The Bristol Borough School District will continue to hold in person classes as the administration continues to monitor Coronavirus case numbers and positivity rates.
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Shaffer announced the districts intended plans at last weeks school directors meeting.
The administration is monitoring the situation daily. The goal is to maintain in person instruction if possible, Should we see we can not stack buildings we will make the decision to close that day. Given the current rise in cases, the Bristol Borough School District will continue to maintain its masking policy, Shaffer said.
The mask policy will be reviewed on a regular basis, Shaffer said.
The administration said in accordance with current CDC policy for individuals testing positive, individuals must quarantine for five days, and must be masked for five days after that.
In an unrelated matter, Shaffer took the opportunity to explain the decision making process for closing and or school opening delays. Shaffer said explaining the decision making process was in response to questions about the district closing schools last Monday due to expected inclimate weather.
Bucks County is primarily split into three sections; upper, central and lower and there are six school districts in our group. Bristol Township, Neshamminy, Morrisville, Pennsbury, Bristol Borough,, and Bensalem, he explained. And for example, we meet via Zoom or text at abut 4:30 am to make a joint decision on closing or delays with the other districts. We do that because we have a lot of I.U. classes in Bristol and most of those students come from outside the district. That’s why we try to stick together as much as possible when making delay and or school closing decisions, Shaffer said.
Primarily the six Lower Bucks school districts are on the same page, 99 percent of the time, he said.
At 4:45 am last Monday representatives from the six school districts received a special briefing from the National Weather Service calling for several inches of snow and ice arriving in the area before 7 am. That’s why the decision was made to close the schools Monday, he said.
“Echoing” Shaffer’s comments School Director John D’Angelo said its never an easy call when deciding to close or delay opening the school because we’re relying on a forecast.
“When you get a bad forecast there’s really nothing you can do…the last thing we want to do is cancel school” he said.
In a unrelated board matters the Superintendent pointed out January is School Board Member Recognition Month and thanked the members for their hard work and dedication for serving the school district.
“I don’t think people realize the time, the effort and stress that board members put into their roles,” he said. We are truly grateful for the work they do.
Lastly, Shaffer took time to comment on the threat incidents that occurred during the before winter recess
“I want to thank the entire school community for their support and understanding. I also want to thank the Bristol Borough Police Department Especially acting Chief Joe Moors, whose support was phenomenal for the entire situation” he said.
The next school directors meeting is scheduled for February 3, 7 pm at Snyder- Girotti Elementary School, officials said.
Note: BBSD is seeking to hire substitute teachers. Officials say you do not need a degree in education to apply. For more information please click here.
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