Aided by Saucon Valley School District Supervisor of Technology Michael Hanssen April 14, more substantive business was conducted than during the previous school board meeting, due to the board’s increased experience meeting remotely.

Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler addressed the board first, providing an update on the district’s online learning platforms, Seesaw and Schoology. He noted the drastic increase over time in items posted and interaction with both students and parents on these platforms over the last three weeks. “This morning, when I went into the MS math class, I thought the teacher did an outstanding job,” he said, praising the faculty’s efforts in this challenging new virtual learning environment. He also addressed the distribution of devices issued to their youngest pupils, children in grades K-2, noting that they help to “(ease) the tension in their homes in terms of the young ones working on phones or sharing multiple devices.” He thanked Technology Supervisor Michael Hanssen in particular for “expediently” getting the devices into the hands of the students who need them.

James Colbert, a teacher in the district, joined the meeting to express concern over the proposed calendar for the 2020-21 school year. “I’m a little concerned that, starting as early as we are, based on how the quarantine has rolled back, we might be putting a date in there that we can’t keep,” he said. The first day for teachers on the proposed calendar would be Aug. 19, while students would begin classes the following week on the 24th. This would also push the last day of classes for students up to June 4, which some members indicated would be historically early, raising concerns about the Vo-Tech schedule in particular, as the calendar would not be in line with that of the Bethlehem Area School District, which plans to both start and end a week later than Saucon Valley. Sandra Miller in particular expressed her displeasure with the proposed calendar, saying “It doesn’t make sense compared to what we’ve done in the past… it’s not a family-friendly calendar.”

Colbert also expressed concern over the stress that the faculty has been experiencing while trying to adapt to a “new normal” of virtual learning, juggling their professional responsibilities with their personal lives. He elaborated, “I think the longer we can push (the starting date) off, the more likely we are to actually start on the day that we set out.” Butler did respond, stressing that the calendar is considered “tentative.” “I am recommending this calendar based on what we know now … No one can predict what will happen in the next four months,” Butler said when asked by board Vice President Susan Baxter. He touted the calendar’s “flexibility” and indicated that it could be revisited at a later date. Ultimately, the measure passed by a vote of 7-2 , with Miller and Shawn Welch voting no.

The board also unanimously approved the proposed graduation date of June 5 for the Class of 2020. Quite a bit of uncertainty still exists regarding what that might look like. High school Principal Tamara Gary joined the meeting, indicating that the printing of diplomas and distribution of the traditional caps and gowns are delayed, but will be happening. Dr. Butler indicated that they were discussing “virtual” options for a ceremony “should the restrictions not change between now and June 5, we’re zeroing in on options that would be very honoring and distinguishing for our seniors.”

The board also voted to extend the contract of Butler through September 2022 by an 8-1 vote, the lone objector being Michael Karabin. Regarding the approval of his continued employment by the district, Butler expressed his gratitude by saying, “I appreciate the board furthering this opportunity for me. It’s a pleasure to lead this district.”