Hearing Information and Instructions

Hearing Documents

780 Meeting Questions and Answers

  • Question : The regulation that you cited during the meeting and was shared on the district's Facebook and in the paper states that the meeting is pertaining to Nescopeck. Since Salem Elementary was not specified in this notice, does that mean the possibility of the closure of Salem is not going to be considered?

    Answer: That is correct. At this time, the topic is specific to Nescopeck. 

    Question submitted by Crystal Mickalowski  on January 25, 2023.

    Question : If the Board decides to close Nescopeck, build a new school, rename it (which was stated would happen), and only use parts of Salem for storage and not utilized for students, would it still be considered as a closure of Salem? 

    Answer: At this time, the discussion is only regarding reconfiguration with the closure of Nescopeck. Those are other options for the School Board to consider at a different time. 

    Question submitted by Crystal Mickalowski  on January 25, 2023.  

    Question : How big are class sizes looking to be if all the children are moved to Salem? Children that young cannot listen and focus for any length of time, so what are they actually learning?

    Answer: Kindergarten class size is expected to be an average of 19 students with 6 teachers. The current class has a full-time aide in the room as well as other support to break the students into smaller groups. 

    Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 12, 2023.

    Question : I have a child starting Kindergarten in the fall with no previous schooling because we cannot afford it and, naturally, the school I was told does not offer resources, so how will he fare in a class that size? Will he get the help he will need?

    Answer: In the school years 2012/2013 and 2020/2021, BASD eliminated our preschool programs that afforded opportunities for families such as yours to enroll their children in our half-day preschool program. It is my plan to bring back one of those classrooms to provide those opportunities for families. By combining the buildings, there is more support for special education students as staff will not lose time traveling between buildings. 

    Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 12, 2023.  

    Question: Transportation, maybe there is no rule on how long kids can be on the bus, but I'm fairly certain from when I was in school 11 years ago, any field trip over an hour away had to be on a charter bus with an accessible bathroom, so how is it ok to have the children on the bus for over an hour one way to or from school eacy day?

    Answer: I have not heard about that rule for charter buses required for field trips over an hour away. 

     Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 12, 2023.    

    Question: My older son is constantly not getting off the bus in the afternoon until 4:10. That's 50 minutes just from Nescopeck. Adding in traffic, lights, additional stops, how long will it take him to get home?

    Answer: Transportation is addressed in the presentation and we will do our best to make the trips are as short and smooth as possible. 

     Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 12, 2023.

    Question: The feasibility study showed 3 empty classrooms at Salem, then at the meeting you said 2 more opened up because of the sewer pipe break. You then showed a slide where 8 rooms are now open. 3+2=5, not 8. So where did the extra 3 come from? 

    Answer: Over the last few years, certain classrooms at Salem Elementary that needed repairs were changed and used as storage rooms instead of classrooms. During the feasibility study, those rooms were counted as storage. At this time, there are 8 empty classrooms.

    Question submitted by Carol Burger on February 13, 2023.

    Question: When asked where students would be picked up you said "at  Nescopeck School." How can that be when there will be no more school? Where will the students be picked up where it is safe for them?

    Answer: Many bus stops are located near or at a business, church or property not owned by the school district. The bus routes will be thoroughly studied to ensure the safest and quickest routes. 

    Question submitted by Carol Burger on February 13, 2023.  

    Question: How can you put a price on education? Even in college, it is proven that smaller classes yield a better education.

    Answer: Every state does an average on cost of educating children. It is best practice to provide transparency regarding the cost of education to the taxpayer community.

    Question submitted by Carol Burger on February 13, 2023.  

    Question: What maintenance was done at Salem Elementary School from August 2022 through February 2023 that allowed more classrooms to become usable? According to the first presentation in September 2022, it was stated that some of the vacant classrooms in Salem were not usable.

    Answer: It is my understanding that over the years, since Headstart moved out of Salem Elementary back in 2017 when a room needed repairs, it was turned into storage and, since other classrooms were available, the classroom was moved to an empty available space. The rooms were not counted because they were being used for storage. A review of the storage showed either it wasn't needed or, as determined, using classrooms for student use is best.  

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 17, 2023.    

    Question: What safety precautions will you be taking if it is decided that the students from Nescopeck Elementary School will be consolidated to Salem Elementary School in September 2023 at the end of summer break?

    Answer: Safety of all our students is a priority regardless of what building they attend. By consolidating, we will be able to assign security to each building. 

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 17, 2023.      

    Question: Is there currently a plan on how this move can happen, considering the earliest it can be voted on is May 8th, 2023, school doesn't get out until the beginning of June 2023, and starts again September 5, 2023?

    Answer: Upon research, Mulberry Street Elementary was closed following a similar timeframe. The vote was April 10, 2006 and the letter was submitted to PDE on May 3, 2006. This decision is a one-month difference. Administration, building and grounds, and technology have been discussing a plan. Teachers will be included as it gets closer to the decision. The consolidation of the buildings allows for more custodial and maintenance workers to work in Salem. We have also increased our summer work staff. 

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 17, 2023.      

    Question: Have you taken into consideration the increase in ESL students moving into the area?

    Answer: Our ESL population has been relatively the same with random spikes here and there for the past 7-10 years. The presentation shows that our numbers have not increased in the student population and have only reduced in the last 10 years. 

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 17, 2023.      

    Question: How will this move benefit the Nescopeck Elementary students? We have all heard the negatives that will affect students; larger class sizes, longer bus rides, less time for extra-curricular activities, later home work times, later meal times, less sleep, less play time, etc. What are the positives? Do they really outweigh the negatives? 

    Answer: The positives for all the students at Salem and Nescopeck is the combining of resources. While I continue to hear concerns regarding class size, BASD class sizes are by no means large even in our other buildings. There are many factors that go into academic success. Curriculum and instruction will have more support by bringing back an administrator as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction to assist teachers. Special Education teachers, academic coaches, preschool teachers, specials teachers are just a few that have been reduced over the  years that have left our buildings without the resources to meet the needs of the students. Salem and Nescopeck teachers will have the ability to collaborate with more teachers to share successful practices.  

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 17, 2023.      

    Question: How many classrooms total or in Salem? If approx. 600 students are enrolled at Salem with 19 per class, then 31 classrooms are needed. Can the school support that? Shouldn't the parents, seeing as we pay taxes, have more of a say than voice your concerns but we will do what we want? Which is what this seems to be? 

