Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Friday that schools in New York State will remain closed through April 15. The state had ordered schools to close through April 1; he extended that order another two weeks.
The governor said he would reassess the situation in another two weeks and may call for another extension.
“I do think that’s a prudent approach,” said Shelter Island School Superintendent Brian Doelger at the Town’s emergency response meeting that took place shortly after the governor’s announcement.
“Things are changing rapidly,” Dr. Doelger said, “and we don’t know what the state will look like at that time.”
Schools must continue offer programs they’re put in place during the hiatus, including distance learning, providing meals for qualified students, and offering childcare services, the governor said in his briefing Friday morning at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, where he was opening a new temporary overflow hospital. (Read our coverage of that briefing in this Gazette post.)
For his part, the governor said he would extend the waiver that requires schools to be open for 180 days during the year.
Distance learning contiues
Dr. Doelger reported on progress with the school’s response to the COVID-19 crisis at the Town’s emergency response meeting Friday afternoon. He said the district is “doing very well with our distance learning. All of our plans have been approved by the state.”
“We are preparing as a district for this elongated closure,” Dr. Doleger said, adding that parents should look out for a letter early next week that would outline any additional procedures.
“This does include possibly other physical delivery of instructional good if it’s necessary for the particular teacher,” he said. District officials are also working to determine whether the school will continue plans for a spring break currently scheduled for the week of April 6.
“We are discussing that with our district attorneys and also with our district administration,” he said.
State aid cuts expected
He noted, too, that the governor has announced likely reductions in state aid for schools.
“We should hear further word on this as we move forward but myself and the business office are on top of this to see where we are going,” he said.
The budget for the 2019/2020 school year is $11,934,877, with $10,551,653 raised via property taxes, $637,216 scheduled from state aid, and $746,008 applied from the district’s fund balance.
The district has been working on the proposed budget for the 2020/2021 school year since earlier this year.
Inspiring stories
Dr. Doelger also thanked the all in the school community for their response to the crisis.
“I hear stories again from our school community and throughout the country that continue to inspire us,” he said. “I hope everyone has a relaxing weekend, and away form the books. Get some rest.”
Later in the day, the district notified the community of the extension via a recorded telephone message from Dr. Doelger, and by email.
You can also follow the school on Facebook, where teachers have been posting examples of student work being done via the school’s distancing learning initiative.
If you have questions about the school, contact support@shelterisland.k12.ny.