District: Mars Area School District

Superintendent: Mark Gross

Education plan: Mars Area tentatively is planning a three-pronged approach for the return to school. If Butler County remains in a green or yellow phase, students will have the option to participate in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting; a live stream interaction (LSI) classroom format; or the Mars Area Cyber Academy. The board is expected to approve the plan in August. The plan’s anticipated launch date is Aug. 26.

Schools: Mars Area High School, Mars Area Middle School, Mars Area Centennial School, Mars Area Elementary School, Mars Area Primary Center

Enrollment: estimated at 3,350 for all five district schools

Vo-tech usage: Information unavailable

AP classes: Information unavailable

Bus company: A.J. Myers & Sons

Breakfast: Information unavailable

Lunch: Information unavailable

Activity fees: Varies. The athletic participation fee is $100 per student per sport, with no per student or per family cap.

Student parking: $175, subject to change

Program changes: Information unavailable

Technology updates: Mars is looking at using technology to livestream classes for students in the fall and is now researching the necessary cameras and mics. The school board approved several technology purchases over the summer, including $95,000 for switches for network infrastructure upgrades and $14,250 for 600 Chromebook management licenses.

Major personnel changes: Mark Gross is the new superintendent; Anastasia DiLorenzo is the new substitute principal for Mars Area Primary Center; Kara Eckert, former curriculum director, resigned following the termination of the curriculum director position; various paraprofessional and teachers positions were also filled