    Answer: The class size answer can be found in the slide presentation. All students will have a regular classroom as well as special classes at this time are assigned a classroom. The building population with a combination is expected to be 533. 

     Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 17, 2023.  

    Question: What happens when substitutes are needed, doesn't seem like many are available now, but the other teacher can step in and help both classes? That can't happen if that means watching over 40 students, give or take, correct?

    Answer: The substitutes will continue to be used in the district. The combining of the two buildings will increase the ability to cover classes as there are more staff to call on to assist. 

     Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 17, 2023.  

    Question: What are you going to do when something happens in one of the current classrooms to make it unusable? From what I can see, you have exactly enough. I will not have my children exposed to anything dangerous and, from my understanding,  there are asbestos in the school?

    Answer: We will handle repairs the same as we do in all of our buildings. We will address them as they happen, if they happen. I think it is unfair to suggest that we are allowing the students at Salem to be exposed to dangerous materials. Any asbestos is encapsulated, which means there is no danger. If there is, regardless if there is a consolidation or not, we would address it.

     Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 17, 2023.

    Question: What is the plan when the district does grow and more students cause a need for more classrooms? Nobody can truthfully predict how many students will be in the school in 5 years, so then what?

    Answer: The presentation shows that our numbers have not increased in the student population and have only reduced in the last 10 years. PDE has made the prediction that class sizes will continue to decline.   

     Question submitted by Adrianne Berger on February 17, 2023.  

    Question: If there is an emergency in which all buildings, high school, middle school and Salem Elementary school need to be evacuated simultaneously, how will this be possible considering they are all so close together? There are not enough buses to bus all students who need transportation at one time. There arn't enough routes for the amount of traffic that will need to be in that given area at one time. You will have approximately 150-200 more elementary students who need to be bussed with the consolidation of Nescopeck Elementary to Salem Elementary. 

    Answer: If Nescopeck students move to Salem, the population will not be any more than it has been when our district population was much larger. We have the appropriate amount of buses needed and emergency evacuation plans in place. They will be updated if the move happens. 

     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 25, 2023.    

    Question: Have you considered the amount of current Nescopeck walkers whose parents may opt to drive them to school instead of putting them in a bus? How will you control the amount of traffic at drop off and pick up time? Considering intersections can't be blocked and the traffic becomes backed p at times now, how will this be handled?

    Answer: Yes we did. It is addressed in the PowerPoint presentation. Currently, we use our staff to address traffic flow at all our buildings. We will continue with the same process. the Salem Township has disccused funding they have available to add additional sidewalk areas as well.

     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 25, 2023.    

    Question: Will elementary starting time of day/ending time of day be affected by this merger?

    Answer:  At this time, the reconfiguration is not affecting the start time or dismissal. Those times have been moved over the years by 5-10 minutes. Mostly due to busing times between the elementay and secondary routes.

     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 25, 2023.      

    Question:  If you don't adjust starting time of day/ending time of day will students who live in the outskirts of the area be expected to get on the bus even earlier than they do now since it was stated those busses bussing those students will now have to make stops to pick up current walkers from Nescopeck Elementary to bus them to Salem Elementary? 

    Answer: The bus contractors have committed to making the most timely and efficient runs to get the students to and from school. 

     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 25, 2023.        

    Question:  If school end times are later due to this merger and extracurricular activities typically start at 5-6pm, is it expected that these students get home from a long bus ride, get homework done,  eat dinner and make it to a practice or game on time?  

    Answer: As noted above, start and end times have been adjusted over the years 5-10 minutes. It is not something specific to the reconfiguration.

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 25, 2023.  

    Question: It was stated that the current Nescopeck Elementary building will be used as a bus stop if it is consolidated with Salem Elementary.  Have you considered the amount of parents that may drive their children to the "bus stop" and wait with them in the car? There are currently 75 walkers. Even if only half of them wait with their children and considering some have multiple children is there room to accommodate all these cars in a safe way? Will there be someone to control traffic?  

    Answer: As addressed in our hearing we have many bus stops that are at businesses or even on personal property throughout the school district.  Our transportation director and bus contractors feel they are able to address the pick up and drop off for the students. 

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on February 25, 2023.    

    Question: The district's current data does not show that a merger would improve educational outcomes. Regardless of the fact that Salem has a higher proficiency score, their growth scores are sowing a downward trend while Nescopeck is showing some growth. After the merger of 14th Street and Orange Street and merging 5th grade into the middle school, scores started falling (pre-covid) and are now below the state average in some areas. What is your detailed transition plan to prevent this from happening with this merger?

    Answer: During the February 13, 2023 board meeting I reviewed the reduction of staff across the district since 2009. Many of the positions that were reduced due to declining enrollment and through attrition were supports for students to assist when skill deficits were showing. Early intervention classes such as preschool were also reduced. It is my plan through the reconfiguration to utilize staff more efficiently to provide those services to students at the preschool level and early elementary age when the support is critical. Research shows as children get older, it's more difficult to close the learning gap. That is why these resources are critical at an early age. From an administrative standpoint, the principal position would be allocated specifically to K-8 curriculum and instruction. 

     Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on February 27, 2023.    

    Question: How do you plan to find the gaps that exist within both the Nescopeck and Salem curricula when the schools become merged? When data is separated, it is easier and faster to find. 

    Answer: My district goals are posted on our website. I started this year with the curriculum review and addressing the math curriculum. Our K-8 curriculum administrator started reviewing all of the curriculums as well as working on reviewing instructional models. This entire process does not happen quickly and involves time and resources from staffing to materials. Results also take time. Covid has had an impact on learning. The future ready index is the data warehouse that is currently used by PDE.

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on February 27, 2023.      

    Question: It has been stated there is no curriculum mapping that has been done in years. How do you intend to find the gaps and overlaps in each school so a proper curriculum can be implemented to ensure students don't fall behind or become another statistic in a failed merger? IS there even time to accomplish this/

    Answer: The answers are listed in my responses to one and two. Just because schools merge does not mean that there is a direct impact on scores. BASD class sizes are considered low in all our buildings. In a conversation with a legislator last week, he stated his elementary age child is in a class of 30 students. 

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on February 27, 2023.      

    Question: Please provide a list of everyone who would be overseeing a merger and what their roles would be.

    Answer: The school board ultimately provides governance for the school district. I will work with our administrative team that would include:

    • K-8 Curriculum and Instruction
    • Buildings and Grounds- Brent Crispell
    • Salem Principal- Patrick Sharkey
    • Student Services- Pam Hegland
    • Director of Technology- Steve Christian

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on February 27, 2023.      

