In recognition of School Director Recognition Month, Superintendent Shane Hotchkiss gave the board members certificates from the district and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. He encouraged community members to show their appreciation to the board.
“A quality public education is a key that can open doors of opportunities for many students,” Hotchkiss said, saying board members as well as parents, faculty and staff are all critical to students’ success.
Hotchkiss said board members take on “challenging” work when they agree to serve the district.
“School directors volunteer numerous hours monthly, which includes adopting policy, voting on budgets, approving curriculum changes and reviewing hiring decisions, to name a few,” Hotchkiss said. “They take time to learn about the issues affecting public education and to seek innovative solutions.”
Board President Michael Wool echoed his thoughts.
“I, too, want to thank each and every one of you for the time that you’ve given up for not just our schools, our kids and our community, but for everyone that’s involved here at Bermudian,” Wool said.
Hotchkiss also voiced his appreciation for those who have helped the district move into the new middle school building. He acknowledged that the move came during a challenging time.
“As we’re navigating to move into a new school, our administrative team has really continued to hold down the fort on a daily basis and navigate the challenges of Covid, from contact tracing to communicating with families and talking with kids and investigating,” Hotchkiss said. “And trying to work through substitutes that has been challenging, certainly now – substitutes from classrooms to buses… it’s been a lot on our administrative team.”
Hotchkiss said the combination of issues and move has set a “grueling pace” in recent months.
The board voted to donate $950 to the Bermudian Springs Sports Club. The money was originally designated to be paid to a concession stand manager but since the position has remained empty, the salary has remained unused, according to the board agenda.
There were no scheduled delegations or speakers during the time for public comment.
The board will meet for a class on school law on Feb. 16.
The next regular board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8 in the district board room. Meetings are also streamed live through the district’s YouTube channel.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.