Board Recognizes Retirees, Prepares for Full Return to Schools in the Fall
At the most recent board meeting of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, on June 14, the district recognized 17 retiring faculty and staff members, detailed the health and safety plan for the 2021-22 school year, and provided an overview of the proposed 2021-22 final budget.
Retiring Faculty and Staff
Director of Human Resources and Operations Ferg Abbott opened the meeting by recognizing 17 faculty, staff, and administrators for their years of service: the vast majority of them have been with the district for a decade or more. They include:
Nether Providence Elementary: Anna Marie Finlay (17 years)
Strath Haven Middle School: Linda Ackerman (35 years), Diane Hannum (31 years), Bill Thorpe (25 years), Richard Law (19 years), Ann Burns (16 years)
Swarthmore-Rutledge School: Sue Vatnick (25 years), Susan Richers (17 years), Donna Puscian (16 years)
Wallingford Elementary School: Norma Long (29 years), Eileen Vansant (18 years), Lucille Scidurlo (14 years)
District Office: Cheryl Sweeney-Foy (19 years), Patricia McGarry (18 years), Laurie Dubrow (14 years), Angel Ramirez (4 years)
Abbot also recognized Dr. Lisa Palmer, the outgoing district superintendent, for her 10 years of dedicated service. “Although 10 years doesn’t rank up there, the amount of time, effort, and thought she has put into this district certainly does,” he said. “Lisa’s work ethic can’t be matched.”
2021-2022 Health & Safety Plan
Dr. David Grande reported that he was enthusiastic and optimistic about the community’s progress against Covid-19: “We are in a much, much better place as a community today, and that allows us to move in this very positive direction.”
The previous health and safety plan ended on June 18; a new one has been implemented and will remain in effect for all summer programs and into the next school year. The plan is designed to be flexible and responsive to conditions as they may change.
SHHS junior Robert Christaldi address the school board.
Masking
On June 28, masking mandates will end in Pennsylvania, as well as at schools in the Wallingford-Swarthmore district, although the district will support individuals who still wish to wear a mask, and will encourage non-vaccinated individuals to wear a mask. Mask wearing was the subject of a public comment by Strath Haven High School junior Robert Christaldi, who supported the new health and safety plan and strongly encouraged its approval. Robert described his hearing loss, and how masks had made it impossible for him to lip-read during the 2020-21 school year. “I think if this district is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, we need to be inclusive to all people, regardless of their ability,” he said. “A little flexibility and compassion would have gone a long way.”
Social Distancing
Pennsylvania has also lifted the order related to physical distancing and occupancy limits. As a result, school buildings and offices will no longer require social distancing and will allow full occupancy and visitors, with no restrictions. School buses will also operate at full capacity.
Cleaning, Disinfecting and Ventilation
Routine daily cleaning of all WSSD schools and buildings will continue. If there is a positive Covid case, the district will clean and disinfect any affected areas. HVAC filters will be changed regularly and building climate conditions will be monitored daily.
Lunch and Recess
Lunch and recess activities will return to normal starting in the fall; lunch will be served in all buildings. Hand sanitizer will continue to be available, and regular hand washing will be encouraged.
Screening
WSSD staff and contractors will be required to self-screen and remain home if they are experiencing symptoms. Likewise, staff and students who are ill must stay home, and will be sent home if they become ill while at school. The district may implement a rapid antigen or Cue testing program for individuals who become symptomatic during school hours, and will maintain an adequate supply of personal protective equipment for use when individuals become ill.
Contact tracing
The district will report all confirmed cases of Covid-19 to the Chester County Health Department and will make available a list of anyone who had close contact with those who tested positive. Those who test positive will be given guidance as to whether they should isolate or quarantine, depending on the advice of the CDC and the Chester County Health Department.
Proposed 2021-22 Final Budget
Business Administrator Martha Kew provided a brief overview of the proposed 2021-2022 budget, which is based on the district’s plan of a full return to school. She explained that there are still some unknowns — such as the amount of state and federal revenues to be received — and that these may affect the final budget.
Local revenues make up over 79% of the district’s $89 million budget. On the expense side, salaries and benefits make up nearly 70% of the budget. The district’s fund balance at the end of 2021-2022 is projected to be $5.4 million.
View a listing of scheduled school board meetings and their agendas. View the WSSD school board meetings online.
