Brown Provides Perspective to W-burg School Board

Christina Brown, a long-tenured third-grade teacher at Williamsburg Elementary School, spoke during the Thursday evening, Feb. 18, Williamsburg Community School Board meeting.

Brown called teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic an “unprecedented time.” Brown said that teachers are going through “a tremendous amount of stress,” but what gets them through are, at least for Brown, “... the smiles that greet me during our virtual learning,” she said.

Brown praised every member of her class by name.

“It’s such a privilege to be their teacher,” she said.

Brown received a round of applause from the school board members in attendance.

Superintendent Lisa Murgas said that she was hearing “a lot of concerns” from parents about school closures related to COVID-19. Murgas said she is working on an email to send to parents regarding the expressed concerns.

Murgas also said that no waiver has been granted by the state regarding Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing, and teachers are still preparing students for the scheduled testing.

Elementary Principal Jennifer Metzler said that she and Superintendent Murgas attended a leadership conference last week, and talked about her “superhero power” of flexibility during a pandemic. Metzler discussed incorporating a virtual Bingo to commemorate the 100th day of school. Metzler praised the PTO for its help and support with the Valentine’s Day parties held in classrooms.

Michelle Bem, the band-front advisor for the district for many years, submitted her letter of resignation, effective at the end of the school year. Board members thanked Bem for her service.

The board approved the per-capita tax that the district receives from residents of Williamsburg Borough, Woodbury and Catharine townships. Every year, the board has to approve a list of individuals who no longer pay the tax. This list includes individuals who have moved out of the district, moved from one municipality to another, passed away or who meet the requirements that exempt them from the tax.

The board held a closed-door executive session prior to meeting for “personnel and negotiations” matters.