SMETHPORT — “As it stands now, we plan to continue with in-school instruction as long as we can.”
That was the word Tuesday from Smethport Area School District Superintendent David London in his report to the school directors at their monthly meeting.
In reaching this decision about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, London said the district had extensive discussions with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, school directors, administration and other districts.
“We’re doing pretty well,” London said. The district has had five minimal levels of COVID-19, two of whom were quarantined and released for return to school. One was a student at the Career and Technical Center. That leaves one student and one staff member.
Board President Dan Wertz said, “We’re doing our best to follow the Department of Health guidelines,” as he urged people to wear masks, wash hands and practice social distancing.
As an option to in-school instruction, parents may request distance learning for their children by contacting the respective school principal.
In votes on agenda items, directors approved a five-year transportation contract with C. L. McKeirnan Inc. This is the final school year of the current agreement. The new contract covers Aug. 21, 2021, through Aug. 26, 2026.
The board OK’d a memorandum of understanding with the Smethport Regional Youth Trap Team for the 2020-21 season, which outlines the guidelines for being affiliated with the school.
A second memorandum of understanding was with the McKean County Children and Youth Services in the Human Services Department regarding foster children transportation. Wertz, who is director of the department, abstained from this vote.
After approving to establish a special education aide’s position for the high school emotional support program, the board hired Linda Fetter to fill this position, effective Nov. 18.
In other business, the school board also:
*extended the Seamless Summer Option until June 30, 2021;
*approved updates to the district’s Health and Safety Plan and Athletic Health and Safety Plan;
*accepted a repository bid of $500 from Patricia Miller for property located at 18 King Road, Mount Jewett, as presented by the Tax Claim Bureau; and
*approved for the sale/discard list “my Math Materials,” K-6 math books.
