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District reports 7,800 students back for first day; board recognizes retirements and hears CLIU report
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Summary
Doctor Campbell reported about 7,800 students returned for the first day, praised staff and partners, reminded families to complete online forms, and announced openings for part-time support staff; Doctor Whitney presented a CLIU report that included IU programs, an award and the approved retirement of CLIU director Mark Scott.
Doctor Campbell delivered the district update, celebrating the first day of the school year and thanking staff and partners for supporting the reopening.
"Happy first day of school. We were all excited," Campbell said. She told the board the district welcomed about 7,800 students and has roughly 1,200 employees working to support operations. Campbell noted transportation partner STA ran with a few minor delays and asked families to contact STA for unresolved stops.
Campbell highlighted new hires and professional development: the district welcomed approximately 40 new teachers who were hired in recent months and about 600 East Penn professional staff participated in early-year professional development. She reminded families to complete the district’s online returning-student form and the SNAP health portal to keep student health information up to date. Campbell also said part-time support positions (instructional assistants, food service, crossing guards) are posted on the district human-resources page.
During the business portion the board acknowledged retirements the district accepted: special-education teachers Dave Yopst (22 years) and Alicia Mower (18 years) at Emmaus High School, and community liaison Laura Grow (13 years, 10 years in the liaison role). Campbell thanked them for their service.
Doctor Whitney then presented the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit (CLIU) report. He said the CLIU opened its school year across five sites and marked the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act with the theme 'Individually United.' He described a Girl Scouts partnership that sent four campers—two from East Penn—to Camp Moseywood and noted the IU presented the Annie Sullivan award to Heather Zoke. Whitney also said the board approved the retirement of Mark Scott, director of special programs and services at the IU; Scott will remain on staff at least through January and potentially until July 2026 depending on the job-search timeline.
The board offered appreciation for the work described and scheduled the next update in two weeks.
