On Sunday the Skaneateles school district issued an updated statement on how it will address the closing of schools moving forward.
Good evening to you all. I wanted to you to let you know that we have received a number of emails with questions and suggestions, and I thank you for staying in touch with us during this difficult time. As we said yesterday, our administrative cabinet is meeting tomorrow morning to discuss many of the concerns around our school closings. Our teachers will be in their classrooms tomorrow as well, to help brainstorm solutions to the issues around the gap in instruction.
As soon as we have any new information to share tomorrow, we will send it out to our families. We are committed to as much communication as possible during this time. While we may not have all of the answers tomorrow, we will continue to address everyone’s concerns throughout the week.
In addition, our Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow at noon for the purpose of receiving an update on district plans and any approvals required of the Board during the closure. They ask that instead of attending the meeting, families please send any questions or suggestions to them before that meeting at [email protected], so that your concerns can be addressed in the most efficient manner.
Thank you for your continued support and patience. This in uncharted territory for all of us.
Reported earlier:
In my 39 years in education, I have experienced a number of situations that have challenged me professionally and personally. During each of those situations, I have discovered a great deal about myself and those who were around me. I find myself in a similar situation in what we have all been confronted with connected to the COVID-19 virus.
In response to their continued efforts to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19virus on those most vulnerable in our communities, Onondaga County Executive, Ryan McMahon announced on Saturday, March 14, a State of Emergency for Onondaga County. Also on Saturday, March 14th, Cayuga County Legislative Chair, Aileen McNabb-Coleman declared a State of Emergency for Cayuga County, both directly connected to the COVID-19 impact on their respective counties.Both counties have directed the schools in their counties to close until the end of Spring Break, Sunday, April 12th.
Although the Skaneateles Central School District is in Onondaga County, our affiliated educational extension center is the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES located in Auburn. This means the Skaneateles Central School District will be required to follow the closing directive from that Cayuga County.Therefore, the Skaneateles Central School District will be closed to all students and evening activities beginning Monday, March 16ththrough Monday, April 13th.
The school district hopes to reopenfor normal operations on Tuesday, April 14th, unless there is an extension of the closure declared by Cayuga County.Icertainly recognize and understand the added challenges this closure has placed on many families in our school district, and for that I apologize. No one wanted the COVID-19 health issue to reach the level of pandemic, but it has. We will continue to workwith local, state and federal agencies to address this health issue and maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, staff and community members through our web site, Facebook and School Messenger.
I will be asking my Administrative Cabinet to convene on Monday, March 16, at 9:00 to discuss next steps in our process. Additional information willgo out to students, staff and community at the conclusion of that meeting. The Skaneateles Central School District Offices will remain open during their regular business hours, should you have any questions.
I hope everyone stays safe and healthy during this extended time away. For staff, we ask that you contact your immediate supervisor or the district office,should there be issues related to COVID-19 during our extended time away. I look forward to seeing everyone’s return to school after our April Break.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Respectfully,Dr. Jeffrey K. Bryant, Interim Superintendent of SchoolsSkaneateles High School Gregory Santoro(315) 291-2231Skaneateles Middle School Michael Caraccio(315) 291-2241State Street In
