A light agenda was on tap at September’s meeting of the Loyalsock Township School Board following a day that saw middle and high school students released early due to a threat phoned in against a middle school faculty member Wednesday afternoon.

Board member and wellness committee chair David Bjorkman addressed any concerns parents might have over communication regarding the incident.

“I understand that we all want timely updates and we want them immediately, but crisis communication is fluid. There’s a balance between speed and accuracy, between providing enough information without jeopardizing an act of law enforcement investigation,” he said, adding that once police become involved, the situation enters their jurisdiction.

“Some details could not be released or had to be coordinated across multiple agencies,” he explained. “Twenty-three-plus years in law enforcement, emergency management, I can tell you that releasing a statement within one hour is considered timely. That first hour is devoted to managing the incident itself,” Bjorkman explained while being quick to avoid dismissing anyone’s concerns over the matter.

“Those concerns are valid and should be addressed and welcomed,” he said, while urging parents and guardians to make certain that their contact information is up to date.

“If you did not receive a message via Parentlink, notify the district,” he urged.

“Once the district has that accurate contact information, it becomes their responsibility to keep you informed,” Bjorkman said.

The board member also stressed that while cell phones can be useful in situations like this, they can be a distraction, and even a risk to the safety of the students.

“Their priority is to stay silent, remain hidden and be prepared for next steps. If conditions change, there is a time to text parents, but it’s only when it is safe to do so,” Bjorkman said.

He also urged a revisiting and refinement of early dismissal reunification procedure following any safety event.

In staffing matters, the board appointed Laura Fry as long-term substitute school nurse, effective Aug. 18, and will become a temporary professional employee upon receipt of her Level I Certification-School Nurse; Deanna Snyder as food service substitute effective Aug. 28 at a rate of $15 per hour, as well as several fall athletic personnel for the 2025-26 sports season; and acknowledged the resignations of Shannon Butters, data coordinator, effective Aug. 22; Vicki Killian, food service employee, effective Aug. 4; Suwarna Bhagat, food service employee, effective Sept. 45; Maria Cornejo, paraprofessional, effective Aug. 7; and Joseph Schneider, custodial employee, effective Aug. 25.

In other matters, the board adopted a new policy on relations with law enforcement and a revised policy regarding school security personnel. The memorandum of understanding with state police allows them to correspond with district school police officers and provides guidance around the district’s state reporting obligations to the state Department of Education, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Brooke Beiter explained; and approved an agreement with Shannon Butters for contracted data coordinator services.

The next school board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1.