Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education approved the proposed 2026-27 general fund budget during its May 5 meeting. The proposed final budget is reported as $47,182,619, with expected tax increases for residents. The Lehigh County tax rate will be 24.0298, an increase from 23.0409, and the Northampton County rate will be 60.6803, an increase from 58.5738.

CASD Business Manager Lindsey Wallace said more changes to the budget may be made in the coming days. She said they were still waiting on some items, such as contracts, and are continuing to explore cost-saving measures.

The budget will be available for public view, and the final budget is expected to be approved at the June 9 board meeting.

In similar budget business, the board approved the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute proposed 2026-27 budget. The proposed budget is $35,489,513, an increase of $1,989,973. The CASD member district share is $981,587, a decrease of $12,378.

The proposed LCTI Academic Center budget is $2,822,456, an increase of $101,585. The CASD share is $121,873, an increase of $11,741.

Board members heard concerns from two district parents about the baseball program. They raised their concerns about the state of the facilities and field, as well as staffing issues, possible inequality in practice and potential favoritism among the coaches.

They said the field is not being taken care of, putting the players at risk, and reported a lack of available coaches at events. It was noted the varsity and junior varsity teams practice together, and sometimes the older students are used to serve as coaches for the younger teams.

The board and administration said they would look into the field issues and coaching concerns since there is a list of several coaches approved as both paid and volunteer coaches.

In response to the reports of potential favoritism and coaches not always evaluating based on skill, it was recommended these concerns be brought to the coaches first.

The board and administration thanked the parents for sharing their concerns and said these issues will continue to be discussed at committee and board meetings.

Also at the meeting, Catasauqua High School Principal David Todd recognized Shelby Haldeman for being the first CHS graduate of the Kutztown University Early College Academy. The program “provides accelerated access to college and careers for high school students,” according to its website.

Haldeman, a multisport athlete also involved in a number of clubs at CHS, was on the education track of the program. She said she learned classroom management, public speaking skills, confidence and more. She thanked the board and administration for their support and allowing her to take part in the program.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christina Lutz-Doemling noted the district began discussions with Kutztown about taking part in the program in December 2024. Todd recommended Haldeman for the program, and she was accepted in April 2025. Lutz-Doemling also proudly reported the district has four new students who were just inducted into the program.

Catasauqua Middle School Principal Patrick McNulty introduced the Roughies of the Month for March and April. The honored students for March were Zoe Swartwood, fifth grade; Payton Landis, sixth grade; Landon Smell, seventh grade; Odette Sierra Sanchez, eighth grade; and Freddy Espada, related arts. The honored students for April were Shaylynne Livingston, fifth grade; Izabella Ortiz, sixth grade; Avery Tomecek, seventh grade; Ciara Gass, eighth grade; and Charles Webber, related arts.

Board members were treated to a presentation and video from McNulty and Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Chief Steve Gensits about the ninth annual Shop With a Cop event that took place in December 2025. According to Gensits, they have helped more than 130 families over the years.

The students are identified by the counselors and school team and are treated to a shopping spree at Target with an LNAA officer buddy to get Christmas gifts. After all gifts are purchased, everyone returns to CMS for lunch, and the gifts are wrapped. Families also receive food for the holiday, as well as decorations and more.

“We give them the whole Christmas,” Gensits said.

He noted none of it would be possible without their sponsors and the amazing support from the district staff. He also reported it is a positive day for the officers.

“It’s all smiles today,” one of the officers said in the video.

Board members were all invited to the 10th annual Shop With a Cop, scheduled for Dec. 5.

Director of Curriculum and Assessment Melissa Inselmann reported they are planning on holding summer camps, focused on STEAM and science. Camps are planned for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 15 and 16. Registration opens May 18.

Wallace reported the district received another $10,000 donation from Lehigh Valley Educators Credit Union. This is the second donation the district received from the group this year.

It was reported the CASD students will continue to receive free lunches for the 2026-27 school year.

Board member Jamie Nattress was unanimously approved to serve as the board treasurer for a one-year term.

The board approved the retirement of Linda Pluchinsky, a noncertified instructional aide, effective June 10 after 12 years of service to the district.

Matthew Kalman was appointed as a noncertified instructional aide at Sheckler Elementary School, and Rafael Delgado was added as a CDL driver.

Ryan Kovach was approved to move from a daily building substitute to a short-term substitute at CMS from May 22 to Oct. 16.

The board approved additions to the substitute employment list, including Christopher Gerhard, substitute teacher; Logan Fendrick, substitute custodian; and Ryan Kovach as daily building substitute at CMS.

The resignation of Caila Landis, a noncertified instructional aide at Sheckler, was approved.

Tino Babayan was approved as an assistant girls soccer coach, and Andrew Mankos was added as an assistant girls basketball coach. Both are volunteers.

The board approved the second reading of policy changes regarding volunteer certifications and the first reading of policy 708, increasing the fees for the public rental and use of district facilities.

The board approved a number of items for the 2026-27 school year, including the coach stipends, contracts, game worker rates, game ticket prices and grant applications.

A copier lease with Edwards Business Systems was approved. Wallace reported they consolidated the leases into one plan, and the monthly payments will be less than the district is paying now.

The board approved the establishment of a girls wrestling head coach, the restructuring of the wrestling coaches and the wrestling coach job descriptions.

Other approvals included a right-of-way agreement with PPL for work near the high school and approval to go out to bid for Sheckler kitchen equipment.

The board wished all district teachers a happy Teacher’s Appreciation Week, noting they deserve recognition all year round. They also shared their best wishes to the student representatives Dante Hatcher-Wilson and Nikoloz Kemashvili and thanked them for their insights.

The next school board meeting will be 7 p.m. June 9 in the district administration board room, 201 N. 14th St.