The final Bethlehem Area School District committee meetings for the 2023-24 school year took place June 10 and June 17.

Chief Facilities and Operations Officer Mark Stein reports that the Facilities Committee summer construction and renovation projects are all proceeding as scheduled. Bids were reviewed for consideration on sidewalks at Liberty, locker rooms at both HS, Stadium lights, and elevator service. These items will be voted on at the June 24 regular meeting.

The Fountain Hill project received a current timeline for the project and appropriate updates. The land development applications and approvals are being processed. The Borough of Fountain Hill is working closely with fire and police to determine the improvement of parent drop off location sand a longer bus drop off lane along Church Street. On sight parking, storm water run-- off and zoning applications are underway during this phase. A unique feature for this building will be a “green roof” This is a term used when referring to organic/earth/ natural products – plants, as part of the roof. Not only is it visibly pleasing but helps with water run-off. The request for bids will be published in Jan. 2025 during the next phase of project development.

The Curriculum Committee presented its end of year benchmark report for math and reading. Supervisor of STEM Rick Amato, and Supervisor of Literacy Kim Harper provided respective reports The Special Education model was also discussed as it has shown consistent individual growth when included in core instruction classrooms. BASD has exceeded state levels in success with this model. The objective is to integrate special education students into general classrooms for core studies. This is part of the continuum of services available for special education students.

The Committee also reviewed the ongoing issues with attendance and chronic absenteeism (18 days during one school year). Each building has intentional action plans to address chronic absenteeism when a student hits the 6-9 day point. This involves parent/teacher/student interventions. Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva states “ in some cases we are seeing a reversal”. Transportation, mental health, isolation, lack of personal engagement, food or housing insecurity, are reasons cited by parents that their students are not attending or wanting to be at school. Dr. Maureen Leesom reminded everyone that “it is important to be in school and this needs to be stressed to all children at all age levels.”

The Finance and Human resource committees met June 17. The Finance committee recommended that the board approve student (athlete) insurance from A-G Administrators with optional student accident insurance to be paid by the guardian or parent at a rate of $28 per year for schooltime coverage and $124 per year for 24 hour coverage. Other insurance matters included Property/liability, vehicle and workers comp.

Discussion regarding digital ticketing for sports events was discussed with specifAic interest expressed by Board Member Dr. Silagh White as to how this could be accessed for theater and arts programs as well.

Human Resource committee presented a power point with discussion regarding recruitment and retention. Chief Human Resource Officer Dr. John Burrus and Eric Fontanez presented several new means of reaching out to graduating teachers at schools within a 50 mile radius were discussed as well as through front line applications and by joining “Hand Shake” -a recruiting platform. As a business model the committee is trying to follow where they get the most responses for their recruitment dollars. They plan to expand visibility at hiring/ career fairs and a broader social media presence.

The committee also reviewed its annual school safety and security report as presented by BASD Coordinator of School Safety and Emergency Management Todd Repsher for 2023-24 . BASD is compliant with Act 55 requires all school employees receive 3 hours of safety instruction annually. These training include 2 hours de-escalation strategies and dealing with disruptive behaviors as well as student mental health awareness. An additional hour of in-person training includes threat awareness training and emergency training drills. SAFE to SAY program for middle school students provides a safe way for students to reveal knowledge of a threat to staff before harm is done. Other programs such as Start with Hello alerts students and staff to be aware of students/peers that are isolating or being loners. The most successful program is Handle with Care in conjunction with the United Way oversees the S2S anonymous tip line and notify appropriate school personnel. It is a pro-active way to monitor students going through a difficult time.