Student enrollment is down by a substantial margin in the Northern Lehigh School District.

Superintendent Michael Michaels told the school board on Monday that based on its third day enrollment report, the district is down 76 students from last year."At the next board meeting, I'll have a five-year study from when I've been here," Michaels said. "The smaller we get, we cannot offer as many courses."Most class sizes range between 15 to 20 students per classroom on average throughout the district, Michaels said."Our class sizes are extremely positive," Michaels said. "We are getting new kids in all the time, but we're losing them as well."Also on Monday, Assistant Superintendent Karen Nicholas announced the district has seven students enrolled in its Bulldog Academy, five of which are high school students, and two that are middle schoolers.She said high school Principal Robert Vlasaty recently held an orientation for the cyber students."The reports we've heard at that presentation were very positive," Nicholas said. "We're pleased to report that Bulldog Academy is off to a very promising start."In March, the board authorized administration to enter into a contract with the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 for the eLearn 21 Virtual Learning Program partnership, beginning with this school year.In an unrelated matter, the board recognized retired instructor Debra Siglin for her 27 years of service to the district.Siglin, who taught at Slatington Elementary, was presented with a gift from the school board."I'd like to thank everyone for all your support and caring for the students," Siglin said. "It was a wonderful 27 years."In other business, the board:- At the request of board President Edward Hartman, held a moment of silence before the start of the meeting in observance of today, which marks the 11th year since the 9/11 attacks on our country.- Accepted the resignation of Sheila Andrews, high school cook's helper, effective Sept. 21, 2012.- Accepted the resignation of Beth Gabovitz, middle school part time cook's helper, effective Sept. 27, 2012.- Accepted the resignation of Adriane Hoffman, Peters Elementary instructional aide, effective Aug. 16, 2012.- Accepted the resignation of Michelle Jones, middle school special education aide, effective Aug. 17, 2012.- Accepted the resignation of Sally Kasztejna, high school special education aide, effective Aug. 8, 2012.- Accepted the resignation of Patricia Mayberry, high school instructional aide, effective Aug. 19, 2012.- Accepted the resignation of Gail Miller, Peters Elementary special education aide, effective Aug. 17, 2012.- Accepted the resignation of Pat Swercheck, high school special education aide, effective Aug. 23, 2012.