A Smooth Opening Day At BCS
by Doug La Rocque
Despite all the COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, the opening day at Berlin Central Schools went very well, according to High/Middle School principal Jodi Sullivan and Elementary School principal Tracy Kent. Both said the students adapted well to the changes in scheduling and educational process. Superintendent Dr. Stephen Young complimented the building and grounds department, saying all buildings were sparkling clean and ready to go, despite the ongoing Capital Improvement Projects.
That, he said, is nearing completion and he has signed off on most of it. The new bus garage construction is progressing with the steel frame now erected, and according to School Board President Frank Zwack, the issue of bringing water into the new building has been addressed. The District is looking at a mid-November opening for the facility.
Outside, the baseball field will need another year of grass growing before it is ready, and there is still work to do on the new soccer field, and residents and students should stay off it. He did say the District is hopeful the new track will be open soon.
School Clubs
Missing final reports from advisors on school clubs from the last school year and what is expected going forward this year was one of the longer conversations for the Board and administrators at the Tuesday, September 15 board meeting. Member Kellie Kaschak questioned why some of the reports from last year were not available, and expressed concern about the clubs meeting virtually this year, until she had some answers. The Board was scheduled to vote on a number of club advisors, but Ms. Kaschak asked that it be tabled until the October workshop meeting. Her concern was echoed by board member Katie Snyder. Principal Sullivan said they were working on finalizing those reports, which include financial information, but countered that she felt it important the new advisors be appointed at that meeting, so the club’s functions could begin. After some further back and forth, Ms. Kaschak and Ms. Snyder agreed to a compromise to support the measure, provided the reports were ready for the October meeting.
State Funding Cuts
Schools throughout the Capital Region have been reacting each in their own way to reports of a 20% cut in school aide this year. Superintendent Young told The Eastwick Press earlier last month, the District was prepared to absorb any such cuts, and was in decent shape. Board member Jeff Paine said in his legislative liaison report, the cuts are not yet being implemented and that the future levels of school funding seem to be dependent upon how much federal funding the State sees in the next COVID-19 relief package, if there is one, approved by the Federal government.
Contact Tracing
Board President Zwack asked Superintendent Young about the status of the school’s contact tracing, should a student, administrator or staff member be diagnosed with COVID-19 (so far there are no reports of any positive tests). Dr. Young said everyone responsible for the tracing has been fully trained, and the training is completely documented.
The Board approved three policy reviews and changes, dealing with extraordinary circumstance related to COVID-19, working remotely with student and student conduct, even while learning off site. The Board was asked about the request to allow home schooled students to participate in school sports, which is not resolved yet and a request to have board meetings broadcast on a zoom or other video platform. Mr. Zwack said the expense of such is not provided for in this year’s budget, but could be part of next year’s budget negotiations.
The Board’s next meeting is a Round Table discussion on Thursday, October 1 at the Elementary School.