The Bethlehem Area School Board returned from a summer hiatus to routine but necessary matters Aug. 14. The board purchased Chromebooks and completed hiring 2023-24 staff during the special meeting.

Chief Facilities and Operations Officer Mark Stein summed up summer construction programs, including several HVAC projects, were on track to be complete Aug. 23. The Freedom HS roof has had its third year of repairs, but is going as well as expected with some weather delays.

Director Winston Alozie questioned the number of projects. Stein said a proactive maintenance and repair schedule is best. “Fix things before they break.”

Stein said keeping facilities working clean and safe is always the main goal of his yearly capital plan.

The Curriculum Committee also presented an update regarding the first completed year of the Fit for Life program. Entering its second year, the committee gave a process evaluation, rather than a program evaluation. The purpose of Fit for Life is to create a healthier and more active BASD community through more equitable access to opportunities in sports, exercise, nutrition and wellness education for BASD students. The 2022-23 year focused on elementary school students, primarily fourth and fifth graders.

The total intramural enrollment was 695 students (fall, winter and spring). Summer enrollment increased 37.5 percent from the previous summer. This included an increase in activities, such as the availability of a fitness trainer, weekly visits to city pools, trips to Liberty HS facilities, first aid classes and a one-week cycling program which included a visit to the Velodrome.

The 2023-24 year will feature skiing experiences at Blue Mountain Resort and ice skating at the Bethlehem Ice Rink. There will also be a five-week swim clinic. Fall basketball and spring soccer will also be added this year as MS intramural activities.