The Blue Mountain School Board met Jan. 27 and approved having K & W Designing Environments complete additional requirements set forth by the state for the Elementary West project.
PennDOT is requiring roadway improvements consisting of improving/replacing the entrance and exit drives along Route 443, signage improvements and shoulder widening. The cost of the additional work, not included in the original bid, is estimated to be between $60,000 and $70,000.
The board approved a set amount of the net construction funds be obtained from bonds for the completion of the Elementary West project in the amount of $6.5 million. Any funds exceeding $6 million shall be used solely for capital and/or structural expenditures at Elementary West. Any unused funds are to be used on other capital and/or structural projects in the district.
In other business, administrators made presentations to school board members in honor of School Director Recognition Month. Superintendent Dr. David Helsel, Kristin Frederick, and Katie Hubiak presented the awards.
Grants approved
A $500 grant was approved from the Snayberger Memorial to be used to support the Trauma Informed Initiative in the district. Also approved was the contribution of $1,500 to support physical activity and healthy eating from Capital Blue Cross.
Personnel
The following employees have submitted requests to retire effective at the end of the school year: Mary Ella Hallick, BMEW first grade teacher, Cynthia Murray, BMEE guidance counselor, and Diane Kerchner, BMEW/BMEC Title I teacher.
The board accepted the resignation of district Technology Director Andrew Diehl. Austin Siple will return to oversee technology in the district as an independent contractor for AR Technology Solutions. A significant portion of this contract is being funded through an E-RATE grant.
Curriculum
The board approved the high school course guide for 2022-23. Students will still follow the Career Academy program already being used by the high school. Changes to the guide include additional college-level courses
The board also approved the school calendar revisions for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. Changes include the addition of in-school days on Feb. 28, Mar. 18 and Mar. 21. These days are snow make-up days. The last day of school remains set at June 3, 2022.
COVID policy update
Students are no longer required to wear masks in the buildings. In addition, the board has approved the following policy change: Students who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home for a minimum of five days. Day 0 is the day you started symptoms or the day you tested positive if you had no symptoms. Isolation can end after five days if symptoms are resolving or gone, but it is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask for days 6-10 when around other people. If after five days you still have symptoms such as a fever or persistent cough, you must continue to isolate until symptoms resolve.
Future meetings
The next Committee of the Whole meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 17 at the middle school and the regular board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 24 at the middle school.
Source: Berkshire mont
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