NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Responding to the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Redbank Valley School Board held their April work session and regular monthly meeting by video conference. With no more than the usual technological glitches, the board conducted their business successfully. Interested community members logged in as well. Thirty-nine people, including board members and staff, logged into Monday evening’s regular meeting.

The effectiveness of conducting classes without classrooms was the focus of Monday evening’s meeting. Student participation is critical, as student grades for the remainder of the school year will be determined by the remote learning. Both school principals, Mrs. McCauley and Mrs. Rupp reported that they have been able to contact and connect with almost all students. Mrs. McCauley said that they had not reached “about 10” primary and intermediate students. All other students were either doing lessons online or through paper lesson packets from the schools. From what she can tell, the remote learning is off to a good start.

High school principal Amy Rupp reported that her staff had reached all the high school students and that it seemed like most were already doing school work online. Mrs. Rupp told the assembly that she was working on hosting the National Honor Society induction ceremony online later in April. She said that this was an attempt to maintain some semblance of normalcy for the students.

High school principal Amy Rupp reported that her staff had reached all the high school students and that it seemed like most were already doing school work online. Mrs. Rupp told the assembly that she was working on hosting the National Honor Society induction ceremony online later in April. She said that this was an attempt to maintain some semblance of normalcy for the students.

Director Jason Barnett asked if the district had enough Chromebooks for all the students who may not have home computers. Mrs. McCauley answered by saying that this is one of the things that they are working on; to ensure online access for all students. She said that some primary and intermediate students had connectivity issues trying to use iPhones and iPads. Apparently, there are compatibility problems between Apple and Windows based programs. She said that the school was offering Chromebooks to these families. She also said that there are a lot of the Chromebooks in the district that the schools can deploy if the need arises.

Mr. Barnett suggested that the Board could transfer monies within the budget if the district needs to buy more Chromebooks. He said that there will be savings in expenses, having the buildings closed, and that the district can redirect money if the need arises.

Director Chad Shaffer asked if the administration was confident that there was enough effort to reach special needs students. Director of Special Education Justin Karam assured Dr. Shaffer that his people have made every effort to reach all special needs students. Dr. Shaffer asked if it was going to be necessary to develop “proof” of attempting to reach every student. Mr. Karam and Dr. Mastillo had no answers for this, as PDE has not issued guidelines.

Dr. Mastillo reported that taking into consideration snow make-up days and online classes, the last day of school for students will be June 2nd and the last day for teachers will be June 3rd. He also reported that he is consulting with legal consul regarding bus contracts. Guidelines from PDE conflict with Federal guidelines, creating confusion that could have negative financial impact on the bus companies.

Director Dr. Shaffer asked if the Board would have to approve 2 preliminary budgets to reflect the difference in revenue depending on the tax referendum vote in June. After discussion, the Board decided to approve two preliminary budgets. They also decided to hold a special Board meeting on April 23 for the purpose of reviewing the two budget options.

In other business, the Board members approved a Resolution to Furlough Employees for Economic Reasons. The Board also approved an amended school calendar for the remainder of this school year.

ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district