(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

The Blackhawk School Board met virtually tonight for their monthly meeting.  They went over a variety of topics. The district spoke about improvements to their high school building that include a new elevator and also new fridge and freezer systems for the cafeteria.  Board members announced that senior and junior class officers have been working on a plan to host a prom.  The class officers have suggested an event where the students can go out to eat together, followed by meeting at the school for the actual prom, which they would like to be held outdoors.  Holding the prom outdoors will give a sufficient amount of space, opposed to indoors, and allow parents and guests to be in attendance for the grand march.  The Board also spoke about assessment tests that have been given to the students since returning to in class instruction full time. They stated that they have seen a dramatic improvement since the return to class, as opposed to online instruction.  It was also announced that the district intends on using iPads for Keystone and PSSA tests to eliminate the transmission of papers and materials between students and staff members.  One parent spoke out about her concerns that the fact that students wouldn’t be given mask breaks when they returned to school, was not communicated to parents.  The board members stated that they cannot give students masks breaks due to the students not being able to be distanced enough in the building, according to the attestation agreement they signed with the state. Also debated was if the district is in need of new heating and air conditioning systems to improve air quality.  The Board does not believe that there is an issue with the air quality at the moment, but some staff and parents do.