June 12 the Bethlehem Area School Board Curriculum meeting started off with recognizing and awarding four students who participated in the Steel workers Scholarship program. This program is unique to Bethlehem as the focus of the student’s essays is on the steel industry in Bethlehem.

The meeting continued with Chief Facilities and Operations Officer Mark Stein. He explained the pre-design, design and site survey and topographical studies that are part of the process for Fountain Hill ES construction project. Target completion is 2027. Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy explained that the board will be reviewing and voting on each step of the process.

“The pre-design and design authorization is the very first steps of this process,” he said.

Board President Michael Fascinetto added, “This is a large capital project that will benefit the students and the community.”

Discussion items included the BASD Success Team. The Success Team concept is teachers coaching teachers to maximize their joint knowledge to improve student outcomes. It also facilitates teacher growth through collaborative decision-making, specific targeted decision-making, use of data and teacher reflection.

Another discussion topic was the Framework categories and classifications of student misconduct as well as the disciplinary action sequence.

The board discussed Policy 130 regarding homework. This policy was first adopted in 2004. Much of the language needed to be updated and greater sensitivity expressed regarding home environments. The policy changes convey the importance of homework reinforcing classroom learning.

Lastly, the board discussed the purchase of curriculum for the 2023-24 school year. The board specifically talked about purchasing reading material for K-6 from Acadience, and 7-8 from Voyager Sopris. They also talked about purchasing Lexia Power up Literacy from Lexia Learning Systems.

A special meeting June19th finalized and adopted the 2023-24 budget. The next regular school board meeting will be June 26.