A Mars Area School District parent asked the school board Tuesday night how students with dyslexia are addressed in the school's health and safety plan.

Parent Amber Rush asked the school board during public comment to particularly remember students with dyslexia when it comes to the plan.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has directed schools to begin “phased reopenings” based on the color of the county.

For counties that have gone green, such as Butler County, schools are permitted to offer in-person instruction after developing a written health and safety plan. Plans need to be approved by school boards and then posted on district websites.

Members of the district's health and safety planning committee held a forum Tuesday night following the board work session to address questions and concerns about the plan. Rush's comments preceded the discussion.

“I know that COVID has the district creating and implementing many new policies,” said Rush, who has a child with dyslexia. “(But) these kids don't just disappear in a pandemic.”

Citing research conducted by universities and colleges in the United States, Rush reminded the board that students with dyslexia need additional assistance when it comes to reading, writing and processing language.

She's concerned students with this “hidden disability” will not have the resources they need this school year, particularly while the school implements pandemic-dictated modifications to operations.

“It is an unexpected difficulty,” Rush said. “Dyslexia is (still) very real.”

Last year, Rush helped the district plan an event that simulated what it's like for students handling dyslexia. She said this and additional training in the district is helpful, but hasn't been implemented on the level it needs to be in the classroom.

“My concern tonight is that these bright children are marginalized,” Rush said. “And with the pandemic, these children who have struggled will now be waiting even longer for proper intervention.”

Rush specifically asked the board to make sure district administration doesn't overlook dyslexic needs moving into a new school year.

Properly informed teachers, school psychologists and administrators are paramount in providing accessible resources for students, according to Rush.

“I ask that you make dyslexia a priority in the professional development plan,” Rush said.

She added she understood the amount of planning that needed to be done and praised district officials for the work they're doing.