    Question: What have students been told about a merger? Students are already facing more challenges post Covid than ever before. Knowing this, why is the district considering a disruption to their education that can cause even more challenges?

    Answer:  In 2017/18 classrooms were made available in Salem Elementary when the district did not renew a contract with Head Start.  At that time, a feasibility study was conducted with the recommendation to reconfigure the buildings.  The decision was made not to move forward and spend funds to update Nescopeck.  No funding was put aside or in the budget to address Salem.  It was my understanding that it was a five-year solution.  We are at that five year mark and the topic has come up again.  While I have heard the Nescopeck Community express concern over a price being applied to the education of students, it is a fact.  The school board asked that I share options which I have provided.  

     
    BASD closed Mulberry St. in a similar timeline.  
     
    We discussed as part of the hearing transition plans.  
     
    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on February 27, 2023.      

    Question: With only 5 weeks before the end of the school year after the Board vote, what is the transitional plan to emotionally and educationally prepare students for this change?

    Answer:  We plan to provide tours, meetings and activities to merge the students and staff as discussed in the hearing.  Once the decision is made, I would hope we have the full cooperation of everyone in the community to assist with the transition.  Even if everyone does not agree, we know that if children are getting mixed messages from different places, it makes the transition harder.   

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on February 27, 2023.    

    Question: Is there even enough time to prepare a building for this many more students? Hiring more summertime help will be another hit to the school budget and taxpayers (spending money that should be getting saved.)

    Answer:  B & G director Brent Crispell assures me there is time.  We have the space.  It is a matter of moving things from one place to the other.  

    Below is the time line that was used for Mulberry St when the district was reconfigured 
     
    Oct-Nov of 2005
    • Nov 30, Dec 1, 2, 6, 15, and 16th there were administrative information meetings with James Kraky, Holly Morrison, Christian Bason, and Liz Clausen.
    • Dec. 20, 2005, was the Community Orientation Meeting, Presentation of Data, (invite speaking/input for next community meeting, the introduction of the committee of James Kraky, Holly Morrison, and Christina Bason 
    • January 17, 2006  the committee visited Mulberry St and shared information.  
    • January 24 Community meeting sharing of data and public input
    • Feb. 28- final public input and recommendation to the board
    • March 6, 2006 Board work session- Committee Recommendation review
    • March 13 Board meeting
    • April 3 Work session
    • April 10- board meeting final board decision
    • April 11, 2006 - A parent letter was sent out to the parents of Mulberry Street students regarding the decision to close.
    • May 3, 2006 Letter submitted to PDE
     
    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on February 27, 2023.  
    Question: In your answer to Ms. Berger about preschool, you stated you plan to bring back a preschool program, since there are 9 classes in Nescopeck and only 8 classrooms available at Salem, where would the pre-k be located? 

    Answer: The merger will not be a classroom for classroom space. The merger allows the integration of classes allowing for lesser classrooms needed. Specials might not need a classroom. It is a fairly common practice in schools to have special travel to classrooms. Another option considered is bringing the childcare area back to the high school. This would create a career pathway for students to go into teaching and or childcare. 

    Question submitted by Brian Clark on March 5, 2023.    

    Question: In your answer to Ms. Moyer on 2/17/2023 you stated that by consolidating you would be able to assign security to each building. Does that mean that there are schools that do not have security at this time?

    Answer: When I started my current position as Superintendent of BASD there were two full-time security positions, meaning they worked over the summer as well. I reallocated their positions and have three positions that are part-time but does cover the school year. They all rotate between buildings. I am proposing another position via a grant for the 2023/24 school year. If we reduce by one building, we could have someone assigned to each building. Secure buildings and safety measures are in place in all the buildings. 

    Question submitted by Brian Clark on March 5, 2023.      

    Question: In your answer to Ms. Zakrewsky on 2/27/2023, you stated the board asked you to share options for the building. Upon review of minutes from the 2022/2023 board meetins I see no discussion about this during the board meetings. Please provide when this conversation occurred?

    Answer: I will be presenting options on Monday, March 13th.

    Question submitted by Brian Clark on March 5, 2023.      

    Question: According to the timeline that was posted for the Mulberry Street closure there were roughly a dozen meetings over a 7 month period. There has only been 1 public hearing to close this school. Why?

    Answer: The timeline listed for Mulberry Street lists every meeting and they were not all public. Most of those meetings were with administration alone. This process has been public since the school board voted to do the feasibility study in April of 2022. The guidelines for reconfiguration can be found on PDE website. 

    Question submitted by Brian Clark on March 5, 2023.      

    Question: Why would the district want to close a school that needs minimal work and send the students from that school to another elementary school in the district that has a lot more maintenance/repairs needed? 
     
    Answer: Please refer to the feasibility study as these questions are addressed.  It is located on the district website.
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 5, 2023.
    Question: Why is the sudden rush to close Nescopeck Elementary school and consolidate the students to Salem Elementary school?  
     
    Answer: This topic was addressed and discussed in 2017.  In 2016 when WB was opened and the 5th grade moved to the MS leaving space at Salem and Nescopeck it was my understanding that the plan was to address those two aging buildings.  A feasibility study was done in May 2017 with a hearing/public meeting in January 2018.  No vote was recorded as any action taking place.  Renovation funds were allocated for Nescopeck elementary total of 2.4 million.  I am not able to locate a plan that was put in place by the then budget committee or any other committee or the previous administration.  Building repairs/maintenance totaling $70,000.00 were done to Salem over the past six years but nothing else in the form of approved renovation.  As part of this process, I have informed the school board of the need for an approved five-year plan based on previous meetings I had with our financial advisor.  With the governor's budget being released today and an information meeting the board will have with our financial advisor that five-year plan should be addressed.  Much of what I am saying will be covered at our board meeting Monday night
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 5, 2023.         
    Question: The feasibility study was presented in September 2022.  When the subject was addressed as how to proceed at numerous board meetings from October through January, it was put on the back burner. It is now 7 months later and everything is being rushed. Depending how the vote goes there's little to no time to plan, and what will be voted on is a completely different option than anything that was currently discussed. Why was this handled in such a poor way? 

    Answer:  The timeline listed for the Mulberry St closure was similar.   School started in August during that merger.  Our calendar is three weeks later start date actually providing a similar summer time span.   

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 5, 2023.           

