% increase comes at “unacceptable cost” and was not optimistic.

“These are short term; but they have long-term impacts,” Levinson said. “I support us doing what we can to sustain the programs that make us a great school district.”

Jankowski said, “None of us on this board are interested in raising taxes, but the state determines how we can generate revenues. It is not ideal, but we did not choose it. The administration has done a good job managing the budget. Prices are increasing everywhere. It is unfortunate that we are here. Our budget deficit is one of the more favorable compared to other districts. If we provide all the extras there is a cost associated with it,” he said.

“I don’t want to raise taxes but it is what it is and where we are. A tax level of any less will result in harm,” he added.

Kelly commented, “We are at a point where we need to raise taxes. We have a responsibility to look at structural changes so we do not face the same hurdles next year. We need to provide relief for our senior citizens and offer a tax rebate at a cost to sacrifice to find relief for these families. I have a hard time accepting this 4.1% increase.”

Dr. William Whitney told the board to consider “other options in between 2 and 4.1% increases. Hard cuts need to happen and this is a reality.”

Ford reminded the board at the last meeting Saul was asked to present what a possible 2% versus 4.1% tax increase would look like.

Board Vice President Gabrielle Klotz, Kelly, Perez and Ford requested to see what the option would look like for an administrative pay freeze. Kelly asked to see what could be done for the community to provide relief and Saul said he would discuss this with the solicitor.

“It is not easy satisfying all of our constituents, Ford said. “We know what students need. We want to maintain what they will need; but we need to be mindful of our other constituents in the community because of the way schools are funded. We are not a corporation. We get revenues from taxes. I’m not comfortable with 2%. What is reasonable and takes care of students, teachers and community?”

The next board meeting will take place 7:30 p.m. April 27 in the EPSD administration building, 800 Pine St., Emmaus.

The adoption of the proposed budget will be a main focus.