(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(New Brighton, PA) – The New Brighton Area school board met tonight for a special voting session as well as their committee meeting.  Superintendent Dr. Joseph Guarino started off by stating that the district will start the year with masking being a choice, although they are strongly recommending it.  Students will however, be required to wear face coverings while on buses and transportation due to TSA mandates.   The district intends to work in and out of distancing scenarios, meaning that they will engage students in group activities and projects with their desks in groups when appropriate and at other times their desks will be 3 feet apart.  Gym classes and recess will also resume as well as extracurricular activities such as band and sports being allowed indoors and outdoors.  The school will continue to participate in contact tracing efforts as well as encouraging families to monitor their child’s health.  Dr. Guarino noted that the school nurses keep exceptional data to aid in decision making for things such as potential mask requirements.  Furthermore, he stated that data from last year showed that masks caused a decrease in common infections such as strep throat, particularly within the elementary school.  Students will also be given guidance on proper mask care.  The board went on to answer questions from the public. When asked about the risk of school closures, Dr. Guarino stated that the Dept. of Health will make any decisions regarding the need to close the school.  Another question asked was if Critical Race Theory was being taught, and the superintendent relayed that it is not part of curriculum or integrated in the district in any way.  The board also approved the hiring of a librarian and four instructional assistants.