New Business Manager, New Field Hockey Rules for Solehi Schools

The July 11 Southern Lehigh School District meeting ushered in the new fiscal year with new faces around the table. Jeremy Melber, the newly hired Director of Business and Personnel Services sat with the board for the first time.

"We invited Mr. Melber to join us tonight to breathe the heady air," said board president Mike Eddinger. "Or the hot air, whatever the case may be."

Online information on Melber, who was hired to replace Jim Snell, moved to the area from the Poconos most recently working for the Northern Lehigh School District as the Business/Finance/Purchasing director. When visiting DeSales this past spring, as an example of fiscal responsibility.

A recent national policy change made protective eyewear a requirement at the high school level, and the district will have to make a choice whether to buy the gear for the athletes or to require students buy their own."If the student's don't like what we buy, they won't wear them," said Harakal, citing issues with goggles fogging up. "It's a real problem."

"Let's put [different pairs] in the hands of the athletes, and let them decide," said superintendent Joe Liberati.

Buying a few pairs for the students allowed time to assess which goggles would be the best choice for purchase, a decision applauded by audience members. "I think it’s important to have something on hand to keep the sport accessible for every student," said Kate Wetchler, an audience member and former freshman girl's field hockey coach.

The board also 2011-2012 school year. The Act 93 group includes administrators, support staff members, and special services.  "I just want to point out that these are the same salaries as last year," said Eddinger.