The district currently does not offer transportation for middle and high school students who live less than one and a half miles from the Fairfield Road campus. Superintendent Thomas Haupt told the board during its April study session district leadership recommends changing the policy to allow the board to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

No board members expressed concern for the policy change, opening the door for students attending Caterpillar Clubhouse on Fairfield’s Main Street to receive a bus ride.

In February, Caterpillar Clubhouse Owner Melissa Cavey said next year she will have possibly four students in her before-school program who will attend the middle school. Parents are uncomfortable allowing 10-year-old students to walk to school, Cavey said.

"It would be hard just to have a staff member exclusively walk the kids down," she said.

Board Vice President Jack Liller expressed understanding for Cavey’s concern in February but said he fears transporting students who attend Caterpillar Clubhouse will lead to vastly expanding who can ride a school bus. Lilller did not attend April’s study session meeting.

If the board approves the policy change, Cavey will need to formally request transportation to and from her daycare. Others who care for middle and high school students within a mile and a half from the school may do the same.

In other business, District Business Manager Tim Stanton told the board an upcoming roof project may be less expensive than anticipated.

The board granted permission in March for district administration to seek bids to replace sections of the middle/high school roof and the elementary school roof. The board expressed a desire for the total project not to exceed $1.8 million.

Stanton said Detweiler Construction Company of Harleysville submitted the lowest bid for each project, totaling $1.705 million.

"Detweiller is a very well-respected company," Stanton said.

The district’s solicitor is currently reviewing Detweiler’s bid. If it meets legal requirements, Stanton will present it to the board for review at a future meeting. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

Fairfield Area School District residents who are unable to attend study sessions and board meetings in-person will soon have a better at-home viewing experience.

The district livestreams all of its meetings on YouTube, which are available later for on-demand viewing. The current camera is placed in the back of the room so only half of the board members are visible. It is often difficult to hear people speaking, and determine who is the one speaking.

A new system with improved audio was recently installed in the board room. The system will zoom in on speakers’ faces so the public is clear as to who is commenting. The board plans to use the system at its next meeting.