Smart Talk Tuesday: What plans are schools making for classes this fall?

• Scott LaMar
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades.
  
  Currently, LaMar is the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
  
  Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
  
  In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar has moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
  
  LaMar often emcees or moderates local events and has gone as far as California to emcee a national event.
  
  The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
  
  LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
  
  A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.

Bethany Waiwada's children are in the Harrisburg School District. Ja'Myea Adams, in fourth grade, uses a personal iPad with her school work. May 5, 2020. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

With the scheduled start of K-12 classes just over a month away, Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts are working on plans to educate their students in environments that are safe from contracting or spreading COVID-19, while attempting to maximize learning. However, schools face significant challenges.

Gov. Tom Wolf wants a return to education this fall after shutting down schools when the pandemic hit Pennsylvania last March. President Trump all but demanded last week that students return to school.

It’s up to local districts to decide how that can happen, under the guidelines established by the state.  

At this point, it appears schools can opt for all students returning to the classroom physically — with precautions and alterations to school buildings being made — a combination of in-person classes and virtual learning or all classes being taught on line.

Other issues will have to addressed as well like transportation, food service and sports.

Appearing on Tuesday’s Smart Talk to discuss how schools re-open are John Callahan, Chief Advocacy Officer with the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and Rich Askey, President of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. David Christopher, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Cumberland Valley School District and Michael G. Leichliter, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Penn Manor School District, join us, as well.