Residents urge Berwick Area SD to support special‑needs services and expand anti‑bullying assemblies

Several members of the public used the Dec. 1 Berwick Area School District meeting to press the board on student supports.

One commenter criticized the board for not taking a larger role in providing services through CSIU for special‑needs students, asking, “None of you wanna take over for CSIU? These are for special‑need kids... Do you guys care?” The commenter named Missus Yost for her prior service and urged other board members to volunteer for responsibilities related to CSIU supports.

Later in the public‑comment period, Danielle Kishbog of Salem Township urged the district to schedule more assemblies to address bullying and to encourage students to speak with trusted adults. Kishbog said VoTech had invited outside presenters, including a university police official and a staff member from Susquehanna University, to speak with students and described the district’s effort as a model she hoped would be replicated. “We need to have more assemblies to teach these kids that bullying isn't right,” Kishbog said.

Board members and administrators did not announce a formal policy change during the meeting, but public comments were recorded for consideration as work continues on programming and supports. The district previously noted that certain special‑education coverage and athletics medical coverage are required by policy and regulation, and administrators reaffirmed requirements for sideline medical coverage at sports events and for access procedures tied to special‑education funding.