The School Board meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room located at 800 Pine Street, Emmaus, PA. Occasionally a holiday or other circumstance will alter this schedule.

A copy of the meeting agenda, including supporting information, is sent to each board member prior to the meeting.

The board meeting is chaired by the President or in his absence the Vice President. One student from the Emmaus High School Student Government Association joins the board as a non-voting representative at the second meeting of the month.

Section 508 of the PA School Code enumerates a number of actions where a majority of all of the board members is required, and where such votes shall be duly recorded. Such things as adoption of budget, levying taxes, setting salaries, etc., must be acted upon in this fashion.

Board Members

The East Penn Board of School Directors is composed of nine citizens elected to serve terms of four years each. To be eligible to be elected to the School Board, one must be a United States citizen and resident of Pennsylvania, a person of good moral character, at least 18 years of age and must have been a resident of the East Penn School District one year prior to the date of election or appointment. Members serve without compensation.

The Board elects its own president and vice president and appoints a solicitor, secretary, and treasurer and hires its own chief executive - the Superintendent. Two students from Emmaus High School also join the Board as non-voting representatives. (top of page)

Board Responsibilities

The Board has complete and final control over local school matters subject only to limitation imposed by state law and applicable regulations of the State Secretary of Education. The Board has responsibility in the following areas:

-Exercising leadership and drafting policies for the operation of the local schools.

-Employing and evaluating a Superintendent of Schools.

-Authorizing the appointment of teachers and other staff members upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.

-Determining educational standards and goals.

-Authorizing curriculum development and revision.

-Securing money for school operational needs and building programs, and authorizing specific expenditures.

-Expressing and representing the views of the community in matters affecting education.

-Interpreting the educational program and needs to the community.

Other Educational Entities

Local Board members also serve on the following governing bodies:

Joint Operating Committee

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute

(3 members – Meet the fourth Wednesday of the Month)

Board of Directors

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit

(1 member – Meet the third Monday of each Month) (top of page)

Board Development Programs

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association provides learning opportunities for school board members to develop and expand their leadership skills and their knowledge about their role. PSBA offers workshops in boardsmanship, school law, employee relations, effective meetings, and innovative educational programs and current legislative issues. Board members who participate in continuing education programs are awarded certificates for completion of the various levels.