A recent spate of derogatory social media comments prompted the new Littlestown Area School District (LASD) Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Mitzel, to create a security presence at some school events. At last Monday’s school board meeting, he addressed the issue, saying that negative comments and personal attacks on social media have increased in the last weeks.
“Let it be known and be certain to understand that the administration and board leadership unilaterally do not condone any personal attacks, derogatory comments, or attempts to demean or diminish anyone in any manner,” he said.
Mitzel, who began his position on Oct. 1, said he hoped the individuals responsible would stop “sowing seeds of negativity” and remove any and all intimidating, threatening, demeaning, and discriminatory statements posted against others. “In light of this and because of the awareness we have increased security,” he said, adding that there was a security presence at Monday’s meeting that would also be provided at other meetings.
Littlestown resident Susanne Johnson said the attacks, which are aimed at herself and board member Duane Sullivan, have been going on for about a year but picked up after the two began using devices to record and then post school board meeting audio files.
“I believe it is important to hear and see everyone to distinguish who is speaking, see who is having side conversations, observe facial expressions and body language, and watch what public officials are doing when others are speaking when they are deliberating, and when they are voting,” said Johnson. “The public should be able to observe all these aspects of the interactions that contribute to deliberating and taking official action on matters before the school board and borough council. Further, my video recordings make these public meetings more accessible to the community, including those with hearing disabilities and neurodivergent individuals that may require multi-sensory input.”
At Monday’s meeting, Sullivan objected to the approval of Jeremy Ressler as a volunteer, citing that he had verbally attacked her and disrupted board meetings. Sullivan’s bid to serve as a volunteer last May was not approved.
The board approved Ressler as a volunteer, but board member Janelle Ressler asked to address Sullivan’s concern. Board president Carl Thompson said it could be discussed during the board’s executive session following the meeting. The topic of the executive meeting was real estate matters. When asked how he would create better board member interaction and less confrontation, Thompson said “I will focus on students and student needs” because it is the best way to promote positivity.
In other board business, Mitzel announced that the move-in date for Phase One of the LASD school renovation project had been delayed by about a month due to construction delays. “We have a plan that we hope will make as little impact as possible to our students as possible,” he said. The district had hoped to complete the move over winter break, but this week’s announcement on the district’s website indicates the move will take place in January.
A full district schedule summarizes the dates and times students will attend between Jan. 17 and Jan. 22. https://www.lasd.k12.pa.us/article/1836433. Phase II of the project will begin following the move and will focus on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing in the 1960s wing, as well as the expansion of the cafeteria.
Dr. Nathan Becker, the new principal of the Littlestown Area School Board, thanked everyone for his warm welcome and said he looked forward to strengthening the connections with everyone in the community. Becker replaces Dr. Judith Berryman, who was appointed assistant superintendent last June.
Becker was raised in Hanover and served as the Biglerville High School Assistant Principal from 2019 to 2023. A graduate of George Mason University, Becker received his Ed.D. in educational administration and leadership from California University of Pennsylvania in 2022.
New board member Jeanne Ewen resumed her board seat after being voted in at a special session on Oct. 14. Ewen replaces Fred Miller, who recently resigned as a board member. He has served since last December. Ewen served previously as an LASD board member.
Featured image caption: On Monday, October 21, 2024, LASD School Board recognized the following students of the Month for September. From left, Ashley Frey, 12th Grade; Georgia Wilt, 6th Grade; Ella Rodeheaver, 2nd Grade; Briar Sanders, 5th Grade; Rowan Fitzgerald, 12th Grade.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.