OSWEGO – Concerns over remote learning and COVID-19 were top issues discussed during last night’s OCSD Board of Education meeting. The meeting began with a public forum including comments from 14 area residents presenting their uncertainty and frustrations over the last month.
Parental topics included a re-evaluation of online, hybrid learning, stress levels from heavy student workloads, wanting a concrete plan for the return of in-person classes for all students, and recognition to all educators for their continued efforts throughout the pandemic.
Superintendent Dr. Mathis Calvin III said the district’s goal is to work toward the students’ safe return to school while keeping the community regularly informed of current updates happening within the school system.
Calvin also went on to discuss the trend of COVID-19 clusters outside of the college environment hovering throughout the county, and efforts of the Oswego County Health Department to keep the outbreaks under control.
Some board members brought up COVID regulations for students and staff, citing their frustration over guidelines and policy. Board President Heather Delconte addressed the issue and displeasure surrounding it.
“It’s very important to note that the contact tracing, the quarantining; all of those processes are actually imposed upon us. They are not things that we are just deciding to do out of caution,” DelConte said. “There really are procedures that are imposed upon us. Every single case involves a lot of work. So, I just think it’s important for the public to understand that. It isn’t easy dealing with one, much less multiple cases of COVID or even potential COVID.”
Other board members shared their concerns about waiting until January to start in-person classes, busing, student socialization and mental health.
“I’m concerned with the safety and mental health of these students and I’m concerned that these kids are not getting what they need just being cooped up at home,” Board Vice-President Kathleen Allen said. “I know personally I’m experiencing that and I have friends that are experiencing that. They need to be with people. They need to be with their teachers.”
Calvin expressed attention to the issue, once again reiterating anticipation with the students returning to school, while also citing new health regulations put forth by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health. The plan was introduced out of consideration of rising COVID numbers across the state. The new classifications were put forth last week.
“I hear you, but we’re trying our best to follow the guidance. We don’t have a choice, we have to follow it, and it’s resulted in again, high numbers of staff [and] high numbers of students out,” Calvin said. “I think we’re all frustrated. I know that the staff that I’m working with every day is doing the very best that they can. I can tell you that the staff is really challenged right now, but they’re working hard at it. I think that they are all committed, including myself. As I said before, whatever we can do to get kids back in, that’s our goal, but because of this pandemic, we’re all challenged.”
Calvin encouraged families and students dealing with mental health issues to reach out to the district for help, stating available counselors will reach out with immediate help. Calvin also stressed reaching him if needed.
Calvin thanked the community for being patient and moving forward with their issues and comments directed to the district. He thanked staff for all their hard work and efforts while encouraging the community to keep responding with feedback.
The Superintendant also stressed that the schools will be participating in varsity sports only, adding that there may have been some confusion surrounding the topic.
“Please know that, we’ll continue to talk with the community as well about what we will be offering and providing in terms of athletics,” Calvin said. “We thank the community, by the way, for their patience and continued support of our athletic program and our students as we continue to move forward.”
Updates about the Capital Improvement Project were also discussed, as well as a new space for the Athletic Directors office. The old office is currently being used as band rooms. The projected area would be located at the Leighton Elementary foyer area, close to the locker rooms, gym and fields. Project cost will be $117,000. The board will look at further considerations for the project, with ongoing discussions during the next meeting.
All agenda items were passed. For agenda document, click here. BOE meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of every month.
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