The Tamaqua Area School Board held its reorganization meeting Monday night.

Larry Wittig was unanimously re-elected as board president. He spoke about two upcoming challenges in 2021.

“Our challenges will be implementing the safety measures that were suggested in the feasibility study,” Wittig said. “The budget coming up in January, we will be challenged like we are every year to get a lot for a little.”

Tamaqua is the only school district in the coverage area whose students are on campus in person full time.

“The administration and faculty have really stepped up to the plate,” Wittig said. “It benefited the students. The students in other districts are getting so frustrated; that have gone virtual or partially virtual. They’re getting hurt academically, athletically and every which way.

“We are determined, unless we are mandated, to keep the kids in school regardless of the intensity of the positive cases around us. Frankly, we’ve never had any transmission in the school. They’re doing a good job of monitoring that. I think it’s more important to analyze your risk and say it’s more harmful for the kids to be at home in a little bubble than it is at school.”

Current Vice President Dr. Tom Rottet chose not to hold office. Nick Boyle was then elected as the new board vice president.

“It was an honor to have Dr. Rottet nominate me for the VP position,” Boyle said. “I am thankful for the confidence the board has in me and I will continue to serve the best interest of our community.”

Board member Bryan Miller was elected as assistant secretary.

2021 meeting changes

The board will no longer meet on the second and third Tuesday of each month beginning in January. Instead, meetings will be held on the second and third Monday of each month.