Community Dialogue Responses

April 18, 2022 Board Meeting

Concern regarding the decision changing in a matter of a week to have the high school prom hosted at Serenity Woods Summit.
Response: The superintendent was fact-finding from April 5-15, 2022. After contact from an additional legal counsel, it was apparent it would be in the best interest of the district to go in a different direction and not utilize Serenity Woods Summit. The information was communicated to all involved and a letter was sent to families on April 15, 2022.

December 13, 2021 Board Meeting

Concern regarding mandating masks at school.
Response:

•         The Centers for Disease Control, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Berrien County Health Department all strongly recommend universal masking in school.
•         The American Academy of Pediatricians likewise recommends the wearing of face masks. See Face Masks for Children During COVID -19 S (October 18, 2021) and Mask Mythbusters: Common Questions and Kids & Face Masks (November 9, 2021)
•         A recent data report from the University of Michigan concludes that Michigan K-12 schools without mask mandates have a much higher spread rate. See Detroit Free Press, “K-12 Schools Without Mask Mandates,  Michigan Saw 62% More Coronavirus Spread” (October 15, 2021).
•         The CDC order requiring the use of face masks on school buses remains in effect.
•         Revised School Code Section 11a provides general authority for school districts to take action incidental to operating a public school unless otherwise provided by law. This general authority extends to providing for the safety and welfare of students at school. MCL 380.11a(3)

September 20, 2021 Board Meeting

Concern regarding Berrien County Health Mask Mandate.
Response: Since the implementation of the mandate which we are required to follow as a public school, we have not had any cases where any students in our district have been removed. Parents have a choice to follow the mandate or for their student to stay home and join our virtual academy or homeschool.

August 16, 2021 Board Meeting

Concern regarding public health measures regarding Covid-19.
Response: BCS will be looking at local data within our schools prior to issuing a mask mandate. Any students and staff may wear a mask to school if they choose.

July 18, 2021 Board Meeting

Question regarding COVID testing for athletes.
Response: BCS will only be COVID testing for athletes if mandated.

June 28, 2021 Board Meeting

Concern regarding graduation and the heat.
Response: The district will add to the checklist; the provision of water for spectators and having medic services on standby.

Concern about the early release days on Wednesdays.
Response: These days are aligned with early release days across the county. Other days were considered prior to making the final decisions, Wednesdays are more productive for our groups. All students will continue to receive more than the required number of instructional hours and days of school.