Masks optional at Bethel Park School District, for now
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Masks are optional at Bethel Park School District for the time being.
Several motions made at Tuesday night’s board meeting requiring masks for all individuals entering the buildings regardless of vaccination status failed with the closest chances for approval being a 4-4 vote.
Board president Pamela Dobos, vice president Jim Modrak, Ken Nagel and Vince Scalzo voted in favor of masks. Barry Christenson, Connie Ruhl, Darren McGregor and Russ Spicuzza dissented. Kim Walsh Turner was absent.
Votes were done electronically and who voted what was not announced at the meeting. However, it was noted on the online agenda.
“I want to keep kids in school,” Dobos said. “I think that’s the most important thing … It’s been shown that kids have to be in school in order to learn and have the best opportunity to further their education.
“I’ve read so many articles and so many scientific documents that show masking does work. It has worked throughout hospitals. It has worked for medical professionals. I also know that because of the masking that we had last year that flu and respiratory illnesses were on the decrease.”
Other board members disagreed and said masks were not as effective as some made them out to be.
Other amendments to the district’s health and safety plans failed 2-6 with Dobos and Nagel voting in favor of masks.
Motions were made following lengthy discussions including about three hours of public comment.
Parents had the option to speak in person, email or call in to voice their concerns about mask-wearing.
District communications director James Cromie said responses were passionate and about even.
The more than four-hour meeting was posted to YouTube. However, the one-camera view at least eight rows back from the stage made it difficult to see who was speaking.
Some audience members who spoke up said student masks should be a parental choice, while others cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
Board discussion and motions begin shortly after the 3-hour mark.
Emails and phone calls to school board members Wednesday night were not immediately returned.
The health and safety plan that was approved earlier this year states face coverings will be optional unless mandated by order of the state Secretary of Health, the governor or other governing authority.
Gov. Tom Wolf last month that he was not considering a statewide mask mandate or mandating masks in K-12. His administration did recommend schools follow federal guidance on mask-wearing.
A special board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 23 at the high school to further discuss the health and safety plan.
In other news, students at Independence Middle School and the high school will receive new electronic learning devices while elementary students will be introduced to a new hands-on science program.
The district is partnering with the National Math & Science Initiative to enhance Bethel Park’s advanced placement math, science and humanities courses.
“We are very excited about some of our new programs and learning tools and we cannot wait to share them with our students,” Cromie said.
The district added a co-coordinator of curriculum and instruction K-12.
Mandi Figlioli will be working with fellow curriculum coordinator Elizabeth Wells.
“I look forward to fostering a learning culture that celebrates creativity and prioritizes innovation,” Figlioli said.
The first day of school is set for Tuesday, Aug. 24. There are roughly 4,000 students enrolled in district schools for the 2021-22 year.
More information about school district activities is available at bpsd.org.