On July 23, during a special school board meeting held via Zoom, a revised school calendar was proposed for the 2020-2021 school year. The updated version adjusted the start date for students from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3.

The change accommodates orientation for fifth graders who will be entering Salisbury Middle School in the fall as part of the district reconfiguration.

Associate Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten responded to a question regarding students from the now closed Western Salisbury Elementary School who would like to tour their new school, by explaining virtual and video tours will be utilized wherever possible in an effort to restrict the number of visitors in and out of school district buildings.

In addition to allowing for the orientation of fifth graders, two additional days before resuming instruction would provide further professional development for staff. This allotted training time would support educators who will be engaging in newly blended in-person and virtual learning. In addition, staff will receive guidance for adapting their classrooms for health and safety protocols currently under review by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

New board member Rebecca Glenister inquired about the ease of returning to school for one day and then leaving for a 4-day Labor Day weekend. Others on the board concurred while it seems strange, the practical element of returning for one day only before a long weekend would allow a run-through of new procedures and protocols before returning the following Tuesday when instruction could begin in earnest.

The new school schedule received board approval.

The board also approved one personnel change for the district: the building transfer of Matthew Tobias from a position as a full-time eighth grade Social Studies and ESL teacher at Salisbury Middle School and Salisbury High School to a full-time eighth grade Social Studies and ESL teacher at Salisbury Middle School.

The final order of business was to discuss the proposed name change for Harry S Truman Elementary School.

While members of the board seemed happy to accommodate a name change, concerns about the cost of implementing such a change have risen in the community. After discussion surrounding the finer details of what a name change for the elementary school building would entail, the issue was put to a vote and the new name of Salisbury Elementary School passed unanimously.

Now that the new name has officially been accepted, the board will work to put together next steps for the implementation of a new identity for the district’s singular elementary school.