BVA may reconsider full-time return to class

By Christine Haines

chaines@yourmvi.com

With an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Westmoreland County, the Belle Vernon Area School Board is looking at options for the future.

At present, the district is still preparing to bring all students back into its school buildings full-time Nov. 9, but Superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell said there could be circumstances that could change that.

“Westmoreland County moved into the substantial range,” Dowell said. “If it continues, there are things we need to do.”

Dowell said no action is needed if the county only stays in the substantial range for coronavirus cases for a week, but if it continues for two weeks or more, both the state Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education recommend that school districts in the affected county go to full remote instruction. Dowell said that is a recommendation, not a mandate. 

School director Justin Kosanko pointed out that half the district is located in Fayette County.

“The infestation of COVID is not in our community,” he said.

Dowell said there are personnel issues to be considered in making the decision. 

“If we do go full remote, from an extracurricular/athletics perspective, that’s also a local decision,” Director Dan Kovatch said.

“They do recommend you suspend sports, but it is a local decision,” Dowell confirmed.

More about the county’s COVID situation may be known before next week’s school board meeting.

During that meeting, the board is also expected to vote on contracts for renovations at Rostraver Middle School, Rostraver Elementary School and Belle Vernon Area High School. The projects include cement work such as sidewalks, new windows, magnetic locks and a security vestibule.

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