Bermudian Springs school board moves to ban sexual content in student materials

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On Monday evening, the Bermudian Springs school board proposed a change to its Resource Materials Policy that would ban books that contain sexual content from district schools. The board also created a new committee to enforce the ban. The new policy would ban books that contain references to “sexual intercourse, masturbation, sadism, masochism, bestiality, fellatio,

Conewago Valley school board hears security, committee updates

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By Imari Scarbrough The Conewago Valley school board heard updates regarding its comprehensive planning process, elementary school buildings, safety upgrades and more during a regular meeting on Monday evening. Dr. Brad Sterner, the assistant superintendent and Title IX coordinator for the district, said he recently took on the role of interim acting principal at Conewago

Conewago Valley says goodbye to elementary school principal

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The Conewago Valley school board said farewell to one of its elementary school principals during the board meeting on Monday evening. The board also approved a list of field trips and professional development experiences for students and staff, and while the list ultimately passed, one board member had a religious concern. One of the field

Bermudian Springs welcomes 3 new board members

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By Imari Scarbrough The Bermudian Springs school board welcomed three new members during its reorganization meeting on Monday evening. The board held a caucus meeting closely followed by a regular voting meeting. During the caucus meeting, superintendent Shane Hotchkiss explained the agenda items in detail, giving the board time to preview the topics and ask

Conewago Valley school district adds 5 new board members

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The Conewago Valley school board welcomed five new members during its reorganization meeting on Monday evening. David T. Meckley and Meredith Miller (region one), Lindsay Krug (region two), and William Getz and April Swope (region three) were all sworn in as new members. Jeffrey Kindschuh was elected the board president while Eric Flickinger was voted

Conewago Valley school board accepts board member’s resignation

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By Imari Scarbrough The Conewago Valley School Board accepted the resignation of a board member on Monday evening. Luke Crabill, the former representative for region one, turned in his resignation effective Nov. 2, according to Superintendent Sharon Perry. Crabill’s term extends through early December 2025, and his interim successor will hold the spot through the

Bermudian Springs tables bathroom policy decision until after elections

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The Bermudian Springs school board tabled a hotly-debated proposed bathroom policy after hearing from proponents from both sides of the argument on Monday and Tuesday evening. During the three-hour-long caucus meeting, several area residents voiced concerns about the proposed policy, “Policy 711: Use of Facilities by Students.” The proposed policy defines facilities as: “Any restroom,

Conewago Valley discusses renovations, school safety updates

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The Conewago Valley school board received an update on its renovations and additions project during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Superintendent Sharon Perry said she has communicated with Crabtree, Rorhbaugh & Associates, an architectural design firm, about the current status of the designs. While the board has plans to work on other buildings in

Conewago Valley school board receives renovation, behavior program updates

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The Conewago Valley school board heard updates about the district’s plans for renovations and a newly-implemented positive behavior incentive system during its meeting on Monday evening. Superintendent Sharon Perry updated the board about the district’s eventual building renovations. Earlier this summer, the board decided against constructing new school buildings, opting instead to renovate and add

CVSD School Board discusses safety and security updates

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Conewago Valley School District took another step towards hiring a school security officer during the school board meeting on Monday evening. The board approved a job description for the school security officer (SSO). During the time for public comment, one individual questioned why the district would hire an SSO instead of looking into having police

New Oxford High School graduates its 2023 “stars”

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New Oxford High School seniors celebrated the end of their school career in a commencement ceremony on Thursday evening. Faculty, administration, and students reminisced on memories spanning from kindergarten through the graduates’ senior year and voiced optimism for the future. Principal Christopher Bowman said he was grateful for everything the seniors contributed to the district

Bermudian Springs High School celebrates graduation

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Seniors in Bermudian Springs School District celebrated their graduation ceremony on Thursday evening surrounded by friends, family, and supporters. During the ceremony, class president Amelia Peters thanked the school administration, faculty and staff, and students’ friends and families for their help. Peters noted that the students’ time at Bermudian Springs would help set the course

Berm proposes 5.56 percent tax increase

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The Bermudian Springs school board approved its preliminary budget on Tuesday, but the details of a potential tax increase are still uncertain. The preliminary budget sets a tax increase at the Act One Index of 5.6%, a millage rate increase equivalent to 13.1636 mills. The final budget will not be approved until June. At that

CVSD considers renovation options

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During a feasibility study on Monday, the Conewago Valley school board directed its superintendent and the architectural firm it has contracted with to further explore renovating its schools rather than building a new facility. The district will also look more deeply into an audience member’s suggestion to pursue a modified version of its renovation plan.

