Neshaminy School Board President Says ‘No Reason’ For Not Having An In-Person Graduation

The president of the Neshaminy School Board said in a letter to the community on Wednesday that members of the senior class “deserve an in-person graduation ceremony.”

Neshaminy, like other local districts, has worked to find a way to hold a high school graduation ceremony and waited to see where the pandemic stood before announcing any final plans.

At a meeting in April, the Neshaminy School District announced the traditional graduation would not be held on June 10 as planned. Superintendent Joseph Jones said dates in late June, early August, and early September were on the table.

“Neshaminy is poised to have a traditional graduation ceremony (with safety modifications). We have three dates scheduled, but the one that works best for the majority of our seniors is June 27th,” School Board President Steve Pirritano wrote in his Wednesday letter.

The school board president further stated that he has support from local state lawmakers, but Gov. Tom Wolf is “the only thing that is standing in our seniors’ way.”

Pirritano requested residents contact the governor and Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera and allow schools to have in-person graduation ceremonies.

“There is no reason why this shouldn’t take place,” Pirritano said.

Bucks County will move to the “yellow” phase under Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan next Friday. The yellow phase bars gatherings of more than 25 people. The “green” phase restricts “large recreational gatherings.” It is unknown when Bucks County will move to the green phase.

Parents have spoken out at recent school board meetings in support of a graduation ceremony if safety precautions are taken.

“Our administrators, teachers and staff are ready to ensure a successful program. The Neshaminy community is ready to celebrate,” Pirritano said.

Below is Pirritano’s full message:

Dear Neshaminy Community,

Our seniors, the Class of 2020, deserve an in-person graduation ceremony. So much has been taken from them this year. Let’s not let this traditional end to the high school experience be stolen from them also.

Neshaminy is poised to have a traditional graduation ceremony (with safety modifications). We have three dates scheduled, but the one that works best for the majority of our seniors is June 27th.

There is no reason why this shouldn’t take place! Before our graduating seniors with military commitments leave us, before our seniors with higher educational commitments leave us, before something else interferes with all of our seniors celebrating this accomplishment together, we want to be able to gather for this special occasion. Our administrators, teachers and staff are ready to ensure a successful program. The Neshaminy Community is ready to celebrate!

I have personally spoken with Rep. Frank Farry and Rep. Tina Davis and with Sen. Tomlinson’s office staff. All have indicated support. The only thing that is standing in our seniors’ way is the Governor.

Please take the time to call or email the Governor and the Secretary of Education and demand that they allow schools to conduct in-person graduation ceremonies NOW! We can do this safely and securely. Our seniors deserve this.

Regards,
Stephen Pirritano
Neshaminy School District
Board President

CONTACT INFORMATION

Governor Tom Wolf Office
Phone: 717-787-2500
Email: govcorrespcrm@pa.gov
Online Form: https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/#OnlineForm

Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera
Phone: 717-783-6788
Email: ra-educationsecretary@pa.gov
Online Form: https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/education/contact-us

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