The Lehighton Area School District is poised to continue and expand its partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network to deliver comprehensive athletic training and health services for the next five years.

Under an LVHN contract approved by Lehighton Monday night, the district will benefit from a wide range of services designed to enhance the health, wellness, and athletic performance of its students, faculty, and staff.

The partnership includes athletic training coverage, sports performance coaching, behavioral health services, school physician support, and health care career pathway programs.

“In addition to our robust service and programmatic offerings, we are positioned to provide the School District with marketing and other earmarked sponsorships/financial contributions that will enable both parties to reach both short-term and long-term goals as trusted partners under a mutually beneficial 5-year agreement.” Robert McClarin, LVHN Sports Medicine Administrator, said in a letter to the district regarding the agreement.

Athletic training, sports medicine

As part of the agreement, LVHN will provide three full-time certified and licensed athletic trainers — Abe Gillespie, Jay Rehrig, and Kristen Gieniec — who already have a combined 58 years of experience.

In addition, Josh Serrano, a certified sports performance coach, will offer up to 20 hours per week of strength and conditioning services.

Medical support will be provided by Dr. John DiCasimirro, a sports medicine physician with over 30 years of experience, and Frank Klucsarits, a sports physical therapist stationed at LVHN’s Carbon campus.

Services include free pre-participation physical exams three times per year, baseline and post-injury concussion testing, CPR/AED and first aid certification for athletics staff, strength and conditioning software, and ongoing access to one-on-one sports nutrition counseling billed through insurance.

Health and wellness

Beyond athletics, the partnership promises to strengthen Lehighton’s overall student wellness initiatives. Through the Weller Center for Health Education, students and staff will have access to evidence-based programs focused on mental health, nutrition, fitness, drug and alcohol prevention, and bullying.

A licensed therapist will be available on-site for individual or family therapy, and psychiatric assessments will be conducted through Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital. The services, according to the contract, will be insurance-billed or grant-funded, creating no added cost for the district.

Healthcare career

pathways

The proposal also outlines expanded opportunities for students interested in health care careers.

LVHN will provide curriculum support, lab experiences, internships, externships, and guaranteed interview opportunities for Lehighton graduates interested in entering health care fields.

Tuition support for students pursuing degrees in high-need medical professions will also be available.

Financial

contributions

In addition to services, LVHN has committed to significant financial contributions totaling over $590,000 over the five-year period.

This includes funding for marketing, campus improvements, student scholarships, athletic training supplies, and emergency medical services for game days. LVHN will also support the district’s purchase of AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and their maintenance.

As part of the sponsorship, LVHN will receive marketing recognition across Lehighton’s athletic facilities and events, including signage, scoreboards, and digital promotions.

The contract runs through June 30, 2030.