CVSD considers taxes

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The Conewago Valley school board eyed tax increases to cover budget shortfalls during its meeting on Monday evening. After reviewing the district’s finances and projected 2023-24 budget deficit, the board asked business manager Lori Duncan to bring more information about what a tax increase at the allowable index would look like. Duncan said the district

CVSD recalculates enrollment projections

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Community members expressed concern during a Conewago Valley School District meeting on Monday when district administration said a data point used for enrollment projections was mistakenly calculated. The corrected data is being run, and the district does not anticipate a large shift in projections. The school board held a back-to-back feasibility study and study session

Beth Farnham joins CVSD school board

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The Conewago Valley school board filled its vacant position on Monday evening following a 7-0 vote. Beth Farnham was sworn in prior to the meeting, pending approval of the school board. Farnham’s term will expire this year. Farnham replaces Tara Bolton, who resigned. Safety and communications Matthew Muller, director of district safety and communications, said

CVSD moves forward on feasibility study

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The Conewago Valley school board brought in additional experts for Monday’s study session in response to requests from the community. The district began working on a feasibility study with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates in 2021 to gather data and decide whether to renovate or replace buildings. In addition to some buildings being old and having

CVSD considers building updates

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Members of the Conewago Valley school community offered their feedback on possible district upgrades during a community forum on Monday as the school board continues to weigh options for building updates. The district began working with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates in 2021 to gather data and map possible scenarios. Four options are currently on the

CVSD board seeks new member as Bolton resigns

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The Conewago Valley school board is looking for a new member following the resignation of a board member on Monday. Tara Bolton, the former representative of Region Two, resigned effective Monday. The board approved Bolton’s resignation during its meeting Monday evening and immediately began discussing the process of finding someone to take her place. According

Despite concerns, Bermudian board members create and appoint themselves onto a new curriculum committee

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The Bermudian Springs school board created a curriculum committee during its meeting Tuesday evening following a long debate. The committee will act as another layer between the curriculum council and the broader school board. The board has spent other meetings debating whether to create the committee and what its purpose would be. During Tuesday’s meeting,

Harvest Chapel Church helps Bermudian School District

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The Bermudian Springs school board accepted a late holiday gift during the regular board meeting on Tuesday when a church paid for the district’s outstanding food service debt. The topic of the donation initially came up during the board’s caucus meeting on Monday. Justin Peart, the district’s business manager, said Harvest Chapel in Abbottstown offered

Berm elects Wool and Chubb

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The Bermudian Springs school board elected a president and vice president during back-to-back caucus and regular meetings on Monday evening. During the caucus meeting, the board reviewed the agenda for the shorter regular meeting. Soon afterwards, the board reelected Michael Wool as its president during the regular meeting. “Thank you, everyone,” Wool said. “It’s an

CVSD athletes prosper; Asst. Superintendent resigns

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After less than a year in the role, Conewago Valley’s assistant superintendent will resign to take a job elsewhere. During the school board meeting on Monday, the board approved Dr. Robert Walker’s resignation, effective at the end of the day on Feb. 16. Walker was given the job of assistant superintendent in Conewago Valley on

CVSD hires principal; honors students

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The Conewago Valley school board approved hiring a new principal during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Joshua Schaffer will begin working as the principal of New Oxford Middle School by Jan. 16, 2023 or once allowed by his previous employer, according to the board agenda. Schaffer will take the place of Matthew Muller, who

Berm addresses flags in classrooms

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Responding to the increased prevalence of flags (such as the intersex pride flag) being displayed in classrooms, The Bermudian Springs school board spent a long caucus meeting on Monday debating whether to make its existing flag policy stricter. The conversation was continued by members of the public during the board’s meeting on Tuesday. Board member

Bermudian parent expresses concerns about allergens

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A Bermudian Springs parent approached the school board on Tuesday evening demanding the district retrain its teachers after her child was allegedly exposed to allergens while in school in September. Sarah Nickey, a parent of a third-grade student, told the board last month that her child had to be treated at two hospitals after being

CVSD considers building updates

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The Conewago Valley school board discussed its ongoing feasibility study for replacing or updating buildings during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Superintendent Sharon Perry said the district should be prepared to have a feasibility study meeting with Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates next month. The district is comparing scenarios for updating its buildings. “We’re targeting

