Tamaqua Area School Board conducted the following business this week:

• Approved the addition of five new courses to its curriculum: Survey of Earth and Space, Introduction to Microbiology, Introduction to Botany, Introduction to Genetics, and Introduction to Astronomy.

• Approved an out-of-state trip for physics students to Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey, April 25, for Physics Day. This is an annual event.

• Approved the INDEPTH Program agreement with Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, which provides services for students involved vaping infractions.

• Accepted the resignation of Carmen McGlothlin, a part-time paraprofessional, effective immediately.

• Approved an affiliation agreement with the Eastern School of Nursing for clinical and practicum experience.

• Rescinded the motion approving Katie Rude, of Tamaqua, as a part-time paraprofessional.

• Approved the tax report, tax exemptions and tax refunds and paid bills of $1,436,368.49, ad interim bills of $890,065.13.

• Approved the 2024 delinquent per capita and assessed occupation tax list and local tax collector audits for 2023.

• Accepted E-rate PEPPM bid at a cost not to exceed $300,000. The purchase will be ratified at a later date, and the discount is 90%. The district is responsible for 10%, business manager Connie Ligenza said.

• Approved executing the contract with E-rate for Internet, WAN and related services/equipment, pending future ratification. The discount is 90%.

• Approved the HVAC upgrades with permanent wall construction at a cost of $99,987 from McClure Company, a COSTARS vendor. Funding is from Morgan Foundation grant.

• Approved district wide door upgrades at a cost not to exceed $75,000 from Victor E. Muncy, a COSTAR vendor.

• Approved the 2025-26 Schuylkill Technology Center secondary budget.

• Approved the 2025-26 Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 general operating budget.

• Approved March 28 as an Act 80 day.