Tamaqua Area School Board moved through a short agenda Tuesday night, including approving a new school calendar for 2026-27.

Superintendent Ray Kinder said the new calendar is similar to the current calendar with minor changes. The first day of school will Aug. 20, and the last day will May 26.

Kinder also recognized the some student achievements at the Schuylkill Technology Center, including Krystal Saylor, who had a first place in retail merchandising in the district DECA competition at Lehigh Carbon Community College last month.

Other marketing and business administration students recognized were TC Conner, who had second place in principals of hospitality and tourism; Carson Farber, who along with Alyana George, had a second place; and Autumn Porter with a third place in quick serve restaurant management.

Kinder also recognized Madison Schock, an 11th grader, who was named as a Student of the Semester at STC, where she is studying early childhood care and education. Schock is a student ambassador, participates in Skills USA and volleyball and is a junior firefighter.

The board in other business approved:

• The 2026-27 Schuylkill Intermediate Unit calendar.

• A drama club trip to New York City on April 12.

• The Raider Marching Band Christmas party Dec. 12 at Capriotti’s, McAdoo.

• The Class of 2026 Prom, May 2, at Lakeside Ballroom, Barnesville.

• Educators Rising, a new course to the curriculum which is intended for sophomores interested in exploring the field of education, offering them field experience and coursework led by two teachers. It is funded by a grant.

• Memorandum of Understanding with St. Luke’s for a student internship program to begin in the fall.

• Hiring Abby Schoffstall of Pottsville, a special-education teacher, Master’s Step 1, at a salary of $56,045.

• Granted professional status to Dana Ayers and Megan Hine, as of Jan. 20.

• The tax report, tax exemptions, tax refunds and payment of bills totaling $1,624,179, as well as the 2026 tax exemption form with no changes.

• The 2025-26 Special Education Services Agreement with the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 for special education services for the tentative amount of $617,152 for projected participation in the program.

• The affirmative vote resolution, which means a silent board member’s vote is considered an affirmative, or yes, vote, Kinder said.

• Hiring custodians as follows: Sony Epler and Justine Miller, both of Tamaqua, full-time, $12.50 an hour; and Liam McKee, Tamaqua and Kelsey Lusch, Andreas, substitutes, $12.78 an hour.