During Whitehall-Coplay School Board’s Aug. 10 meeting, Whitehall resident Bruce Charles questioned the district’s spending and proposed tax increase, urging the board to be responsible with taxpayer money.

“These are public moneys, and be good stewards,” Charles said.

Charles also raised concerns about the district’s plan to use public transportation for charter school students. He questioned how the change could affect students who may have long commutes to and from school.

“Sending children to school on public buses with projected travel times into an hour or two has to be one of the worst decisions a school board can make,” Charles said.

District officials said charter school transportation currently costs the district about $300,000 a year. While the district receives some reimbursement from the state, officials said changes to the transportation plan could result in savings next year.

Questions about employee salaries also came up during the discussion. Officials explained the district cannot simply freeze or reduce salaries that are covered by existing contracts.

“You cannot arbitrarily cut and freeze salaries,” board President William Fonzone said.

The board continued with its meeting schedule, discussing a proposal to move committee meetings from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The proposal was expected to be placed on the agenda for the Aug. 24 meeting. Any change would require board approval and would have to be publicly advertised.

Board members said moving the meetings to 5 p.m. could make it easier for members who work during the day to attend. The board also discussed returning committee meetings to the fourth Monday of each month.

The district also provided an update on plans to move graduation from PPL Center to Zephyr Stadium.

Planning is already underway, with a committee focused on areas including facilities, technology, safety and security. District officials said they are working with local police, fire departments and emergency medical services. An ambulance is expected to be on site during the ceremony.

Parking will be another major part of the planning process. The district has about 1,200 parking spaces on campus and is determining how they will be divided among seniors, staff and ADA parking.

Officials are also considering shuttle service for guests who park farther from the stadium.

Zephyr Stadium has 4,716 seats, not including additional ADA seating or possible seating on the field. Officials said the stadium has enough capacity to accommodate more people than attended the Class of 2026 graduation at PPL Center.

The district plans to provide seniors with more information about parking and tickets during a Sept. 3 meeting.

Officials are also working through details involving restrooms, sound, lighting and video for the ceremony.