The East Penn School Board proposed a balanced 2026-2027 budget featuring a 3.9% tax increase, reduced from an earlier 4.1% estimate. The revised plan maintains academic programs while aiming to limit the financial impact on taxpayers. Final adoption is scheduled for June 8.

During public comment, Emmaus High School students addressed a wide range of concerns. Topics included mandatory community service, increasing female participation in STEM programs and improving classroom seating to better accommodate all students.

Other students called for consistent pacing guides in AP courses, recognition of the dance team as a sport and greater teacher collaboration.

Students also raised concerns about consent education, mental health support and student isolation, suggesting expanded advisory programs and social opportunities. Additional requests included offering more world languages, such as Mandarin, expanding enrichment for gifted students and maintaining funding for research databases to support academic equity.

Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell highlighted student achievements, upcoming events and community initiatives. Campbell thanked Evans Wealth Strategies and Eyer Middle School for their work with the Angel Network closet and informed the community if families need support to reach out to Eyer Middle School.

Families with students in Grade 5 are invited to the first Family Information Night 6:30-8 p.m. May 13 at both middle schools. The community is invited to the Eyer Middle School spring choral concert May 15. The District Community Resource Fair will be held at Shoemaker Elementary 5:30 p.m. May 20. The Emmaus High School Art Show will be held May 21. The Eyer Middle School Angel Network will hold a Stuff the Truck fundraiser 10 a.m. to noon May 23. The community is encouraged to donate clothing, linens and household items.

Treasurer Robert Saul detailed the budget changes, noting the tax difference amounts to about $10 annually between the two proposed rates.

The board approved routine business items, contracts and donations, including funds to reduce student lunch debt from GIANT who contributed $12,761.53 from their Feeding School Kids initiative.

An executive session was held before the meeting to discuss personnel and confidentiality issues.

The next meeting will be held June 8.