All was quiet at the Oct. 26 Blue Mountain School Board meeting until a proposed social and emotional learning program came up for a vote.
Residents questioned the board for more than 30 minutes regarding concerns that the district program may be influenced by critical race theory, an issue that is coming up in school districts nationwide.
Dr. Frank Musitano, assistant superintendent and director of pupil services, assured attendees that social and emotional learning (SEL) and critical race theory (CRT) are not connected in any way.
“We are not engaging in CRT, “ Musitano said.
Musitano went on to say teachers have been reporting an increasing number of outbursts and aggression in the classroom due to various stressors. Being trauma-informed helps the teachers to help the students get through difficult times, he said.
Board member David Lafko said the board has supported and talked about this program for the past two years, though it was previously referred to as a trauma informed program.
Residents share concerns
Dawn Cooper, a candidate for the school board, spoke of her concerns that SEL is CRT in disguise.
“Do we know why people are relating SEL to CRT?” she asked.
“No idea,” replied Vesay. “It is so unrelated. It has nothing to do with race, it has nothing to do with gender. It has to do with our fight or flight response to stress.”
“What strings are attached when we apply for the ESSERS grant (federal emergency funding for schools), parent Megan Meisner asked. “If we take this money, what are we committed to? I believe this happened earlier when we had to sign an attestation for the prior grant money.”
“The only thing we need to do is track where we spend the money and that it is spent equitably amongst our students,” Superintendent Dr. David Helsel replied.
“I’ve never heard of this SEL, and as parents we are all on high alert considering what’s happening nationwide, Meisner said. “I think there are specific things that are happening in other places, and we’re worried that it will happen here.”
Parents asked for a clearer explanation of the program.
Gwen Witmer-Belding, director of elementary and secondary education, said at the board’s Oct. 21 meeting that the funding to promote social and emotional health will help with the trauma-informed care program the district has been working on for the past year.
Funds from the grant can be used toward digital textbooks, laptops, improved air conditioning and ventilation, after-school learning and summer readiness programs. Witmer-Belding said only a small portion of the grant would be used for SEL.
“We have a trauma informed expert, Jeanne Elberfeld , MD, LSW, who will be working very closely with our district to help our teachers to understand what trauma does to the human body, especially in children,” board president Michelle Vesay said.
Vesay has been instrumental in developing the program and has worked with Elberfeld and offered to organize a meeting with her and those interested in learning more.
The board authorized the administration to submit an ESSERS grant application for $2.3 million after all comments were heard. The amount addresses three goals: the social and emotional health of students and staff: learning loss especially within the reading subgroups; and increased access to remote learning.
Youth survey
Becky Miller, parent of a high school student, shared concerns about the youth survey questionnaire being sent out to students. The PA Youth Survey is being administered to sixth-, eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students, and the results will be sent to the superintendents of participating districts.
“The questions were very intrusive, and it circumvents parents,” Miller said. “Students are being instructed to talk with school counselors or trusted adults about problems that they have, but why aren’t parents included?”
Witmer-Belding agreed but said the questions are part of a program sponsored by the state Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Department of Education, and Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. Students may opt out of the questionnaire. Data used from the survey is used by the state to provide funding for many of the programs in the district.
Other business
The board approved a change order in the amount of $15,706 for playground equipment at the new elementary school. A change order in the amount of $7,445 was approved for backstop height adjuster equipment. David Lafko and Scott Reichert opposed the motion.
Writs of execution were approved for two properties for unpaid real estate taxes. Once authorized, the district will take the property at 220 Maple Blvd. and 640 Stony Run Road, North Manheim Township, to sheriff’s sale to recover the delinquent property tax amounts.
The board approved an Affiliation Agreement between East Stroudsburg University and the district to provide ESU students practical and student-teaching experience.
Board members Anne Usuka and Herman Fligge were honored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association for their eight years of service as school directors. PSBA recognizes school board members of member districts for completing two or more four- year terms.
Personnel
The board accepted a letter of resignation from Danielle Detwiler as BMEC 4th grade teacher. Tiffany Kaledas was approved as probationary part-time BMEW special education aide, and Linda Wagner was approved as probationary part-time cafeteria employee at the BMEE.
Ashley Devlin, Jennie Adams, Emily DiTomo, Shawna Frey and Michelle Aungst were approved for regular employment status after having completed their 60-day probationary status.
The board accepted the resignation of Zachary Scheffler as assistant wrestling coach and Melissa Bubeck as assistant musical director. Bubeck will be replaced by Amanda Johns.
Source: Berkshire mont
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