Chief Facilities and Operations Officer Mark Stein explaining the district’s partnership with the Transpar Group Feb. 7, outlining its goals and accomplishments in the district’s huge transportation needs during the pandemic.

Despite its successes, several board members expressed concerns that extracurricular activities and field trips are being limited because of the driver shortage. The board is entering into an agreement with Atlas Transportation services for supplemental vehicles that can be used for smaller runs and activities, and do not require CDL drivers.

Stein and Freedom HS principal Laurie Sage proposed to re-purpose the 55-year-old planetarium into a multi-purpose wellness center, consolidating multiple locations throughout the building. Sage said the planetarium is in much need of renovation and is really outdated. A wellness center, in this location, would offer students privacy in individual meetings as well as space for group activities.

Another proposed re-purposed project is the library. This would become an immersive learning center. Immersive learning is an educational method in which students feel like/become part of the event that is happening. It uses virtual reality to simulate real-world experiences. Board director Dr. Karen Beck Pooley said, “Single-use space is now obsolete – space needs to be flexible and be capable of serving several needs.”

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Dr. Jack Silva later gave the mid-year academic update, focusing on how severely the pandemic affected current grades 1, 2, 3. reading ability. BASD’s goal is that all students be proficient readers by third grade. Results showed that second and third graders averaged 10 points lower than pre-COVID years. Silva said this year’s second graders have experienced the most scholastic disruption, as their schooling began with the pandemic. The survey also showed higher need schools had greater setbacks, being disproportionate to schools in more affluent neighborhoods.

Administrator for Secondary Teaching and Learning Maureen Leeson reviewed the results of a survey provided to all stakeholders regarding the grading system, in which parents had expressed concern over this and carry-over homework practices. Concerns were expressed that grades were point driven and not necessarily based on what was learned. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy said the new system will report “where the student is now, not three months ago.”

Roy also updated the district’s COVID numbers, which are dropping, and said the district is considering the switch to making masks optional instead of mandatory. At the next school board meeting Roy expects to bring the board an updated response plan making masking optional. Recommendations from the Bethlehem Health Bureau, and St. Luke’s Hospital Network will be strongly considered when updating this plan.