Starting fresh at ECS

ELDRED, NY — The Eldred Central School (ECS) District Board meeting opened at its scheduled time on October 8. Despite ample floor space, only four audience seats were taken. With all members present and the Zoom cameras at the ready, the school years’ second COVID-era board meeting commenced. After the pledge, sheriff deputy Sean Grady played a rousing bagpipe selection in a reprise of his two opening-day performances. Superintendent Dr. John Morgano presented Grady, the school resource officer, with The Act of Kindness Award for his efforts. 

Leading off the “Reports” segment of the agenda, Morgano was enthusiastic in his appraisal of the district’s general health and progress: “Everything is good!” He outlined how students were interacting with their new technologies and the COVID-19 safety management program. The fitness center is scheduled to reopen with resident Rory Wade managing its operation.

Elementary principal Scott Krebs congratulated the first group’s participation in the hybrid model of school attendance; their five-week progress report was upcoming. Krebs stressed the importance of first-graders attending school in person: “Learning to read is different than reading to learn.” The goal is to avoid a group moving through the system with less time for direct instruction. Anticipating a later item in the agenda, he explained the background and need to hire consultants for the Response to Intervention Services (RTI). The district has been mandated to address a “subgroup” of students with low scores on their state tests. 

As the meeting progressed, several board members were drawn into an extended discussion of the nature and merits of the program, as well as its personnel costs. Board president Scott Hallock had questions concerning the $200 per hour fees that are to be paid to the two consultants. District treasurer Caleb Russell sought to clarify what resources would be available.

Treasurer Caleb Russell reported news of a bond refinancing effort, which would provide a savings of $375,000 over five years. Russell delineated how a $384,000 increase in grant funding would be distributed. He said that there will be a network infrastructure upgrade during Thanksgiving week, new equipment installation that ensures adequate social distancing at the fitness center and further purchases of Personal Protective Equipment such as masks, shields and gowns. He provided updates on the business office hiring of a senior account clerk and tax collector training. Russell said that the district is one of the few schools still using all paper timesheets. He is working on ways to switch over to an electronic system.

Principal Traci Ferreira continued the upbeat appraisal of the new school year by informing all about great attendance and in-class motivation by both groups A and B.

A virtual open house was held for parents to follow their child’s online schedule, and college outreach plans were in progress.

Public comments were a bit scarce, but one elementary parent raised the issue of class size. Her daughter’s room had only five students. She inquired if more children could be added in order to make the group more dynamic. Morgano fielded the question, unequivocally. “My overarching concern is for the health and safety of our students. When conditions are right, we’ll consider making changes, but I don’t take this responsibility lightly.”

The meeting agenda and video of the meeting are available online at www.go.boarddocs.com/ny/eldred/Board.nsf/Public.