[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6425624,"mediaKeyId","5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78","parentId",5884208,"title","Northwestern Lehigh SD board approves resolution to withhold 29% charter payments starting October","audioSeconds",91,"startMs",940000,"endMs",1031000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78&start=940&end=1031","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78/thumbnail_940000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6425624/Pennsylvania/Northwestern-Lehigh-SD-board-approves-resolution-to-withhold-29-charter-payments-starting-October","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425624-2cc838ea698e6187aacdfbd4596585ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770898005&Signature=bs1-I0END8sOPPgDwF2wPhYSFOqcqHUxHFvW3mQPlXb2Q361gsCK8CbqU8d-2ApldyU~hWUrnVWZ7aFYaDo5azUMi4WU6qUnD5OZ8~14ctqGNZV69pq80oeOyF2Jq90DoFADYU4Pp1goMmS2hZu8qjDx5tzlOGwK4stfxeSYjFFgFBnMJ6bs6EvZNfTCts50jcE53OwJszrHNACG1bQs~4ltoD5zYAE9Xr91PqLojvbWiW0KnCGicfo0dkMtoQNcgYMSzg0A~hxLEOnU68~hW7iYVTjrCTK2N-RxPgHROJVOigM8m7DKRhK-cXAJxWRtx35hmEdi5Isikfk9YHdpzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Northwestern Lehigh School District","date","2025-10-01T23:39:53Z","article","A board member introduced and the Northwestern Lehigh School District board approved a resolution directing the district to withhold 29% of pass-through state revenue to charter schools beginning with the October payment.

The resolution, circulated at the meeting and modeled on a similar Bethlehem-area measure, states that the district’s annual state revenue share equals 29% and directs withholding of that portion of charter payments until state budgeting issues are resolved. A board presenter said the resolution would also be sent to the charter schools, the state legislature and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to “encourage them to pass a budget on in time.”

Why it matters: the pass-through payments represent a significant portion of district state revenue, and the resolution is a formal attempt to pressure state budget action by withholding funds that normally flow to charter schools.

Board discussion and action: the presenter asked the board to review the resolution and requested an immediate vote. After asking for comments and hearing none, the chair called for the question. The board voice-voted in favor; the chair declared the resolution approved.

Scope and limitations: the resolution text circulated at the meeting frames withholding as applying to charter payments at 29% starting with the October payment; the meeting record does not specify further administrative steps, timelines for release of withheld funds, or whether affected charter schools were given notice in advance. The transcript does not record a roll-call count or individual member votes.

Next steps: the presenter said the resolution would be forwarded to charter schools, the state assembly and the Department of Education. The board did not provide additional procedural detail at the meeting about how withheld funds would be administered if the state later acts.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","October 1, 2025 Workshop Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Northwestern Lehigh SD board voted to adopt a resolution directing the district to withhold 29% of charter-school pass-through state revenue beginning with the October payment, and to send the resolution to charter schools and state education authorities.","taxTitle","Northwestern Lehigh SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania","taxId",75388,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6425606,"Finance update: district reports higher real-estate collections; contracts and field trips scheduled for October action",111,812000,701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78&start=812&end=701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78/thumbnail_812000.jpg","/articles/6425606/Pennsylvania/Finance-update-district-reports-higher-real-estate-collections-contracts-and-field-trips-scheduled-for-October-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425606-3af29a8b1b18f8dc5cbda8edcfaf7039/orig.mp4?Expires=1770898005&Signature=EsoCrNdAQAosPgvVDoJA-OwlCe6Y3pT5qoCx4-1iSx71hWQqnOdntTNVBNRuFIePOVf09wguYe96wBZAtjlctgCOD11-YKx9M2NZWGDIqYYitOgknRY5OSGPSgU3nS3KTb0r5DXiPYn8xbP3ofOxvO1A00Q9BTbmVzwW1AzvRv28lDfGTtt4CFadpOm-x1l~PzKTxk-es66Wb1egZ3fvbR578t1~0kwR-2dh8fvr0ZFeFaPpgshZ6pNJA0qdUk~ayu4Y-VoJteIrPm4UYzwRLRGoTPMDLRf-IP~wYK3SZ-qLDdhY2U45jxfbfvdAiB1vay-xpEKw7xtLNX2PZQPvFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northwestern Lehigh School District finance presenter told the board that real-estate tax collections in August rose compared with the prior year, increasing the district's collections by about $2.5 million year over year for the period described.

The presenter said July collections were lower compared with 2024 (13.25% vs. 14.93%) while August collections were higher (69.39% vs. 62.98%), an overall increase of 4.73 percentage points from 2024. Additional receipts in the month included exception taxes ($6,200), real-estate transfer tax ($44,000), and delinquent real-estate taxes ($42,000). The presenter said the state property tax reduction payment received in August was $584,000 (one-half of the statutory annual amount), and PCCD funds received were reimbursement for funds already expended in the 2024–25 school year. No federal revenues were received that month. Earned-income-tax collections were up $18,000 from August 2024 but down less than 1% year to date.

On agenda items, staff said Northwestern Elementary will host a Rockin' Yoga assembly Oct. 15 to be paid from the student activity fund in the amount of $1,500, and that the band overnight trip to Orlando is fully funded by the band booster organization and participating families. Both items are scheduled for board action at the Oct. 15 meeting. Staff also noted two \"agreement in lieu of FAPE\" items (5.02 and 5.03) were drafted and will be brought to the Oct. 15 meeting for approval; a template for such agreements had previously been approved by the board.

Why it matters: improved tax collections affect district cash flow and budgeting; the Rockin' Yoga contract and overnight band trip will be considered at the next regular meeting for formal approval.

