MASD welcomes new principal; approves fall full-opening

The Montrose Area School Board bid farewell to retiring Lathrop Street Elementary Principal Karen Ricci at the Monday, July 19 meeting, and welcomed Patrick Matthews to the administrative team.

Matthews was approved by the board in the position of principal at Lathrop Street Elementary, effective July 19.

The board also approved the district’s Health and Safety Plan, which calls for a return to full, in-person instruction this fall.

The remote learning option will not be available for students in the coming year, according to the plan. Synchronous remote instruction – when in-person is not possible due to health/safety concerns – will be utilized.

School buses are considered mass transit and facemasks will be required for students riding on school buses.

Several parents attended the meeting to question the board about the plan. One audience member also wanted to know, “What happens if we don’t submit one?”

Superintendent Chris McComb cited COVID case numbers in the county and in the school district. “Right now, I feel like we’re in a very good place,” he said, noting few cases.

McComb was also questioned about COVID testing of students, quarantine options, and social distancing protocols.

He said the district would not violate any federal order or order from the Dept. of Education. “To go against a federal order would put the school district in a very bad position,” he said.

Audience members also pushed for the board to reconsider its decision that would have unvaccinated teachers and staffers use sick time if they are placed in quarantine. Currently, if an employee receives a negative test, they can come back to work.