Butler Area School District may implement different COVID-19 mitigation plans this year, with school closures not being the preferred strategy for administrators.

Superintendent Brian White wrote in an online message posted to the district's website Sunday that targeted mitigation strategies are recommended for the district, which may include moving a classroom with a cluster of positive cases into a larger room where everyone can be socially distanced.

The strategies also could involve moving a specific class to remote instruction or temporarily closing a specific program or activity.

The mask mandate for schools in Pennsylvania ended Dec. 10, and on that date, the district had 30 reported positive cases among students and employees. On Dec. 21, the district had nine positive cases.

White wrote in his message that the fluctuation of the number of cases in the district could be caused by a number of factors, including students not getting tested as often as before. He said it is the district's goal to continue normal, in-person operations.

White said he is concerned about staffing shortages in the district, and a lack of staff would be the most likely reason for a disruption to regular operations.

The district lists 12 available positions on its employment webpage.

With concern that many families in the district living below the poverty line will never get above it, White also said the district interacts with many local employers with which administrators can connect people. The school district web page for “connecting our community to employment” will help parents stay in the loop, he said.

On the note of employment, White said the district is hiring for a new behavioral health position to lead “efforts to address behavioral issues and create an environment that is conducive to educating all children.”

Brought about by behavioral issues reported in the district's schools recently, White said the job would include defining what acceptable behavior looks like, being consistent in responses to unwanted behaviors and consistently engaging resources when needed.