Decision Due Friday on Status of KCSD Remote Learning
Record file photo
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP, PA – Keystone Central School District Superintendent Jacquelyn Martin told the school board at its virtual meeting Thursday night that she’ll announce a decision Friday on possible continuation of remote learning for district students.
The district went to online only learning on Nov. 2 and has continued that policy as COVID-19 has surged within the Keystone Central attendance area. She said she’ll make an announcement on Friday after a review of new community virus spread data. Martin said she expects the area to continue to be part of the state’s “substantial” case designation, indicating that remote learning will likely have to continue.
She also revealed the district administration is drafting a “blended” instructional plan which would include half of the students on any given day for, she said, “when we return to Moderate or Low status” in an effort to comply with physical distancing (alternating days for students). She said it was part of an effort to be “responsive and flexible” in dealing with COVID-19.
The superintendent said current district policy is to make a formal decision for learning and athletics for the following week on each preceding Friday.
On the subject of athletics, the board gave its approval to a co-op program for boys and girls swimming for Central Mountain and Bucktail High Schools. The superintendent said there had been a no-longer-in-use co-op agreement between Bucktail and Williamsport High Schools for swimming; that agreement was rescinded Thursday night as part of the switch to a joint CM-Bucktail program. The new co-op program will need approval from the PIAA.
It was also disclosed that if and when winter sports begin, Central Mountain swimming meets will be held at the Western Clinton County Recreation Authority pool in Renovo. Martin said some students at Bucktail have expressed interest in participating in the co-op program. The superintendent said Lock Haven University is not making its Zimmerli Building pool available this winter for reasons of safety. CM meets had previously been held there.
