The Quakertown Community School Board held its first in-person meeting last Thursday, and, with school to start on August 30th, the main topic of conversation was the health and safety plan.

            The school board voted 6-3 to pass the drafted health and safety plan with proposed amendments. The plan states masks are optional for anyone on school property or participating in district sponsored events.

            The amended plan was approved with members Jonathan Kern, Kaylyn Mitchell, Keith Micucci, Chris Spear, Steaven Klein and Ronald Jackson voting for the plan and members David Ochmanowicz, Brian Reimers and Jennifer Gross dissenting.

            A motion to amend the plan to require masks, except for outdoor sports and special education, failed with a 7-2 vote. Cross and Ochmanowicz supported the mask mandate.

            An amendment stating that if the district sees a substantial positivity rate in the county, the administration can implement mitigation strategies as they see fit. The amendment was supported by Cross and Reimers. The motion failed 7-2.

            Before voting on the proposed plan, Kern presented the board and public with statistical scientific data to promote discussion and thoughtful decision making as well as mitigating fear.

            Several parents and community members spoke out in regard to mandating masks, testing, tracking, sanitation measures and revisiting the plan as needed.

            Toni Becker, of Richland Township, requested vaccine equity, universal masking, testing, tracking and revisiting the plan as needed.

            Jeanette Dcruz, of Milford Township, is a parent and healthcare professional. She brought up the safety of masks and the accuracy of nasal swab testing. Dcruz explained that the substances on the swab are carcinogenic and the test itself checks for approximately 40 different pathogens. She also opined that every parent should be able to decide what is best for their own child.

            Jennifer Zepp, of Richland Township, is a parent of two students. One is in elementary school and is too young to be vaccinated, and her other child attends high school. She requested that the board mandate universal masking regardless of vaccine status.

            Despite polarized, impassioned views on the topic, everyone was respectful and considerate of each other.

            The board stated that the plan is fluid and will be reevaluated throughout the year as needed. They will also take into consideration state and county guidelines as the situation with the pandemic unfolds. Social, mental and economic implications of COVID-19 will also be taken into consideration.

            "The CDC provides strict guidelines. It's up to us as critical thinking adults to make informed decisions," said Mitchell, the board president.

            The board approved amendments to continue weekly health screening emails, that will go out every Monday, and to send letters to parents if COVID-19 is reported in their children's classrooms.

            In other district business, Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner publicly recognized four students for their exceptional work and community spirit. Recent graduates Abby Jacobes, Hans Muse, Elizabeth Hilton, and rising senior Madeline LaBonge were acknowledged for their talent and dedication.

            Abby is a winner of the Pennsylvania SkillsUSA Welding Sculpture Competition. She placed third nationally for her sculpture titled "Flowers for David", a dedication to her grandfather.

            Hanz, a Bucks County Envirothon advisor for 2021, helped his team place first. He is recognized as a scholar athlete. He will continue his studies at Penn State, majoring in Environmental Engineering.

            Elizabeth took 14 advanced placement courses in high school. She was awarded the McKinstry Scholarship. Her full tuition and ½ board costs will be paid. Elizabeth will be majoring in biology and premedical studies.

            Madeline is a scholar athlete and student board member. She attended the summer scholars program virtually at Notre Dame. She is also the National Honors Society president and co-president of the student council.