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BELLWOOD -- The Bellwood-Antis School Board met with in-person public access for the first time Tuesday since the Feb. 1 Committee of the Whole Board meeting that resulted in charges against some members of the public.
The board held its most recent public meetings virtually for safety and security reasons, officials previously said.
The board approved a variety of motions, including updating the health and safety plan. Anyone testing positive must stay home for five days following symptom onset or positive test results, regardless of vaccination status. If symptoms are resolving, individuals may return to school but must wear a mask for five additional days. Close contacts will be expected to wear a mask for five days following exposure, according to board documents. Students are no longer required to wear masks on district transportation and are no longer required to get temperature checks.
During his superintendent's report, Thomas McInroy said the calls for PSSA and Keystone score results to be released early could be used for political motives for the upcoming primary election.
"We've been talking about learning loss," McInroy said. "And it's not just us, it's the entire nation. And they want to use those scores as fodder to help promote whoever's running for whatever office."
He also said the district purchased a software package that helps comply with individual background clearances and sends reminders for updates to the person and the district, allowing officials to keep track of who is up to date.
Board members also discussed replacing the clocks in district buildings. Board member Seth Sager questioned the amount being spent and whether or not the clock updates were necessary.
McInroy explained that the clocks keep everyone on the same schedule. He said if the clocks are not in sync, students may end up standing in the hallway unattended and personnel members who work in different parts of the building may not arrive on time to where they are needed.
"It's making sure that we have the kids ready to go whenever they're supposed to be out the door,"
McInroy said.
He added that the clocks are necessary for standardized tests where students refer to the clock to pace themselves and develop time management skills.
"The clocks are integral to what we use within the school," he said, adding that he's been in education for 34 years and has never been in a school that didn't have clocks. The board approved the motion to pay Bettwy Systems $38,211, a price that was lower than previous estimates, for the updates.
The board discussed the teacher shortage and how it was impacting the district. Middle School Principal Donald Wagner said it continues to be a problem and that he was needed to help cover classes. Myers Elementary Principal Matt Stinson echoed Wagner's concerns and shared that the elementary school should have enough substitutes in May because of its eight student teachers. He said schools have been leaning on retired teachers to fill substitute roles.
"Without the retired teachers, we'd be in trouble," McInroy said.