As it continues to adjust to life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Warwick Valley School District board announced at its regular meeting on Nov. 10 the rolling out of a new website, the impending release of the district newsletter and its hope of easing some of the strategies used to minimize the spread of the virus.
According to Schools Superintendent Dr. David Leach, “Quarantine cases are down,” versus what they were a few weeks ago. The administration, he said, is reaching out to local elected officials to determine next steps in terms of “loosening up mitigation strategies.” Leach added that he’s in touch with state Sen. Senator Mike Martucci.
Improving district communication
The district will be launching its new website that will have better navigability, according to Leach. Also, the administration planned to mail 10,000 copies of the district newsletter on Nov. 15.
A beginning of a return to ‘normal’
Leach reminded those in attendance of the upcoming (November 18) elementary school work session, noted that Halloween festivities this year were “back to business as usual,” and added that the student-run Wildcuts Salon has now reopened to the public for haircuts.
Committees
The SADD program at the middle school and high school had more participants than ever, according to board member Bob Howe, that the students formed a second group.
Other board business
The BOE authorized a tax refund to district taxpayers, due to a reduction in assessments. The school board also approved the appointments of and pay rates for election workers; assented to changes to the 2021-22 student calendar; and gave the nod to policy revisions.
Of note is the time change for the Dec. 2 meeting, to be held at 9 p.m., instead of the usual 7 p.m. start time, to allow counting the results of the capital project vote.