Next steps: the items were placed on the Oct. 15 agenda for board action; staff will present final contracts and agreements at that meeting.","The district finance officer reported a $2.5 million increase in real-estate tax collections compared with last year, noted several revenue items, and said a $1,500 Rockin' Yoga assembly and an overnight band trip to Orlando will be on the October agenda for final action.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6425614,"District says student mobile-device expectations (Policy 237) rollout is proceeding smoothly",102,535000,637000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78&start=535&end=637","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78/thumbnail_535000.jpg","/articles/6425614/Pennsylvania/District-says-student-mobile-device-expectations-Policy-237-rollout-is-proceeding-smoothly","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425614-25e56d16649175a14b2cc4e16822c9e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770898005&Signature=mk-PfGxXzULS1Rett~EXSE6zk~5czoTAAjFYMPBsS8fPFF7bAP~ycgau-D0xdmixsTSsbMopxco7d9tsPvBnCDySJNBQwwUo6CUrAeHKZFHwRVWfCBhSC-odZJ8yuYhTzyDL5ow5aIYZoz6DEHVOHXw68xvhlPS0qkaTzzKfOhpTDAP6WC9RwVNzgOAVROylmlLVHDreSUAB3LCEp6-ZeqGEUWBXkZ3yo780S7KMj0fwHSym3CeewxglM7iV5iAfzzDTMW~xJFbl1w85RGCvUp7aGJBRoznWV-1gO9py5i5bVztQeYiCPQDu5Mz0DiHlheNh6R6gQr-V2PITMQAdBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff updated the board that the rollout of the new mobile-device expectations for students — reflected in Policy 237 — has proceeded without significant pushback.

A presenter credited communications to families and teacher enforcement for the smooth implementation, saying students are following the new rules and faculty are using classroom management strategies and the cell-phone folders discussed earlier. Staff said the mobile-device expectations were included in the district's earlier technology policy revisions (which also covered acceptable use and AI guidance).

Why it matters: Policy 237 governs student mobile-device expectations and related classroom practice; smooth implementation reduces the need for immediate policy revisions or disciplinary adjustments.

Scope and next steps: staff indicated the policy is recorded as Policy 237 in district materials and will remain in the 200-level policy book. Board members asking about whether it was a rule or policy were told the mobile-device expectations reside in policy 237 and that previous February technology updates included mobile-device guidance for students and staff.","Staff told the Northwestern Lehigh SD board that the recently implemented mobile-device expectations for students (Policy 237) are being followed, with few complaints and classroom-level enforcement by teachers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6425620,"Board reviews multiple policy updates; service-animal definition changed to include miniature horses",196,223000,419000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78&start=223&end=419","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5884208-cc4902cc4af60b516edd71bf2240aa78/thumbnail_223000.jpg","/articles/6425620/Pennsylvania/Board-reviews-multiple-policy-updates-service-animal-definition-changed-to-include-miniature-horses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425620-fc1ac95ec2f8ca664f632bdcfc0a7231/orig.mp4?Expires=1770898005&Signature=LN8Eu3m6pqb0lERoUcuwbj4a-3el8Q3SeqMKM8ivPVYlVM1eVPGWXKCGQMlE7PSoeixo2unXl66Vbo6Pnfiunk14GFZdEAfL0eQGYFSfNkuERYTQelFaMBKJYVeSbq5clfpjryd8Jkg2hhokq3pKIDyNQT-W50j47Itoj9lxw0RIo05Eiz-fDVPwLPinZdZRgysRejUPHHjyPbJ4KiqIMDmcV-DrMuzNIvvSFu8tf-VBnpsVmfr6cSqzEMYKE12wIPZFXv6RfPdlhgzsWfXeL7pCERdJdx6enoM1yOEH70bn1JtGTiWViWosaSjz~7EfQRMXC9igOlzEbL7cgcLrfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Northwestern Lehigh School District board received first readings of several policy revisions, including Policy 227 (controlled substances/paraphernalia), Policy 716 (integrated pest management), Policy 717 (cellular telephones) and Policy 718 (service animals in schools).

Staff said Policy 227 was revised to align terminology with statutory definitions and to add a definition for \"lookalike drug,\" and to clarify board authority and incident-reporting responsibilities under school-safety provisions of the school code. Policy 716 had no recommended changes. Policy 717 received minor clarifying edits. Policy 718 was revised to update the definition of service animal to align with federal regulations and to explicitly include miniature horses.

The policy presenter noted the service-animal change came from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association recommendations and federal guidance. At the meeting a staff member cited Section 35.136 and explained that federal rules include a specific section on miniature horses and reasonable-modification requirements.

Board members asked practical questions about accommodation. A presenter said the district would work with families on reasonable accommodations and noted the district may lack facility capacity in some cases. The presenter also said the policies presented are first readings and will be before the board for final consideration in two months.

Why it matters: changes to service-animal and controlled-substance policy affect how the district reviews accommodation requests and incident reporting; adding lookalike-drug language aligns school policy with statutory terminology.

Next steps: the revised policies were presented for two months' review and will return for a second reading and vote at a future meeting.","At a workshop the Northwestern Lehigh SD board received first readings of revised policies including controlled substances (Policy 227), service animals (Policy 718), and minor updates to pest management and cell-phone policies; staff noted the service-animal definition now explicitly references miniature horses per federal guidance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Northwestern Lehigh SD board approves resolution to withhold 29% charter payments starting October

Finance update: district reports higher real-estate collections; contracts and field trips scheduled for October action

District says student mobile-device expectations (Policy 237) rollout is proceeding smoothly

Board reviews multiple policy updates; service-animal definition changed to include miniature horses