Spring Cove School District Has No Plans To Move to a Hybrid Model

The Spring Cove School District Board of Directors met Monday, Nov. 9, for a combined committee of the whole and regular meeting at the administration office board room in Roaring Spring with the public participating virtually.

Superintendent Dr. Betsy Baker emphasized that the district has no plans to move to a hybrid model of learning and is hoping there never is that need. She said the district just wants to make sure that the plan on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Education is the best plan to use in the event that the situation deems hybrid learning to be necessary.

Dr. Baker spoke to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases the district is dealing with.

“Our COVID-19 Pandemic Planning Team met last week, and they unanimously agreed that an ABABV hybrid model like the one used by the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center would be more effective than the original plan the school was looking to implement in this situation because it would align with the GACTC, for the students attending there from Spring Cove and allow teachers to provide in-person instruction to their students on alternating days,” Dr. Baker said. “Thus we are recommending to the board, for approval tonight, that we adopt an ABABV model instead of the AAVBB model. “

With this model, a student would be in the classroom every other day.

Board Approves ABABV Model

The proposed model of having a Group A attend school in person on Monday and Wednesday and Group B attending in person on Tuesday and Thursday with remote learning provided on all remaining days was passed unanimously by the board. This model will be on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Education should the district need to move to a hybrid model.

Blair County is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, and the number of cases in the Spring Cove School District reflects that. In a three day span, the district received notice of five additional positive cases for a total of six. The positive cases span across all buildings and included students and staff who are positive for the virus. Baker went on to say, “ as COVID-19 cases increase in our community, we are finding that the majority of individuals are contracting COVID-19 from someone within their household. To date we are not seeing the virus spread within the school setting, which tells us the precautions we are taking are working effectively. We continue to work with the Department of Health with all cases and to monitor the situation carefully.”

The district brings outside air into the classroom, uses face coverings at all times, and is keenly aware of social distancing. There have been a few unfortunate students which have had to be quarantined three times already.

Baker also said the district is having extreme difficulty finding available substitute teachers.

Board Vice President Amy Acker-Knisely asked what the tipping point was in coronavirus cases in which the district would alter person-to-person learning to a virtual situation. Baker told the board it would be able to meet and make another decision on the teaching model utilized or going virtual or different form of hybrid. It was also noted that currently their are seven individuals who are quarantined.

The School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD ) approved the release of $49.8 million to address additional COVID-19-related health and safety needs for school districts. To secure their share of funding (which is $44,552 ), Spring Cove will submit another grant application.

The installation of the new NFHS Pixellot systems at Roaring Spring Athletic Field and the Central High School gymnasium was completed several weeks ago. Streaming of sporting events here will now be able to be done. More information on accessing the system will be available soon from the district. Additionally, new scoreboards were recently installed at the Central High School baseball field.

Dr. Baker Receives New Five-Year Contract

A motion to retain Dr. Baker as Superintendent at Spring Cove School District for a period running from July 1, 2021 and run for a period up through June 30, 2026 was unanimously approved by the board. Dr. Baker was recognized for her outstanding work over the past years.

A motion to approve the list of 2020 winter coaching appointments and motion to approve the list of additional volunteers for the 2020-21 school year were both approved.

Due to social distancing requirements, meetings of the Spring Cove School District Board of Directors will be held virtually until further notice.

Anyone wishing to attend a meeting should contact Dr. Baker at bbaker@springcovesd.org or call 224-3060 by noon on the day of the meeting to receive access information. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1.