Chief Facilities and Operations Officer Mark Stein Feb. 3 reported to the school board the annual lead in the drinking water study. Samples are taken from individual drinking water sources and sent for analysis. Stein said two schools had deficiencies below the state required level of 15 parts per billion. Those schools and the water source are; one water fountain at Thomas Jefferson ES and one fountain at East Hills MS. Temporary alternative water is provided until the fountains are replaced.

Bethlehem Athletic Directors Fred Harris of Liberty HS and Nate Stannard from Freedom HS presented an overview of their athletic programs. The newest programs are boys/girls indoor track, girls wrestling and boys/girls indoor lacrosse.

Both schools have seen a decrease in cross country, field hockey and softball at the middle school level. Both directors agreed that even with the increase in programs they are seeing the same number of participants, and fewer multisport athletes. The Fit for Life program that fifth and sixth graders participate in is one way Bethlehem is exposing 10-year-olds to sports.

Assistant Superintendent Maureen Leeson presented the mid-year benchmark reports. These reports are presented three times a school year for both reading and math. Each grade level is rated against the prior benchmark as well as the previous year’s comparable benchmark.

Elementary levels are above the expected grade levels, meaning they are accomplishing tasks above what is expected for their grade. Reading statistics were provided by Kimberly Harper and math statistics provided by Rick Amato. These numbers help teachers fine tune teaching methods as well as focus on specific themes in curriculum.