Palmerton Area School District took the next step in beefing up its security.

The board unanimously accepted a proposal Tuesday night from the Gilbertson Group for “districtwide security updates.”

Superintendent Scot Engler said while it’s too early to get into specifics of the work, it will include physical updates to building safety around the district.

The work, he added, is estimated to cost around $120,000 and will come out of the 2018-19 budget.

During its budget workshop earlier this year, the board discussed a proposal to add two district-contracted police officers to rotate between its buildings.

That proposal isn’t moving forward at this time.

Several weeks ago, when previewing the action the board would vote on Tuesday, board President Barry Scherer said the district “has to move in steps” regarding security.

“The action at our August meeting won’t be what everyone wants or likes, but it will be a step,” Scherer said at the time.

Personnel moves

The board made several personnel moves in preparation for the start of the 2018-19 school year in September.

They included:

• Accepting the resignation of Jill Ann Figner as part-time English as a Second Language teacher

• Approving Amanda Burger as a substitute instructional assistant at $7.25 per hour and substitute secretary at $8.45 per hour.

• Approving Cassandra Creyer as a part-time cafeteria worker at $12.68 per hour at Towamensing Elementary.

• Accepted the resignation of Shanna Israel, reading specialist.

• Accepted the resignation of Miranda Moyer.

• Approving Jacen Nalesnik as a secondary substitute teacher, and

• Approving Karen Henry as an elementary substitute teacher.

The board also approved the following advisers: Natalie Madeira, chorus; Kristin Heller, environmental club; Jodi Kocher and Stacey Olewine, student council; and Krystle Meglio, yearbook.

Junior high occupancy

Superintendent Scot Engler said the district is set to resume occupancy of its junior high school on Monday following the addition of a cafeteria and other work at the building this summer.

The highlight of the project is a 13,000-square-foot addition, which includes the new cafeteria.

Other additions include a student lounge, a media center, a new junior high office and offices for district facilities. In addition, the school will have its own main entrance separate from district facilities.

Engler said drop-off and pick up points for junior high students will not change for the 2018-19 school year.

Band preview night

The Palmerton Marching Band will be hosting its second annual Band Preview Night at 7 p.m. Thursday in the stadium.

The event will include a preview of the Palmerton Marching Band’s half time show, as well as a chance to meet all of the athletes on Palmerton’s fall sports teams.

There is no cost to attend the event.