An unusually low number of residents turned out for public comment at Thursday's meeting of the Quakertown Community School Board. However, that did not deter heated passionate comments of concern from parents and residents. According to some parents, they are frustrated with the mask mandate and the exemption form is complicated and the process intimidating.

            Lauren Palen of Milford Township expressed her concern regarding mask mandates. She requested accountability from the district and the right to make decisions for her children. She stated that the mask exemption form and process is discouraging and that from her perspective, school district decisions are based on power and money. "Parents should have a say in their children's health and education", she said.

            Olivia Kratz, a high school student at Quakertown, expressed her concern for her special needs brother that is unable to wear a mask.  He has sensory issues and special considerations should be made for students unable to comply with the mandate. Her heartfelt comment made an impact. "You're very brave", said President Kaylyn Mitchell.

            Deanna Long of Milford Township. Her children attended Quakertown and now her grandchildren are students of the district. She stated that the masks are emotionally and mentally detrimental to students. "You're muzzling our children for 8 hours a day", she said.

            On another subject Lynn Routson of Quakertown Borough, has worked for the school district for 30 years and all of her children have attended school in the district. She was forced into early retirement. "It has been an honor and privilege to work with most of you", she said. Mrs. Routson worked as board treasurer and Financial Director. She became concerned about inconsistent promotion practices.

            She felt that she was passed over for a position that required the completion of tasks that she has been covering for years. On October 16, she explained that she experienced "humiliation and devastation". Without naming anyone, she stated that a top administrator entered her office two weeks before her retirement and was fired. She was told that the reasons for her termination was that she "cursed out" a coworker and refused to attend a meeting regarding the training of a new individual that was hired for the position that she was passed over for.

            Routson stated she never used improper language on any of her coworkers. She respectfully declined to attend the training meeting.  However, she did not feel that she deserved termination. In addition, her severance pay and last paycheck is being withheld. She was told it is because she is unable to provide the password for the cell phone provided by the school district.

            She explained that the password can be reset and that she sincerely doesn't remember that password because she rarely used the cell phone. As a longtime employee of the school district, this should never have happened. The situation is still under review by the board.  President Kaylyn Mitchell expressed her gratitude and apologies for the mistreatment she experienced after devoting a substantial amount of her life to the district.

            The meeting proceeded to the updated health and safety plan. The administration requested.

board approval to amend section J of the health and safety plan. The amendment would allow professional administration to temporarily initiate targeted mitigation strategies as presented, in response to an outbreak or cluster in a classroom, grade level, team, or bus.

            These strategies, when implemented, will be for a limited time period, only until the isolation period from the date of the last positive case is over. Strategies are targeted and based on the specific pattern to the outbreak/cluster.  Appropriate mitigation strategies from this list will be selected.  In addition, not all strategies will be implemented for each case.  Any additional strategies, such as closing a classroom, grade level, or school for a period of time would require an order from the Bucks County Health Department.

            A motion was made by Chris Spear and seconded by Steven Klein to implement the administration's request to implement temporary targeted administration, except for requiring masks for indoor sports and indoor masking. Motion passed 5-3.

            A motion to remove required indoor masking for sports and masking indoors from section J, was made. Both motions were passed 5-3.

            As the meeting progressed, tensions increased as the mask exemption form was critiqued. President Kaylyn Mitchell stated that a large number of parents have been contacting the board about denial for exemption. The process is complicated and confusing to parents. Mitchell explained that clear direction needs to be given from the IEP team. Parents need to be updated and informed on waivers and IEP procedures regarding mask updates. "We should be trying to work with people", said Mitchell.

            An executive session took place before the start of the public meeting to discuss personnel matters. No decisions were made at that time.