    Question: At past board meetings the superintendent mentioned the board discussing the closure of Nescopeck, yet there wasn't one discussion, at least publicly about how any of them felt.  Is this a normal practice? 
     
    Answer: This process has been public since the school board voted to do the feasibility study in April of 2022.  The first presentation of the feasibility study was public at the September 2022 meeting as well as available at the October meeting. The guidelines for reconfiguration can be found on the PDE website.  It appears the online portion is something that PDE considers.   
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 5, 2023.
    Question:  If the board does decide to close Nescopeck, will there be extra guidance councelors or mental health workers available to these young students who are already worrying and having anxiety over their school possibly closing?  
     
    Answer:    We provide screenings and interventions for all students of our district to address depression due to life stressors or trauma on a routine basis not just in relation to a potential school change. We will organize a transition plan to orient students and prepare them for a potential change of schools. We will have our school psychologist, school guidance counselors, CMSU counselors, and community supports to help address and monitor students for depression that may be due to the changing of schools. Part of the transition plan will include conversations with students, parents, and staff, along with tours to prepare them for a change prior to the first day of school  
        
     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 5, 2023.  

    Question:  It was stated at the Nescopeck Hearing on February 6th, 2023 that Nescopeck Elementary would be used as a bus stop for current walkers from Nescopeck to get the bus to Salem Elementary.  I asked a question previously about how the traffic will be handled in that area if it's congested with parents waiting with their children in their cars and also the traffic issues from a drop off/pick up line at Salem.  There has been numerous answers such as, there may be a few bus stops around Nescopeck,  teachers handle the traffic flow and Salem is putting in sidewalks. How will teachers control traffic flow at Nescopeck if that is no longer a school? How will the proposed sidewalks help traffic flow and length of time in a drop off/pick up line? 

    Answer: Pick up and drop off is a congestion issue at all our buildings.  Salem township approached us about helping with creating a safe walkway for students going down Line St as well as 8th St.  We will have more staff to assist with directions for parents.    

    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 5, 2023.  

    Question: It was stated at the Nescopeck Hearing that there wouldn't be much of an increase in transportation costs because the busses from the outskirts of Nescopeck would pick up the current Nescopeck walkers and transport them to Salem on the way through.  When asked where the bus stop would be it was stated that it would be at Nescopeck Elementary School.  It is now being stated that there could be numerous bus stops around Nescopeck Borough.  Does this mean students that are already on the bus will be on the bus even longer than anticipated because there will be numerous pick ups around the Borough to pick up kids to go over to Salem Elementary School? 
     
    Answer: Bus times most likely will need to be altered.  In speaking with the bus contractors they are confident that busing can be handled efficiently 
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 5, 2023.  

    Question:  Regarding attrition, what does this mean for the superintendent's plan to increase supports if the district isn't replacing teachers as they leave? 

    Answer: In the past in 2016 when Orange St and 14th St were combined to form WB teachers that were retiring were reduced (eliminated through attrition) due to the ability to adjust class sizes that might not have been fuller.  No position was ever furloughed, just not replaced.  As we are seeing with achievement levels with our students I would utilize the teachers that result from the merger to address skill deficits that are being seen at the elementary and MS level.  As stated in the feasibility study large savings comes from reconfiguring schools and reducing staff.  I do not want to reduce staff anymore.  I stated when I came into this position 2 1/2 years ago we CAN NOT reduce anymore.  As you know with your educational background those reductions have now caught up with our student achievement!  

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.    

    Question: The district's presentation showed enough vehicles to transport students in the event of a merger.  Unfortunately, this has not always been able to be accomplished this school year.  In the same session, it was stated that bus drivers are already a stressed resource.  Do we actually have enough drivers to make this happen?  Has a cost assessment been done to show how costs will inflate due to new/longer routes?  How will this drive up the cost per student? 

    Answer: Consulting with the bus companies they feel confident they are able to address the transportation needs if a merger is decided. 

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.

    Question: Is running elementary school sports until 9 pm appropriate for this age group?  This could leave out any child who lives further out in the townships.  In our scenario, it would mean getting home at 9:20 pm and taking showers with the goal to be in bed by 9:45 pm.  Then, it would mean waking up earlier than normal to catch a bus to get a ride to a school further out.  Is this considered equitable for our children who live further out?  Will this cause attrition of players and coaches?  How many teams will be cut?  What are the health implications if fewer kids have access to sports at this level? 

    Answer: As a parent of three children in our school district and experiencing getting home late already from practices that is definitely not the plan.  Our AD  Bo Orlando feels he is able to schedule the events in a timely manner.  In the 2018/19 budget, 10 coaches were cut from our JH and varsity-level coaching staff.  Again that is not an area that can be reduced anymore.  Those coaches that have remained have not had raises in 6 years.  Except for last year.  They were given a $100 increase.  As a former coach and coaches that I know they coach for the love of the sport and the athlete.  Still, they should be compensated.  

     Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.  

    Question: Scores dipped post-merger in West Berwick. This began before COVID hit. What is the safeguard to ensure scores don't dip when schools are merged yet again? 

    Answer: Consulting with PDE they do not view scores as dipping as a result of the merger.  And the same is for the MS scores.  When there is a reconfiguration the scoring starts new.  ** it is important to note that when grade levels are being reconfigured there are now different subgroups that now attribute scores differently.  As you know with your curriculum background scores are not just that.  There are subgroups that create different calculating formulas etc.  As I stated above I do not support reducing any more staff.  Teachers need support and resources.  This does require funding.   

     Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.   

    Question:  It was stated that supports were removed this year at Nescopeck due to declining enrollment, but this timeline doesn't track.  Last year, teachers and support staff were still in place- no dramatic fall in enrollment dictated that these supports be pulled from Nescopeck this year.  So what necessitated this change in one year, especially given the size of their Kindergarten class?  There was much more than one aid last year. 

    Answer: When the WB merger happened and 5th went to the MS there were three sp ed teachers 2- orange, 1- 14th,  the merger left 2- for WB, the same Nescopeck - 1 and Salem -2- then it changed to Salem 1 and Nesco - 1.  Due to Nescopeck only having 6-8 special education students there was more population at Salem so the Nescopeck position went to half-time.  However, the evaluation means 2 special education teachers were pulled to cover 20% of the population while the other 80% remained in the buildings.  At the start of the year, there were 18 kindergarten students.  It is not reasonable to have two classes of 9 students.  The decision was made to reduce the position.  As the year has gone on students have moved to Nescopeck creating 27.  Still, that is 13 and 14 class size. This is not the same as the other buildings are able to support.  

     Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.     

    Question: There are promises to "utilize staff more efficiently."  What does this mean?  A difference in distribution?  In roles? What does this look like?  Is there an actual staffing plan for this? 

    Answer: Aside from what I stated above with the extra teachers to be used- which would be for MTSS which addresses students that are falling behind.  The administrator from Nescopeck would be used for the k-8 curriculum.  In the past curriculum has been shared with many positions, Salem principal, previous superintendent, and Nescopeck.  While there was someone assigned to the position I felt that person was best utilized for secondary positions and 9-12 curriculum.  As I previously stated though our reductions in staff and lack of interventions being monitored specifically at the elementary level along with being able to provide instructional support to teachers is essential and something I feel has been lacking.    

     Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.   

    Question: How many Nescopeck teachers would be going to Salem? Would Nescopeck students go to a new school with nearly all new staff?  How would students be distributed into classrooms so they have peers with whom they're familiar?  Would any attention be given to the ratio of Nescopeck and Salem students in classrooms?  These children have already formed relationships with their cohorts and their teachers- a responsible transition would attempt to minimize social-emotional disruption. 

    Answer: Toward the end of the school year teachers are given the option to ask for building transfers.  The administration would evaluate those requests and see where those changes might fit.  I would plan for the majority to go to Salem. As with the WB merger, we would focus on the new reconfiguration of the building and inclusive of all the students.  At the same time finding a balance to recognize the Nescopeck school.  I have heard from parents regarding the WB merger and they felt that the transition went well.  We will have transition tours and activities planned.   

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023. 

    Question: Goals on the webpage do not address a curriculum plan- saying you have a plan is not a plan.  Giving administrators a double duty is not a responsible plan.  Curriculum director is a job of its own.  How are learning goals being established and addressed at the elementary level?  Salem and Nescopeck should be looked at so that the strengths of each can be identified.  These strengths should be merged into a new curriculum map in order to merge the two schools.  A responsible curriculum transition plan could take two or more years.  What is being offered as a replacement for a process such as this? 

    Answer: I couldn't agree with you more that curriculum is a position of its own.  The merger would allow for it.  As you know planning a curriculum isn't an easy task.  I chose to start with the math curriculum as I was able to ESSERS funding to address it.  All other subject areas have a curriculum.  The plan that I speak of is to go through each subject area to assure alignment with the standards.  The plan also includes a need to address instruction and staff development.  A review of our curriculum is not specific to the merger.    

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.     

    Question: For decades, psychologists have considered the changing of elementary schools as a significant life stressor.  In fact, it can even trigger depression in children.  In the past, a two-week camp/orientation was offered for new Kindergarten students.  What will be done to orient these existing students into a new setting?  What supports will be put in place for those students who become depressed due to this life stressor?  If there is no plan for this, the district stands to exacerbate COVID disruptions for this age group. 

    Answer: We provide screenings and interventions for all students of our district to address depression due to life stressors or trauma on a routine basis not just in relation to a potential school change. We will organize a transition plan to orient students and prepare them for a potential change of schools. We will have our school psychologist, school guidance counselors, CMSU counselors, and community supports to help address and monitor students for depression that may be due to the changing of schools. Part of the transition plan will include conversations with students, parents, and staff, along with tours to prepare them for a change prior to the first day of school.  

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.    

    Question: How will the Nescopeck community be integrated into Salem's part of town?  The promise of a mural rings empty as a way to unite kids in early childhood.  Will there be a mascot change?  Some kind of school rebranding?  Or are Nescopeck students meant to assimilate into the established culture of Salem Elementary students?  If Nescopeck students and families are experiencing a loss of school and community while nothing changes for Salem folks, you'll be starting off with a divided student body.  This is different from the West Berwick merger in this sense.  Has any thought been given to this?  

    Answer: Nescopeck students will be treated as they do at our MS and HS as part of BASD.  Nescopeck is part of BASD and the mascot is the Bulldog.  The Nescopeck community still exists and I assume activities will continue the same as offered by the Nescopeck Township, churches, etc.  Students are very accepting and do not focus on differences.  When all students merge at the MS we do not divide them based on what elementary school they came from.  I am not supportive of making creating a Salem vs Nescopeck mentality.  

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023. 

    Question: In answering questions on the school website, comparisons are drawn to the Mulberry Street closing.  This was not done on the same timeline.  The vote cleared in April, and a letter was submitted to PDE in May.  This was a full month ahead of the current timeline and one less month of preparation to get everyone situated in the Salem building come fall.  There also appears to have been more than one Q&A session ahead of this vote which better-prepared families, students, and the community.  Why has this not occurred with this potential merger?  What would need to happen between the June end date and September start date to renovate the Salem building to satisfactory condition for all students? 

    Answer: The timeline listed for Mulberry St lists every meeting and they were not all public.  Most of those meetings were with administration alone.  School started in August during that merger.  Our calendar is three weeks later start date actually providing a similar summer time span.  This process has been public since the school board voted to do the feasibilty study in April of 2022.  The first presentation of the feasibility study were public at the September 2022 meeting as well as availble at the October meeting. The guidleines for reconfiguration can be found on PDE website.  It appears the online portion is something that PDE considers.   

    Question submitted by Nicole Zakrewsky on March 5, 2023.          

    Question: In today's paper it states the school board plans to bring back pre-school. Where would these students go if you close Nescopeck.
     
    Answer: Preschool is one option being considered.  Funding would need to be addressed.  I would like a classroom at Salem and West Berwick.  Yes, there is space in both buildings. 
    Another option considered is bringing the childcare area back to the high school.  This would create a career pathway for students to go into teaching and or childcare. 
     
    Question submitted by Iva Massina on March 6, 2023.    
    Question: It was stated that questions asked during the hearing were written down. There are no responses to these on the website- only those submitted thereafter. Were they not recorded at all or just not addressed?
     
    Answer: The hearing was recorded and put into a transcript. It was stated if they could not be answered they would be written down. It is my understanding that all the questions were answered. If not, please let me know what questions you would like answered. 
     
    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.    

    Question: There’s a need for a real cost analysis of renovating Nescopeck and Salem based on what actual job bids would dictate. Feasibility study numbers are inflated by those standing to profit from construction. Are there any plans for a more realistic cost assessment for the avenue being considered? 

    Answer:  When conducting any building project feasibility studies are done to start the process to give guidelines of what a sense of a budget will be.  Once it is determined if any amount is able to be budgeted and approved, that is when the next steps take place.  

