Virtual Board of Education Meeting

The Moon Area Board of Education held a virtual workshop meeting on June 22, 2020, called to order by the president, with nine directors present and about 55 audience members. The board approved bills for the period June 5 to June 19, 2020, and approved the final tax levy resolutions for 2020-2021, raising the real estate tax with an increase; one director voted against this resolution. The board approved the Homestead/Farmstead Exclusion Resolution #2020-7, the General Fund Budget, and an insurance package via HHM Insurers covering July 2020 to June 2021. It authorized up to a specific amount in general obligation notes to refund 2010B and 2015 bonds and fund capital projects.

The board approved a three-year Questeq renewal, a Horizon Server purchase for online learning, and the plan to return to athletic participation. It continued two employees as School Safety and Security Coordinators, approved a Flexible Instructional Day application, and approved a settlement for a student. It renewed Wesley Family Services school-based therapeutic agreements and approved a high school cross country trip to Hershey. Personnel actions included approving coordinators and teachers, continuing the Transportation Director, appointing a Clerk to the Board, approving fall coaches, authorizing the superintendent to fill vacancies before July 20, rescinding and re-approving long-term substitute special education teachers, and accepting a resignation. The board also approved summer ESY paraeducators.

During public comment, directors debated graduation plans, with one director favoring an in-person stadium event and two other directors citing the 250-person limit and COVID-19 concerns. A survey was pending, with a decision expected by week's end. A resident proposed discounting back taxes, which the board referred to executive session. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm, and the board noted the July 20 meeting would be held in person.