Virtual Special Board of Education Meeting

The Moon Area Board of Education held a virtual special business meeting on September 21, 2020, called to order by the president at 6:00 pm. Seven directors were present; the secretary was absent. The board first approved the updated Phased School Reopening Health & Safety Plan and Emergency Instructional Time Templates, allowing the district to return to school on one-, four-, two-, or five-day models. Under the plan, Kindergarten through Grade 6 returns four days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) in both in-person and virtual formats, with Wednesday reserved for home learning, while Grades 7–12 return one day a week, with seventh graders on Tuesday and eighth graders on Thursday. Directors voted unanimously in favor.

The board appointed an employee as Assistant District Superintendent, effective through June 30, 2024, at a salary, subject to clearances and a written agreement. The board accepted the retirement resignation of a teacher, effective October 2, 2020. Both passed on unanimous roll call votes.

Following the votes, the board heard from numerous parents and community members regarding the reopening plan, social distancing, IEPs, quarantine rules, lunch procedures, face shields, and the decision deadline for virtual versus in-person learning. The superintendent explained that decisions on returning higher grades to more days depend on infection rates and staffing. The board also discussed allowing spectators at sporting events, ultimately permitting attendance at all sports except volleyball and football, with football limited to 250 people including coaches, players, band, and cheerleaders, half of whom may attend. The next board meeting was set for Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at 7:00 pm. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.