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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

BASD reduces planned in-person attendance

In a sharp reversal of plans announced July 14 to have “all students returning at some levels, in some grades,” Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy revealed just 10 days later that nearly all students will be limited to two days of in-person attendance.

Additionally, all students from kindergarten through grade 12 will be required to wear masks all day, except for designated “mask breaks.” In response to questions from the Press, the superintendent’s office noted, “Some special needs students, depending on the degree of special needs, will be in school [five days per week].”

BASD released a video and a letter (https://www.basdschools.org/reopening) explaining the dramatic changes to the expectations of parents, 80 percent of whom, when surveyed in June, responded that they would feel comfortable with their children returning to school.

“Our conclusion is that moving from online learning to full open, in-person learning is too great a risk to take when the health of our students, faculty, staff and families are at stake,” the letter reads. “Evidence” is mentioned to support the conclusion that “dividing students into two groups, each of which comes to school two days per week, substantially decreases infection risk in comparison to all students attending school every day”; however, no specific study or evidence is cited.

The local decision-making authority of the school district appears to have been commandeered by the Pa. Dept. of Health: Dr. Roy’s office confirmed to the Press that “Secretary [of Health Levine] and Governor [Wolf]’s order on July 16 has influenced the district’s decision.”

The public schools of BASD serve roughly 14,000 students in 16 elementary (K through 5) schools, four middle (grades 6 through 8) schools, and two high schools.

The Diocese of Allentown is currently updating its reopening plans. Director of Communications Matt Kerr said a press release will provide more information during the week of July 27.