File Photo of Hopewell School District
Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published January 11, 2023 7:40 A.M.

A special presentation was presented at the school board’s work session to update the board and students on the problems at the school that may have caused gastrointestinal illnesses to students prior to Christmas break, necessitating virtual learning from December 19-22, 2022. Bill King, FMS Building Contractor manager and  Mike Kopar PSI Program manager of environmental services outlined all the steps taken to determine the source of the bacteria and found 2 rodents and droppings in a boys bathroom wall, every area of the school was checked for rodents in the building. On December 31, 2022 Backtronix went through the school. Creswell Heights Water Authority came to the school, and normal molds were found at the school and PA DOH was contacted, and the district followed all the guidelines necessary. Superintendent Dr. Jeff Beltz told those present that the district will continue to work and monitor the situation.