Public comment raises concerns about student safety at school board meeting

The Berwick Area School District held its regular board meeting on May 12, 2025, addressing several key agenda items and public concerns. The meeting began with a reminder for attendees that public comments were limited to agenda items only.

The first significant discussion involved academic affairs, where board members reviewed two items. A motion was made, but no further comments were recorded on these topics.

During the public comment segment, Jeff Spiegel raised a serious concern regarding an incident involving his niece. He described a situation where school staff prevented him from taking her home, citing safety concerns. The board advised him to address his issue directly with the school principal, emphasizing that such discussions should occur outside the meeting.

The board then moved on to discuss a bond resolution related to HVAC improvements and other projects, which had been previously approved. The members confirmed the progress on these initiatives, with a partial funding of 50% noted.

Transportation was another key topic, with a motion to approve Bauer Transportation. The board members unanimously supported this motion, indicating a smooth transition in transportation services.

Personnel matters were also addressed, with a motion to approve several personnel items. Again, the board members expressed unanimous support for these decisions.

As the meeting concluded, Tanya Cleaver, the BAE president, inquired about the timeline for hiring the next superintendent. The board confirmed that the hiring process is ongoing, indicating that updates would be provided as they become available.

Overall, the meeting covered essential operational matters, addressed public concerns, and reaffirmed the board's commitment to ongoing projects and personnel decisions. The next steps regarding the superintendent search will be closely monitored by the community.