FASD honors staff; considers bathroom challenges

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Several community members addressed the Fairfield Area School board at its regular meeting on Monday Sep. 26 with concerns about the district’s bathroom policies. During the board’s regular meeting, board solicitor Gareth Pahowka gave a statement before public comment opened. “We understand there are some concerns about the district’s implementation of federally-mandated protections for transgender

FASD updates health and safety plan

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The Fairfield Area school board approved a mask-optional health and safety plan during its meeting on Monday evening. The board typically streams its meetings on its YouTube channel, but the audio during Monday’s meeting was difficult to understand in many places due to some distortion. Superintendent Thomas Haupt helped fill in the gaps. Haupt said

CVSD approves 2022-25 comprehensive plan; prepares for fall semester

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The Conewago Valley school board heard promising updates from administration and school leaders during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Administrators praised district staff for focusing on training and preparations for the upcoming school year over the summer. Christopher Bowman, principal of New Oxford High School, praised the custodial and office teams, saying the buildings

FASD hires new staff for 2022-23

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The Fairfield Area school board approved the hire of several more employees on Monday evening, helping put the district in a strong position to begin the 2022-23 school year. The board approved hiring a handful of new teachers, a middle school counselor, a part-time special education aide, a part-time office aid and a coordinator of

FASD holds its own amidst state teacher shortage

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While state officials are worried about Pennsylvania’s ongoing teacher shortage, school representatives in Fairfield Area School District say their district is in good shape. During the Fairfield school board’s meeting on Monday evening, the board focused on preparations for the 2022-23 school year. Superintendent Thomas Haupt told the board he hoped it would approve adding

Bermudian says “no” to new taxes

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By Imari Scarbrough The Bermudian Springs school board will not include any tax increases in its Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget following a close vote on Tuesday evening. The board discussed the pros and cons of including a tax increase in the budget, with concerns ranging from the problems of raising prices for residents on fixed

FASD looks forward

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The Fairfield Area school district is beginning the process of developing long-term plans for its curriculum, training, facilities and more. During the school board’s meeting on Monday evening, Superintendent Thomas Haupt gave a state of the district speech which also served as an opportunity for him to share his vision for the future. Haupt said

Fairfield Area High School graduates praised as “the future of our society”

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As the graduates of Fairfield Area High School prepared to accept their diplomas during their graduation ceremony on June 1, speakers focused on the students’ perseverance through the challenges of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Honey K. Strosnider, the class vice president, commended the students for their work and thanked the community that supported the students.

Bermudian seniors celebrate and reminisce during graduation ceremony

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As Bermudian Springs High School celebrated its graduation ceremony on Friday evening, seniors reminisced about their school years while contemplating what their futures might hold. During his speech, valedictorian Ethan Beachy fondly recalled his time at Bermudian Springs. “As a student throughout high school, middle school and even elementary school, I looked forward to the

New Ox seniors move on to conquer new worlds

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Although the weather was not auspicious during the ceremony, the futures of the New Oxford High School seniors who graduated on Thursday evening certainly are. Before the graduates accepted their diplomas, staff, faculty and fellow students reminded them that change is inevitable. The graduating seniors were encouraged to welcome change while never forgetting who they

FASD will address leadership turnover

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The Fairfield Area School District has a high turnover rate, but Superintendent Thomas Haupt says it’s his plan to fix it. Haupt, who began working at the district in January, said the high turnover rates occur largely in “very key leadership positions.” He pointed out that the special education supervisor will be the fourth in

CVSD proposes 4.6 percent tax increase

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The Conewago Valley School District has included a substantial tax increase in its proposed Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget. District Business Manager Lori Duncan said the district can balance its budget with a millage of 14.8525, representing a 4.6 percent increase from the current rate. The rate is the maximum allowed under the state’s Act 1

Bermudian proposes 4.7 percent tax hike

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The Bermudian Springs school board approved a preliminary budget for 2022-23 that includes a potential tax increase of 4.7 percent, the maximum allowed under the state’s Act 1 limitations. The millage rate would move from 12.4656 to 13.0514. The board unanimously agreed to the preliminary budget, and voted 7-2 on the potential tax increase. Board

FASD Proposes no new taxes in 2022-23

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No tax increases were included in the Fairfield Area School District’s proposed budget during the school board’s meeting on Monday evening. The board held two back-to-back meetings, first holding its regular meeting, then going into a budget work session. Tim Stanton, the district’s new business manager, presented the draft budget to the board. Stanton explained

