Many of the decisions made at the April 27 board meeting were related to the coronavirus pandemic and the government’s statewide shutdown of schools and businesses. All nine members were present via Zoom, and all measures passed by a vote of 9–0.

High school updates

Zoey Reifinger reported from Liberty HS. “Online classes are definitely not the same, but using Zoom makes it easier for Liberty students.” Both Freedom and Liberty held mini-THON events online, posting pictures on social media to raise money. Julia Swart, Casey Frank and Reifinger have been awarded college scholarships; more scholarship announcements will be made in the remaining weeks of school.

Josh Konschnik reported from Freedom HS. “Though it’s not ideal, our teachers have been devoting time beyond the required 90 minutes to hold office hours for students who need extra assistance closing gaps. Given the circumstances, we are all extremely proud of the work that has come in from teachers and students.”

District business

Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy congratulated Cleo Millheim, who is retiring from leading the BASD childcare program after 25 years. Board member Dr. Dean Donaher echoed his congratulations and shared his high opinion of Millheim and the work she has done in the district.

Four essential projects will take place over the next several months: HVAC replacements at Asa Packer ES and Spring Garden ES, masonry repair at Northeast MS, and security camera installations at BASD Stadium and the Education Center on Sycamore Street. Both security system upgrades are part of a single project awarded to MJF Electric. Both HVAC projects will involve on-site industrial hygienists to ensure compliance with coronavirus prevention practices.

The district applied for a continuity of education grant that could bring in nearly $400,000 to cover the costs of high-speed internet access points for district families. The district also formally applied for the second year of Title I federal funding (roughly $500,000) for the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan at Broughal MS. The board approved the purchase of StudySync English Language Arts (ELA) online curriculum licenses for all four middle schools for the next three academic years; the funds were part of the 2019-20 budget.

The board also approved routine bill payments and monetary transfers, as well as rejecting a single non-compliant bid for oil and lube products; the administration will repeat the bidding process.

The board voted in favor of all incumbents on the Northampton Community College board of trustees serving for another term: Dr. Mary Sharp-Ross (nominated by BASD), John Squarcia (Easton Area SD), Bruce Palmer (Nazareth Area SD), Nicholas Politi, Jr. (Northampton Area SD), and Susan Baxter (Saucon Valley Area SD).

Committee reports

Donaher reported from the April 2 NCC meeting that only 38 of 9,000 students indicated that they were considering withdrawing from their studies due to coronavirus-related issues. The first summer school session will be online; a decision has not yet been made on the second session. NCC received $5.78 million through the CARES act, half of which must go directly to students.

Craig Neiman reported at the April 7 BAVTS meeting, which centered on how students are continuing their education from home. Baking and electrical work are two key ways vo-tech students are keeping their skills sharp.

Dr. Kim Shively, who has been reappointed to serve on the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, reported that the in-progress construction progress at the IU has not been slowed down by the pandemic, and will be completed this summer. Extended school year and distance learning issues were not resolved at the April 22 meeting; the next meeting is May 27.

Board president Mike Faccinetto reported from the Pa. School Boards Assoc. that the annual October conference will be virtual, both as a cost-saving measure and because it would have been too challenging for most districts to make travel plans early enough. Faccinetto also reported that House Bill 1776, a property tax freeze, passed a committee vote this week, and could find its way into a larger bill in Harrisburg.

The Foundation for the BASD was forced to cancel its annual dinner, but hopes to hold its silent auction in the fall at a back-to-school event, likely at the Edge in Bethlehem, which has long been a supporter of the Foundation. The Foundation is currently accepting nominations for BEST awards, which will recognize outstanding teachers at the district convocation in August.

Angela Sinkler reported that the triannual review of the district’s wellness policy has been completed, and that Backpack Pals is handing out more than 200 packs of food every week. Faccinetto noted that Backpack Pals has an Amazon wish list, through which donors can help the group replenish its supplies; a link is available on the group’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/backpackpalspa).