The Bethlehem Area School District Curriculum Committee announced Jan. 9 the creation a Memorandum of Agreement between the Bethlehem Area School District and the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley to establish youth outreach coordinators at Liberty and Freedom high schools.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva said the coordinators will create and implement school-based activities that will assist high schoolers to overcome obstacles, focus on their education and, ultimately, succeed as adults. The program will assist youth as they prepare to enter the workforce.

The committee is also encouraging the board to proceed with an agreement with Marker Learning to conduct K-12 psychoeducational evaluations in the area of special education and gifted education. This will assist the district to meet state timelines. Services will be paid through ACCESS and general operating budget funds due to staff vacancies.

The committee also reviewed BASD sports medicine resources in the aftermath of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsing on the field from cardiac arrest. The district’s sports medicine contract is with St. Luke’s University Hospital, and Senior Network Administrator for Sports Medicine Relations John Hauth answered questions regarding CPR and the use of portable defibrillators. He reassured the board that coaches, athletic trainers and EMTs are available for health emergencies and training in CPR. He said it is very important to reinforce knowledge of CPR and the need for rehearsals to practice these skills to avoid panic when faced with a real situation. Trainers and coaches should initiate conversations with EMTs and police to integrate emergency actions, and all athletic trainers, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists and rehabilitation facilities are prepared and trained to deal with emergency situations.

Board members Dr. Karen Beck-Pooley and Dr. Silagh White said health emergency protocols and procedures for students participating in all activities should be reviewed. “Heart attacks are not limited to athletes; heart attacks can happen anywhere and all students need to be considered if the need arises.”

The Facilities Committee continued discussing renovations to Fountain Hill, Thomas Jefferson and William Penn elementary schools. Beck-Pooley encouraged the community to share insights and give feedback on ideas regarding school improvements, specifically for these three schools.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at East Penn MS.