FASD welcomes a new board and a new administrator

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The Fairfield Area School Board has unanimously approved former Fairfield teacher Lisa M. Sturges as a new board member. Sturges currently serves as a volunteer. She said her time as a teacher will contribute to her success as a board member thanks to her knowledge of the daily life of a teacher. She also praised

FASD still needs board member

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The Fairfield Area school board still has an empty seat as no one has yet applied for the position. During the school board’s meeting on Monday evening, Superintendent Thomas Haupt suggested advertising for the opening again, with a new deadline for applications set for noon Friday, April 22. If eligible applicants submit materials by the

Fairfield school board member resigns

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The Fairfield Area school board accepted the resignation of one of its members on Monday evening. Richard Phillip, a board member and PSBA legislative chairperson, resigned effective March 21, according to the board agenda. His resignation was unanimously approved along with the rest of the board’s consent agenda. No reason was given for Phillip’s resignation.

FASD honors Earl Shutt; seeks new hires

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The Fairfield Area School District may be able to select a new business manager soon, according to an update the school board received during its meeting on Monday evening. Superintendent Thomas Haupt told the board that the district is eyeing a replacement for Thomas Weaver, the district’s current business manager. The board approved Weaver’s planned

FASD responds to increased Covid cases

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Fairfield Area School District has increased its safety measures in an attempt to reduce transmission of the coronavirus as the district has experienced a significant increase in positive cases this year. During the school board’s meeting on Monday evening, Kristi Ebaugh, the district school nurse, said well over half of the district’s positive cases this

CVSD honors students; works to improve communication

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Conewago Valley School District will focus on improving its communication following the results of recent steering committee feedback for the district’s comprehensive plan, according to Superintendent Sharon Perry. Four goals were identified, but the top priority listed was communication. The committee was a “multiple stakeholder group,” according to Perry. “That definitely won the award for

FASD sticks with mask policies

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Two proposals to loosen or abolish mask requirements failed during the Fairfield Area school board meeting on Monday night. School board member Candace Ferguson-Miller made a motion to allow children with mask exemptions to continue to attend school without a mask after an in-school exposure to coronavirus. According to Kristi Ebaugh, the district school nurse,

Covid cases rise at FASD, creating serious illnesses and hindering class coverage and health screenings

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During its meeting Monday evening, the Fairfield Area school board discussed revisiting its health and safety plan as cases of the novel coronavirus continue to rise in Adams County. No changes to the plan were made during the meeting. Kristi Ebaugh, the district school nurse, said cases have risen in the district. Since November, three

CVSD Announces Planned Community Engagement

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Conewago Valley residents will have the opportunity to meet with the district superintendent during coffee talks scheduled through May. During the school board’s meeting on Monday evening, Superintendent Sharon Perry announced the dates of coffee talks she will hold to engage with the community. The events will be held in the district board room. The

Bermudian Springs approves mask exemptions

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One day before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw out the statewide mask mandate imposed by Pennsylvania’s acting health secretary, the Bermudian Springs School Board approved a mask exemption form. According to Superintendent Shane Hotchkiss, the form will remain on file for students even with the current mandate no longer in effect. The board approved the

FASD struggles on masks as Covid data and parents wishes point in opposite directions.

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The Fairfield Area School Board voted on Monday evening to make masks mandatory during times of ‘high’ or ‘very high’ COVID-19 transmission, even after the state mandate is discontinued. The board also welcomed its new members and held its annual reorganization meeting. Jack Liller, Kelly Christiano, Matthew DeGennaro, Candace Ferguson-Miller, Richard Phillip and Theodore Sayres

CVSD reorganizes, honors teachers and students, and approves new classes.

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Little changed during the reorganization meeting for the Conewago Valley School District on Monday evening. Five school directors were re-elected to the board. Michael Buckley, Luke Crabill, Eric Flickinger and Jeffrey Kindschuh were re-elected for four-year terms and Melanie Sauter was re-elected for a two-year term. Board member William Huffman, whose term does not expire

FASD discusses snow days; thanks its board members

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The Fairfield Area school board discussed the need to designate some vacation days as makeup days during the board’s meeting on Monday evening. Dr. Larry Redding, interim superintendent for the district, said no makeup days were listed when the calendar was developed. In the event of an expected closure, such as anticipated weather events, the

FASD seeks wresting coach amid staffing difficulties

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Like many school districts across the country, Fairfield Area School District is watching for staffing shortages and potential supply problems. So far, the district has been able to handle the challenges, department heads reported during the school board’s meeting Monday evening. William Mooney, district buildings and grounds supervisor, said that the district normally has five

FASD hires interim superintendent

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Fairfield Area School District welcomed an interim superintendent during the school board’s meeting on Monday evening. Dr. Larry Redding, former superintendent of the Gettysburg Area School District, will lead the district as the acting superintendent. Redding briefly addressed the board during the meeting and will begin work on Oct. 25. Redding will work through Feb.

