Members of the Eldred Central School (ECS) Board of Education heard from school administrators at the monthly meeting on November 8 regarding Hurricane Sandy’s disruptive visit to the region.

Fortunately, physical impacts were kept to a minimum, with the most substantial issue being that the district had to cancel classes for five days. With only four snow days left as the school district heads into winter, administrators are now working on a revised schedule for the remaining school year.

There was negligible damage to school buildings and cafeteria food supplies, with the lack of power causing the loss of all ice cream, dairy products and a case of spinach.

School business administrator William Thornton is currently gathering preliminary information on a diesel generator that would allow the school to continue functioning as an emergency shelter during such events. With extreme restrictions to the school budget, and the need to replace two failing school busses next year, it is unlikely that a generator would be purchased in the near future. Meanwhile, cost-sharing and other funding possibilities are being investigated.

In other matters, resident Nannette Schipps presented a letter requesting that the board take steps to install bleachers at the sports field and to renovate the concession stand there. Thornton said that he has begun exploring that process by opening dialogue with the state, but that current economic conditions will likely restrict the ability to go forward with the request. A moveable concession stand was discussed as a possible alternative to renovating the existing stand, estimated to cost between $50,000 and $60,000.

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