BVA addresses rumors of buildings having to close

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

The Belle Vernon Area School Board countered rumors Tuesday that the district was planning to close all four school buildings following Monday’s closure of Belle Vernon Area Middle School due to COVID-19 cases.

“Don’t read into the rumor mill, Director Justin Kosanko told the public. Any questions, reach out to your building principal. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. We’re not trying to take steps back.”

Board President Dan Engstrom and superintendent Dr. Michele Dowell said there are guidelines established by the state that the district must follow. They spell out how school districts must handle COVID-19 cases and when they must close based on the number of cases in a rolling 14-day period and the number of students in each building.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” Engstrom said.

Dowell said the district, which covers portions of Westmoreland and Fayette counties, is back in the substantial category when it comes to the number of COVID-19 cases in the counties, which also plays a role in the guidelines.

“If you have questions, my email is on the website and I’m always available,” Dowell said.

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