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.      

    Question: Is the end game here a new building? How long would students be combined in the old Salem building before having to transition yet again? 

    Answer: In 2016 when WB was opened and 5th grade moved to the MS leaving space at Salem and Nescopeck it was my understanding that the plan was to address those two aging buildings .  A feasibilty study was done in May of 2017 with a hearing/public meeting in January of 2018.  No vote was recorded as any action taking place.  Renovation funds were alocated for Nescopeck elementary totally 2.4 million.  I am not able to locate a plan that was put in place by the then budget committee or any other committee or previous administration.  Building repairs/maintenance totaling $70,000.00 were done to Salem over the past six years but nothing else in the form of approved renovation.  As part of this process I have informed the school board of a need for an approved five year plan based on previous meetings I had with our financial advisor.  With the Govenor's budget being released today and an information meeting the board will have with our financial advisor that five year plan should be addressed.  Much of what I am saying will be covered at our board meeting Monday night. 

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.        

    Question: Teachers have reported to some community members that they’re afraid to speak on this topic. What does this say about the culture of the district, and what can the board do so that educators can weigh in ahead of a vote without fear of retaliation? 

    Answer:  I have heard that as well as I live here in the community and interact with many teachers in all the buildings.  Many have various thoughts on all sides of the issue.  They have come to me but not willing to come to the meetings.  I am concerned about the climate as I feel things are being presented as targeting and placing blame vs trying to set a plan.  This is difficult as decisions made in the past are affecting how to move forward.  

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.        

    Question: Why is the district considering borrowing/building in this economy if inflation is part of what is driving current problematic costs? What are the details on a potential bond issue for a new build? What are the interest rates and length of loan for such a project, and how much of this will realistically be passed on to taxpayers?  

    Answer: These topics are things covered by our financial advisor to the school board and are a very big part of the decision of the financial standing of the district.  This involves our history of spending going back to 2010 and where we are today.  

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.        

    Question: Has the administration been transparent with Salem parents regarding building or renovation goals? Is the plan to build a new school (such as “East Berwick Elementary”) and not to build a new Salem Elementary?  

    Answer: This entire process has been transparent.  As I stated above I have not been able to locate a plan since the last time this topic has come up.  Therefore planning is essential as school board members and administration change.    

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.          

    Question: A security transition plan should be drawn up by someone with a relevant background. Consider something we ran across just this week:
    A significant miscommunication has caused a current issue with the Nescopeck Elementary evacuation plan in the event of a nuclear accident. This year’s student handbook states that the evacuation locations for each school can be found at the public library, in the phonebook, or at local police stations. The destination for Nescopeck students has always been Danville. The library’s most recent copy was 2020. The 2023 phonebook listed Nescopeck as going to Liberty Valley. This contradicts Talen’s 2023 calendar that was distributed to the public and the 2022 phonebook, both which list Danville as the evacuation destination. Salem Township did not have a copy on file at all when contacted via phone. Why has the 2023 phone book been updated to list Nescopeck’s evacuation destination as that of Salem’s? Why weren’t parents notified? Why hasn’t this change been reflected elsewhere? Who verified this change with Liberty Valley, a small school being asked to accommodate two or more elementary schools in the case of an emergency? 

    Answer: The Radiological Emergency Response Plan is amended annually with updated information and regularly evaluated in a mock emergency drill by representatives from Talen, PEMA & FEMA, most recently in October of 2022. The assessments of our drills have been satisfactory, and any recommendations from the above listed agencies have been followed, with plan modifications being made in accordance with best practice as notated by each respective agency, and approved by the 9 person board of directors each school year. 

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.            

    Question: The destination for Nescopeck students has always been Danville. The library’s most recent copy was 2020. The 2023 phonebook listed Nescopeck as going to Liberty Valley. This contradicts Talen’s 2023 calendar that was distributed to the public and the 2022 phonebook, both which list Danville as the evacuation destination.  

    Answer: Liberty Valley is an intermediate Danville Area School District school, composed of approximately 500 students in grades 3-5, located in Danville at 327 Liberty Valley Rd., Danville. Each school year, the superintendent of Danville schools enters an agreement with our district, granting permission to utilize the facilities at Danville Area School District in Danville to establish a temporary holding facility for school children from the Berwick Area School District in the event of an emergency situation at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (SSES). This plan has been modified to adjust to the building changes in the DASD as necessary over time. Nescopeck students are to go to Danville Primary School in the event of an emergency as per the most recently amended plan approved for the 22-23 school year.  

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.      

    Question: Salem Township did not have a copy on file at all when contacted via phone.

    Answer: We will ensure Salem Twp. has the approved, updated plan on file.

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.      

    Question: Why has the 2023 phone book been updated to list Nescopeck’s evacuation destination as that of Salem’s? Why weren’t parents notified? Why hasn’t this change been reflected elsewhere? Who verified this change with Liberty Valley, a small school being asked to accommodate two or more elementary schools in the case of an emergency? 

    Answer: That change has not been made in the radiological plan. Nescopeck is listed as evacuating to Danville Primary School. Information listed in the phone book is incorrect and we will contact a representative to ensure proper information is distributed in future publications.

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.

    Question: It was stated in the response of a previously submitted question that combining Nescopeck and Salem would allow security to be increased at each district building.  Please provide exact details as to how this would increase security and safety at our elementary schools.  Would additional personnel be hired?  Would additional security control rooms be added to each building?  What are the current district protocols?  What would make our students safer with this change?  Why the sudden shift in position on the current security protocol within the district?  

    Answer: When I started in my current position as superintendent of BASD there were two FT security positions, meaning they worked over the summer as well.  I reallocated their positions and have three positions that are PT- but does cover the school year.  They all rotate between the buildings.  I am proposing another position via a grant for the 2023/24 school year.  If we reduce by one building we could have someone assigned to each building.  Secure buildings and safety measures are in place in all the buildings.  Addressing student safety is not a sudden change in my thought process.  However, I can only move forward with what funds are available.   

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.  

    Question: Drop off and pick up traffic are already a significant issue at Salem Elementary.  Traffic is often lined up down the road during these two times of day, and the situation has been referred to as hazardous by many who participate in it.  How would this situation be mitigated with dozens more families being added to the mix if Nescopeck is moved to the current Salem Elementary building?  

