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Jersey Shore parents seek change on masks

JERSEY SHORE — “Do what’s right for the kids,” parent Ann Marie Pfirman urged the Jersey Shore Area School Board at their meeting as she made the case for a masks-optional policy for district students.

“I am here as a soldier of God fighting to maintain our Constitutional and God-given rights,” Pfirman told the board.

She added that in preparing to speak, she realized that none of the board members “have spoke up for our children or parent rights publicly.”

“I am asking you to stop hiding behind the threats of the bullies and power-grabbing elitists that don’t know you or have one ounce of concern for you or our

children,” she added.

Pfirman noted that because of what she claimed is inaction by the board, some of the parents and citizens have take action by sending a letter from their attorney to the school board.

“We hope you will now work with us and get masking optional for our children and stop the segregation practices that the district has allowed the teachers and the administrators to do in our classrooms,” Pfirman said.

“If you do not work with us, we will be considering taking further action,” she added.

Other parents and a student reiterated Pfirman’s request for masks to be optional for students during the public comments section of Monday’s meeting. The board did not respond to the comments.

Under personnel items, the board accepted the resignations of: Chelsea Sweely, middle school custodian; Nancy Harrow, high school lunch monitor; and Jeffrey Miller, groundskeeper. A letter of retirement from Pamela Farr, head cook at Salladasburg Elementary, was also accepted.

The following appointments were approved with the stipends listed: Robert Lundy, assistant varsity football coach, $4,021; and Chris Bilbay, part-time assistant varsity football coach, $2,010.

Positions and stipends for the Middle School musical, “Parents Just Don’t Understand: The Musical” were approved: Monica Richards, drama coach, $1,499; Andrea Bowers, music production coach, $1,499; Nichole Bechdel, lighting, $375; Wanda Derr, stage manager 1, $375; Liza Smith, stage manager 2, $375; Haley Enders, public relations, $375; Keith Bowers, production set design and completion, $563; and Quinn Henry, sound, $375.

The appointment of Daniel Bergman as an elementary music teacher at a salary of $63,935, prorated, effective Sept. 28 was approved. Jennifer Rieck was approved as a fitness center instructor at a rate of $10 per hour.

The board approved exonerating $667.85 in food service debts and $80.00 in technology debts due to students moving with no forwarding address. These debts were incurred before the free lunch program was instituted for school-age children.

The renewal of an agreement with Geisinger Clinic to perform student athletic physicals and to review and sign standing orders for the district was approved. A collaborative agreement between the district and Merakey for intensive behavioral health services was also approved.

The board approved the following donations: $275 from Donor Choose for healthy snacks for students in Dr. Jennifer McKee’s learning support class; $303 from Donor Choose for four double-sided magnetic tiles and a large clip box for word building in McKee’s class; and 180 cases of Gatorade, Gatorade protein bars and shakes for the district’s athletic program from The Love Center.

The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Middle School Auditorium, 601 Thompson St.

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