ECASD Board Approves Phase Two Reopening Plan

The Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors voted to move ahead with a Phase Two Reopening Plan proposed by Acting Superintendent Wes Shipley.

The 5-4 vote will allow administrators to limit choices for families when it comes to choosing in school learning, a hybrid model, or a full cyber option.

Directors Barbara Wilson, Matt Morella, Erica Gray, Jennifer Tomon, and Gary Rozanski supported the following plan proposed by Shipley during an Oct 5 Committee of the Whole Meeting: On Nov 2 families will have three options—full five day in school instruction, three day in school instruction, and Ecava. Those three options would be limited to two on December 7 when families will be asked to choose between a full five day week or Ecava. Shipley said students who are ill will still be asked to stay home.

“Remote learning is always going to be an option for students who have to quarantine,” he said at Monday’s meeting.

Board President Renee Pitrelli and Directors Jean Biehls, Kathleen McCommons, and Norman Boots wanted a quicker transition with less options to occur at the end of the first nine-week grading period. They believe the best course of actions for the students would be to start the second nine weeks back in class.

“These options are extremely hard on our teachers,” McCommons said. “I feel like if the numbers allow it, we should start the new nine weeks with everyone back.”

The numbers refer to the amount of community spread of the coronavirus, which would be considered before moving forward with Shipley’s Phase Two Reopening Plan.

Boots agreed.

“The kids need to be in school,” he said.

Other board members said although they understand the hardship placed on the teachers, they want the families to continue to have options.

“I believe there are families still using the options because they need them,” Tomon said.

She said that those students with health conditions or students with family members with health conditions should be able to have options available that best fit their personal situations.

Barbara Wilson said that for her, it’s a matter of safety.

“I have to prioritize the health of our children,” she said.

Two parents in attendance gave their thoughts on the transition plan.

Parent Domenic Salvucci said he sees a pattern of the board changing what administrators and educators put forth as plans for the district.

“At some point you have to listen to the people you hire to do the job,” he said.

Jennifer Westerman, parent, said she will follow her own plan according to what she thinks is best for her child.

“He will go three days a week,” she said. “I don’t care what you do.”

She questioned how having students return to class full time will allow for any social distancing.

“There’s no harm in giving a parent a choice,” Westerman said.