The April 13 Saucon Valley School Board meeting, which was the second to be held in the high school auditorium since approval of a return to in-person meetings in March, saw discussion on returning students for the fourth quarter, as well as the 2021-22 school year. The meeting was also, as always, broadcast live via the district’s YouTube channel.

Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler praised administrators for their help in bringing back 50 students, most at the elementary level. These students were among those who were participating in the district’s Cyber Academy due to COVID-19 and chose to return for the final quarter of the 2020-21 school year. “Classrooms seemed much more populated and you can feel the difference in the building,” Butler said.

Board Vice President Dr. Shamim Pakzad suggested the district make a concerted effort to bringing back the approximately 15 percent of students who have yet to return to in-person classes for the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.

“Ms. Vlasaty and I have spoken about putting together a ‘re-invitation’” for these students, Butler said, and he promised a “robust” attempt would be made at reminding students and their families of their option to return. “It’s important to keep some flexibility as well,” Butler added. “Not every family will be comfortable, regardless of where we’re at in the fall, with returning. How we can provide that flexibility” is a discussion that’s already underway, he said.

Board member Sandra Miller, who again attended the meeting virtually, along with Tracy Magnotta, while the rest of the board was present in-person, raised concerns regarding physical distancing measures inside classrooms if and when they become fully-occupied again.

“Are we able to go closer to 100 percent, everyone back, at three feet?” she asked. Butler affirmed these plans, and Miller added, “That’s going to be a decision for people to make. Right now they’re comfortable because they know there are only 80-85 percent of people in the room.” She suggested nailing down protocols and precautions as soon as possible to help families determine their plans for the fall.

There was also some debate regarding the nomination of a Saucon representative to the Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 Board for a three-year term beginning July 1. Miller is the board’s current representative and is serving as the IU’s vice president, and said she has just been nominated for a second term.

Board member Michael Karabin initially nominated fellow member Bryan Eichfeld for the position, which Eichfeld accepted. Miller also indicated that she would like to stay on, saying, “In the past, I don’t think anyone who wanted to stay on was replaced” unless they requested so.

Board member Cedric Dettmar said, “Certainly, Bryan would do an outstanding job at the IU, but I would agree with Sandra. I don’t feel comfortable deposing someone who’s been doing a decent job for the school board from a position they want to retain.” Tracy Magnotta expressed her agreement with Dettmar.

Karabin countered, “The only reason I suggested it is because, this board here… suggests we move around and give everybody a chance to serve in different organizations.” He claimed the suggestion came “a year (or) two years ago.” Eichfeld added, “I’ve always had an interest in the IU because of my dealings with my son.”

The board ultimately voted 6-3 to appoint Eichfeld rather than retain Miller.