    Answer: Salem Township approached the district earlier in the feasibility process to share that they were awarded grant money to put in sidewalks around Salem.  They wanted to make sure they place them where they would best be of service and not be impacted should construction happen.  Drop-off and pickup areas have been explored by our police and options will be proposed to the board.  These issues are not specific to Salem and something that we are always looking at improving.

    Question submitted by Leah Zwolinski on March 6, 2023.    

    Question: In response to my question on February 17th, it is stated that by consolidating Nescopeck and Salem Elementary you will be able to assign security to each building. Are you stating that you can not assign security to each building if the two Elementary schools are not consolidated? 
     
    Answer: When I started in my current position as superintendent of BASD there were two FT security positions, meaning they worked over the summer as well.  I reallocated their positions and have three positions that are PT- but does cover the school year.  They all rotate between the buildings.  I am proposing another position via a grant for the 2023/24 school year.  If we reduce by one building we could have someone assigned to each building.  Secure buildings and safety measures are in place in all the buildings.  
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.  
    Question: In response to my question regarding more classrooms becoming usable at Salem Elementary,  it was stated that these classrooms became storage when they were in need of repairs. Now it has been stated that a review has been done and they are no longer needed for storage and using them as classrooms for students is best. Were the repairs that were needed that made them deemed for storage completed as of 3/6/2023?  
     
    Answer: Yes.  Once these issues were brought to my attention our B & G addressed them immediately.
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.    
    Question: In response to my question on February 17 regarding the benefits of consolidation for Nescopeck Elementary students, and the response on 2/17 to Ms. Berger's question about substitutes, it is stated that there would be more supports for students and allow teachers to collaborate and share best practices.  Teachers currently do not have time to do this now in smaller buildings due to them having to sub or cover coaches who leave for games, ect.
    It has also been stated there's a sub shortage. How will they do it in a larger building with more students in each class? If the average class will be 19-23 students and a teacher is absent and no sub available will you be putting 38-46 students with one teacher to supervise on a given day? How is this benefiting any student?
     
    Answer: With more staff in an area, it lends itself to more options for coverage and more people to collaborate with. 
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.      
    Question: In response to Ms. Berger's question on 2/17 regarding class size, it is stated that with consolidation there will be 533 students attending Salem Elementary School. An average class size will be 19-23 students. It is believed that there will be no growth in enrollment.  There is no guarantee on this.  Is it acceptable to trust these numbers and lead everyone to believe the class sizes will remain at 19-24 students per class? Where will you put the students if enrollment increases since Salem will be at 95% capacity with consolidation?  
     
    Answer: The feasibility study reviews this data as well as supported by the projects by PDE  
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.
    Question:  In response to Ms. Berger's question on 2/17 regarding a current classroom becoming unusable, it is stated if there is maintenance needed it will be addressed. If all the classrooms are in use and one or two become unusable where will these students be placed during repairs?  
     
    Answer: It will be handled the same manner is which we address it in all other buildings that are being properly utilized.  We address and fix the issues. 
     
    Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.
    Question: In response to my question on 2/25 regarding starting/ending time of day changing and students being on the busses longer, it is stated that bus contractors make the most timely and efficient runs to and from school.  In another one of my questions on 2/25 regarding emergency evacuation of all schools simultaneously, it is stated there are enough busses for this to be possible.  These 2 statements contradict each other because if there are enough busses, students on certain busses would not be sitting at school 20-30 minutes after school ends waiting for a bus to pick them up to take them home.  Are these the correct answers to these questions? 

    Answer: Different plans are to accommodate emergency situations.   
     
     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.  
    Question:  The K-8 Curriculum director is leaving the district within the next 60 days.  Do you plan on appointing a new one before this consolidation is voted on?  
     
    Answer: No
     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.  
    Question: In response to Ms. Zakrewsky's question of who will be overseeing the merger, it is stated one of the people will be the K-8 curriculum director.  Is it fair to even vote on this merger in May, or even June, considering the K-8 Curriculum director is leaving the district in less than 60 days?  

    Answer: The merger will be overseen by myself, the replacement of the curriculum coordinator after May, the director of student services, the director of building and grounds, and on going reports with the school board.  
     
     Question submitted by Jennifer Moyer on March 6, 2023.    
    Question: You stated you plan to provide tours, meetings and activities to merge the students and staff. When exactly do you plan to provide said events?
     
    Answer: At this time those are planned for after the board meeting decision regarding the reconfiguration. Once a decision has been made, those will be scheduled if needed. 
     
    Question submitted by Miranda Costa on March 6, 2023.
         
    Question: What are the key goal dates to be met for this project?
     
    Answer: This topic was addressed and discussed in 2017.  In 2016 when WB was opened and the 5th grade moved to the MS leaving space at Salem and Nescopeck it was my understanding that the plan was to address those two aging buildings.  A feasibility study was done in May 2017 with a hearing/public meeting in January 2018.  No vote was recorded as any action taking place.  Renovation funds were allocated for Nescopeck elementary total of 2.4 million.  I am not able to locate a plan that was put in place by the then budget committee or any other committee or the previous administration.  Building repairs/maintenance totaling $70,000.00 were done to Salem over the past six years but nothing else in the form of approved renovation.  As part of this process, I have informed the school board of the need for an approved five-year plan based on previous meetings I had with our financial advisor.  With the governor's budget being released yesterday and an information meeting the board will have with our financial advisor that a five-year plan should be addressed.  Much of what I am saying will be covered at our board meeting Monday night.
     
    Question submitted by Randall Johnson on March 6, 2023.  
    Question: What are the goals?
     
    Answer: One of the issues that seems to no be recognized that I keep saying is I do not want to reduce staff anymore.  As stated in the feasibility study and what was done with our previous reconfigurations of Mulberry St and 14th and Orange St.  staff are reduced as a means of balancing a budget.  70% of a budget is salaries which are on going costs. I do not want to reduce anymore staff!  However as a result of reducing staff our student learning is now suffering.  If the buildings combine we could reduce three teaching positions which would yield about $350 thousand dollars, plus the $175 of the building costs.  Obviously now that makes a much larger number to use to save to build a new building. 
     
    Question submitted by Randall Johnson on March 6, 2023.  
    Question: What is the plan when the parents do not cooperate?
     
    Answer: I am not sure what this question means? All involved in this issue want what is best for our learning environment. I would hope that we can work together.
     
