Crossing guards in limbo

Bethlehem City’s crossing guards are in a unique, uncomfortable position. Their pay is split between two entities, the city of Bethlehem, and the Bethlehem Area School District.

When BASD Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy announced the employees who would continue to receive pay during the shutdown, crossing guards were not included.

Russell Giordano, human resources director, confirmed that the crossing guards are not being paid, but that Dr. Roy is open to discussing this matter with with city.

Stephanie Angello, assistant to Mayor Bob Donchez, said right now, the city’s focus is on “mitigation (of the Cornovirus) and public safety.

“When school is open, our crossing guards are an integral part of public safety. But while school is shut down, they are sidelined.” Mary Toy, the crossing guard who works the intersection of Broad and Linden streets, said “I certainly do miss the kids. We are in uncharted territory here, it’s something we have to work through, and we all need to pitch in and work together.”

So as of now, the crossing guards who make sure the many walking students can cross the city’s busy streets safely, are at home, with no work in sight, and no paycheck either.

Reporting by Lani Goins

Graduations also in limbo

With schools shut down in the weeks leading up to graduation, the Press contacted several high schools to get an idea of how many schools are planning to adjust or reschedule planning graduation ceremonies.

“We are making decision as we need to,” said Dr. Joseph Roy in a recent email. Roy is the superintendent of the Bethlehem Area school District (BASD). “We don’t need to make decisions on graduation just yet.” BASD has two high schools: Liberty HS in Bethlehem and Freedom HS in Bethlehem Township.

Dr. Roy said BASD is conducting online courses for core classes.

Moravian Academy Director of Communications and Marketing Stephanie Vasta said, “We are pushing that [scheduling decision] off. We will see how next week evolves.”

Moravian Academy’s upper school campus is in Bethlehem Township.

Bethlehem Catholic HS administrators did not respond to a query asking about changes, if any to their graduation plans. Also not responding were Saucon Valley, Northwestern Lehigh, East Penn, Salisbury and Catasauqua.

Reporting by Douglas Graves