Due to Tropical Storm Isaias, the regularly scheduled August 5 business meeting was held virtually on August 6. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Giani encouraged the community to send any questions, which would be normally asked during the public session portion of the meeting, to the District Clerk on the Monday prior to a scheduled Board meeting.

During the Superintendent Report, Dr. Joseph Giani noted that the July 31 Facebook Live event, which spoke about plans on reopening schools during the 2020-2021 school year, was a success with more than 1,500 views and many positive comments. He noted that there will be a virtual parent meeting on August 12 at 7 p.m. Additionally, Dr. Giani noted that the prekindergarten lottery for available spots in the South Haven Early Childhood Center Program will take place virtually on August 12 at 1:30 p.m.

The Board approved the District Plan for opening schools this coming school year, recognizing that the plan is a fluid document. [At the time of the meeting, the Board was also waiting guidance from the New York State Education Department and Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which was scheduled for release on August 7]. Prior to Board approval, Dr. Giani outlined the plan, which is posted to the District website’s homepage at www.southcountry.org. The plan includes scenarios for in-school learning, a hybrid model of in-school and remote learning and total remote learning. It also includes detailed information about special education/class instruction. Dr. Giani also noted that on a re-entry family survey that 62.4% of parents are prepared to send their child(ren) to school wearing a face covering, while 20.6% of families are still not confident and 17% are not sure. There will be a follow-up survey for parents so that the District can prepare for the number of students that will participate in hybrid or remote learning, as well as the number of students who plan on being transported by bus. Teacher assignments will also be posted on the parent portal on August 26. Parents will be notified of the dates, times and locations for distribution of Chromebooks. The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8. There will be no before- or after-school care, but the District is currently looking at contracting services with the YMCA or SCOPE.

Applicants interested in serving as members of the District’s Audit Committee can apply by sending a letter of interest indicating finance and/or accounting experience, via email, to cflynn@southcountry.org by August 14. Audit Committee members cannot be employees of the District. Applicants will be approved on September 19.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held virtually on August 19.