    Question submitted by Randall Johnson on March 6, 2023.  
    Question: My question which was asked and not answered at the hearing is. Why the rush to close Nescopeck and move students for the 23/24 school year into a building that has the most deficiencies of all the buildings with no renovations? Cost savings keeps being stated but by the numbers the board was given it will only save .13 percent of the budget which is effectively nothing. It was stated at the hearing that there is not a plan of how to make this move yet and there is very little time between the vote and next school year. If it is determined that a building must close which I do not see being the best course of action for the future would it not be a wiser choice to leave the students in separate buildings until renovations are complete or a new building built instead of cramming the all in a already stressed structure.  
     
    Answer: This topic was addressed and discussed in 2017.  In 2016 when WB was opened and the 5th grade moved to the MS leaving space at Salem and Nescopeck it was my understanding that the plan was to address those two aging buildings.  A feasibility study was done in May 2017 with a hearing/public meeting in January 2018.  No vote was recorded as any action taking place.  Renovation funds were allocated for Nescopeck elementary total of 2.4 million.  I am not able to locate a plan that was put in place by the then budget committee or any other committee or the previous administration.  Building repairs/maintenance totaling $70,000.00 were done to Salem over the past six years but nothing else in the form of approved renovation.  As part of this process, I have informed the school board of the need for an approved five-year plan based on previous meetings I had with our financial advisor.  With the governor's budget being released today and an information meeting the board will have with our financial advisor that five-year plan should be addressed.  Much of what I am saying will be covered at our board meeting Monday night.  
     
    As stated in the feasibility study and what was done with our previous reconfigurations of Mulberry St and 14th and Orange St.  staff are reduced as a means of balancing a budget.  70% of a budget is salaries which are on going costs. I do not want to reduce anymore staff!  As a result of reducing staff our student learning is now suffering.  If the buildings combine we could reduce three teaching positions which would yield about $350 thousand dollars, plus the $175 of the building costs.  Obviously, now that makes a much larger number to use to save to build a new building.  If we do not reconfigure the buildings I need to find those funds somewhere to address the learning issues.
    Question submitted by Clint Lanning on March 7, 2023.  
    Question: If you bring back preschool where are you going to find room for up to 60 more students. Wouldn't using Nescopeck be ideal for this?
     
    Answer: Preschool should be located in each home building.  We have room in all our buildings. 
     When 5th grade was moved to the MS it was because the MS was underutilized and space was available. That created space at Salem and Nescopeck.  The fact that rooms were being used over the past five years is a means of the staff in those areas deciding to use the space instead of allowing it to be empty.  However, from a school plant perspective, it is not an efficient means of using buildings. 
     
    Question submitted by Iva Massina on March 7, 2023.    

    Question: What inputs were used to calculate cost per student? Shouldn’t we recognize that this number will ebb and flow based on seniority of faculty and factors like inflation? 

    Answer: We based the costs on the instructional rates.  Currently, we do not have anyone scheduled to retire this year and, looking at the projections, very few retirements until three years out.   

    Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023.      

    Question: The most recent independent audit of school district financial statements resulted in findings and errors related to “Significant Weakness in Internal Control.” Is the consideration of a Nescopeck closure a product of past financial failings, and is this a way to avoid addressing these financial issues more transparently? 

    Answer: The results of that audit are from the 20/21 budget that was prepared by previous administration.  What that means is several journal entries and assistance with completing our financial statements.  What it addresses starts on page 72. 

    Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023. 

     Question: Is the district hemorrhaging talent? Recruiting and retaining teachers would improve the sustainability of the district. If attrition is part of what is driving a merger, why isn’t this being addressed upstream rather than focusing only on downstream solutions that may not serve BASD well in the long run? Are exit interviews providing any insight as to why folks are leaving the district? 

    Answer: Of the four administrators that left over the past two years three of them said they were leaving for salary increases which averaged $12,000.00.  Leaving via attrition means that teachers that retire are not replaced. Currently our teacher contract scale is one of the lower starting rates, conversely the top of our scale the the second highest in our area.   

    Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023. 

    Question: How many extra teachers are being freed up by a potential merger? Will this make up for the reduced number of reading specialists in the district right now and minimal ELL support and the specific types of student needs met by this kind of staff? 

    Answer: We expect a minimum of three teachers with the merger to be used for MTSS which is an intervention support for students as they show skill deficits.  These positions have been reduced through the above mentioned attrition.  Our ELL numbers have not changed over the past 10 years and is monitored by the state as appropriate supports provided. 

    Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023.        

    Question: Classroom sizes at BASD elementary schools continue to be justified as they compare to other districts (so-and-so’s kid is in a class of 30). For two decades now, U.S. Department of Education, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National Science Teachers’ Association have all endorsed class sizes of 15-18 students in elementary schools to help address achievement gaps. PSEA cites a class size recommendation of 15 for K-3 students. Is the district considering best practice or only what is happening elsewhere? 

    Answer: I do not deny class size is ONE of the factors that is considered in achievement levels of students.  Also that needs to be considered is instructional skills of the teacher, curriculum and resources.  Our class sizes overall in public schools are considered low or average.  To afford those class size numbers salaries need to be paid.  70% of a district budget is salaries which is an on going cost.  Cutting supplies yields a one time savings.  That is why positions tend to be the thing that addresses a budget moving forward. 

    Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023.

    Question: Nescopeck is the only elementary school in our district within striking distance for jobs coming into the Hazleton industrial parks. Jobs coming to the new Talen builds will look to Salem, as would jobs coming into Glen Lyon. Nine classrooms of students at Nescopeck would be put into eight classrooms at the Salem building, and it's now been said that there is space at Salem to accomodate a pre-K. Is it wise to close a building while maxing out another under the assumption that we will never grow the district? 


    Answer: A review of the data and information provided from PDE shows that our student population has declined over the past 15 years and projections are that they will continue to decline. This information can be found in the feasibility study. 

    Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023.    

    Question: In previous questions regarding transportation costs, it's been stated that the bus company has promised "efficient" accommodations in the event of a merger. Has a cost assessment been done to show how costs could inflate due to new/longer busing routes? How might this drive up costs per student? 


    Answer: Yes.  Discussions were held with the bus contractors.  This is the same process that we go through each school year when determine bus routes for the upcoming school year.   

    Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023.    

    Question: Isn't it a short time frame to host such important events? Most families are busy during the summer months. A successful transition plan shouldn't be pushed into a few summer months when most won't be able to attend. 

    Answer: Our administration does not feel it is a short time based on how these situations were handled in the past. We have a month after the school board meeting while school is still in session.

     Question submitted by Tara Mangan on March 7, 2023.