The March 24 Saucon Valley School Board meeting was brief, but unconventional in that it was held remotely through Zoom. This was the first time that the board used this remote technology to conduct business, and it may continue to do so if it is determined to be unsafe to return to their usual venue at the school campus.

Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler was the first to speak at length regarding the current situation. He praised the faculty’s embrace of their Continuity of Education and Virtual Learning program, which allows students’ education to continue remotely for the duration of the District’s shutdown. “The faculty has embraced the plan and taken on the challenge… engaging students in meaningful and productive learning activities,” he said. He also praised the Saucon community and parents’ cooperation through this unprecedented time. Regarding their relationship, he said “it certainly makes our work easy when parent clientele is so responsive.”

The board was able to conduct a limited amount of business in the meeting, specifically touching on a few topics. They agreed to hold a Facilities Meeting in the future for the purposes of discussing two upcoming projects, an issue raised by Board member Bryan Eichfeld. The board also passed an emergency COVID-19 resolution to allow the district to continue to pay hourly staff who otherwise would be out of work with the closure of schools.

Eichfeld also reported that the Bethlehem Vo-Tech voted virtually in favor of paying their hourly employees throughout the shutdown, as well as to donate the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves that they have on hand to local hospitals who may be experiencing a shortage. Board member Sandra Miller reported that the Colonial Intermediate Unit voted similarly to continue paying their hourly employees during the shutdown as well.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 14.