Palmerton Area School District has approved a 5 percent increase in medical insurance rates for the 2015-16 school year.

The school board unanimously approved the rate increase on Tuesday, which will allow for sufficient funds from which to pay medical claims.Additionally, the board approved a 4.3 percent increase in Stop Loss Coverage for the 2015-16 fiscal year through Great Midwest Insurance Company.The per employee per month charge will be $130.53, with a maximum per employee deductible set at $125,000, with unlimited policy max including pharmacy.In other business, the board approved:• An agreement for Study Island Services (Archipelago) between the district and Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 for the next three years at the rate of $15,855 per year.• The food service contract renewal with Metz Culinary for the 2015-16 school year.• Dr. Patrick Sewards as school physician for the 2015-16 school year at the cost of $8,000 for services.• D. Scott Aldinger,

D.D.S. as school dentist for the 2015-16 school year at the cost of $750 per services.• The Motor Transportation Co. Inc. contract, retroactive to April 13, bus transportation for the high school Chorus Activity Club field trip to Philadelphia on May 27.• Carl Klager and Alyssa Acker as summer employees at the rate of $7.25 an hour, 28 hours per week, effective June 15 through Aug. 20.• Kara Kern as a substitute teacher, effective May 20.• The field trip request from Jose Elvir for the Palmerton Area High School International Travelers Club to visit China in the summer of 2017; expenses will be the responsibility of the club and students.