Bermudian hears from the public about masks

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The Bermudian Springs school board heard from residents both for and against the mask mandate during the board’s meeting on Tuesday evening. About 41 minutes of the 52-minute meeting were devoted to public comment, most of which was focused on masks. Both students and adults presented their opinions, with some arguing against the mandate and

FASD faces TikTok vandalism, prepares for supply disruptions

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As small as Fairfield Area School District is, even it hasn’t escaped the “Devious Licks” challenge made famous on TikTok. William Mooney, district buildings and grounds supervisor, said that while issues have been minor, the district has faced some of the same frustrations of the TikTok challenge aggravating school leaders around the nation. The challenge

Bermudian Approves Mask-optional reopening plan for fall 2021; Thanks Rich Sterner for his service

The Bermudian Springs School District accepted the resignation of a member and approved a mask-optional health and safety plan during its regular meeting on Tuesday evening. During the 11-minute meeting, school board President Michael Wool read a letter from Rich Sterner resigning from his position as vice president of the board. “I am now no

CVSD honors retiring Principal Armacost; finds almost all students want to return to in-person learning in the fall

Dr. Ken Armacost, Conewago Valley Intermediate School principal for the past 16 years, will retire on June 30. Dr. Christopher Rudisill, superintendent of the Conewago Valley School District, said that Armacost has had a successful career leading the school. “It’s hard to believe that he’s been principal for 16 years,” Rudisill said. “He leaves a

Bermudian plans maskless full-time reopening this fall

Superintendent Shane Hotchkiss told the school board on Monday that to receive American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSR) funds, the district must make a health and safety plan. Hotchiss said the district had already begun making one when the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) provided a template. The plan must be

Bermudian leans toward no new taxes in 2021-22 budget

Bermudian Springs School District board members seemed to lean towards a zero-percent tax increase, though no vote was taken during the caucus meeting. Superintendent Shane Hotchkiss presented the board with five different scenarios (with potential increases set at 0%, 1.025%, 2.05%, 2.9%, and the Act One Index of 4.10%.) Several board members expressed support for

New Oxford High School celebrates its 109th commencement

New Oxford High School held its 109th graduation ceremony on May 28, marking the end of an unusual school year as New Oxford and other schools around the world have struggled to adapt to the novel coronavirus. Despite COVID-19, the school was able to hold its graduation ceremony with in-person attendance. Christopher Bowman, principal of

FASD delays budget vote; approves roof repair

The Fairfield Area School District board (FASD) voted unanimously on May 10 to award bids for contractors to begin roof work on the elementary and middle and high school. Following a discussion with William Mooney, district buildings and grounds supervisor, the board approved the contracts in its consent agenda. The awarded bids included $592,000 to

Bermudian Drafts a Preliminary 2021-22 Budget

The Bermudian Springs school board approved its tentative 2021-22 budget during its meeting on Tuesday evening. The approved budget included $33,177,119 in expenses and $31,241,993 in revenue. A tentative real estate tax rate of 4.1 percent or 12.9766 mills was included. The tax rates approved Monday cannot go up from the approved amount but could

CVSD Honors Students, Looks at 2020-21 Tax Increases

The Conewago Valley school board discussed possible tax increases for the 2021-22 budget during its regular board meeting on Monday evening. The board also reviewed challenges and successes as it wraps up the current school year and prepares for a new one. Six new teaching jobs were included in the 2021-22 budget, which has yet

Ignoring Recommendations of its Administrators, FASD School Board Votes to Reopen * Board member Rhonda Myers Retires

The Fairview Area School District board decided in a narrow 5-4 vote during its Monday meeting to have all grades return to school in-person and full-time beginning April 12. Treasurer Rhonda Myers, Secretary Lauren K. Clark, and board members Lashay Kalathas, Jack Liller and David Millstein voted for reopening the schools full-time while Board President

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