Whitehall-Coplay School Board approved a reorganization plan during the May 26 special board meeting. This plan is the district’s attempt to close an estimated $6 million gap in its proposed $110.7 million 2026-27 budget.

The spending plan also includes a 4.7% property tax increase, which is the maximum allowed under the state’s Act 1 Index.

The Whitehall-Coplay School District reorganization plan resolution mentions the decision to adjust staffing was decided based on enrollment changes, student needs, operations and, of course, financial consideration.

Under the plan, seven professional positions will be eliminated, including staff in biology, math intervention, STEM, industrial arts and special education. One special education facilitator role will be converted into a teaching position.

Eight building substitute positions will also be cut, bringing the total reduction to 29 positions across both professional and support staff.

Other changes include the elimination of one maintenance worker position, 12 secretarial positions and six paraprofessional roles. The assistant business manager will be moved into a financial accountant position. The assistant athletic director stipend will also be removed, with those duties shifted to the athletic director.

According to the plan, district administrators will notify affected employees and follow state law and labor agreements throughout the process. A report on the changes is expected to be presented to the board within 30 days.

Several residents spoke before the vote, asking the board to reconsider the cuts.

“It does no good to deliberate endlessly, point fingers or argue about how we got here,” district first-grade teacher Kevin Swartz said. “Before you act, consider the consequences of your choices. Consider the teachers that this decision is going to affect.”

“Please reconsider,” pleaded Sarah DeLeo, a paraprofessional at Whitehall High School, as well as a district graduate and resident.

The board ultimately approved the plan by a 5-4 vote.

The next special school board meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. June 8, followed by committee meetings on finance/personnel, education/student activities and operations/transportation.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 22.