The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us in many different ways. School Superintendent, G. Michael Apostol, would like to share some of the frequently asked questions that he and the Board of Education receives as they navigate the state-wide pause.
l Are we going to have a Graduation Ceremony?
Yes, what kind of ceremony remains to be seen. It all depends on how and when the governor decides to open the economy. I am hoping for the traditional graduation ceremony at the Saratoga city center but that seems unlikely. If the Governor allows us to have events with limited participation and with the continued practice of social distancing, there are models we can use. If he does not allow us to have these events, then we will look at some models and be creative. Mr. Prapandrea, Ms. Lanoue and myself are looking at the different possibilities as we await the Governor’s decision.
l Are we going to have a Prom?
Right now Prom is scheduled for Saturday, June 13th. If the Governor does not allow us to have events, we have to look at other possible contingencies.
l Are there going to be spring sports?
There has been no decision on that. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association has canceled all regional and state championships. Section 2 has canceled all sectional tournaments but has not made any decision on the 2020 regular season.
l Will there be a budget vote and a Board of Education election?
Yes, the Governor has stated that June 1st will be the earliest that a vote can take place. He has not yet set the date.
There has been no decision on what format we will use for the election. It could be in person as usual or it could be through the absentee ballot. We are awaiting guidance on this matter.
l The Contract requires the teachers to teach 181 days – must teachers work this before the end of the fiscal year (June 30)?
Yes. The “school year” is set by the Education Law and is July 1 through June 30. Where a contract negotiates a typical “work year,” that work year must be accomplished within the school year.
l Does the 181 days have to be within September – June? Why can't we amend the school year? Can we legally change the school year to have it end on May 29th and resume it on August 10th, for the last three weeks of school that we miss?
Legally, the school year is July 1 through June 30, and is defined by the Education Law. Pursuant to the Education Law, only a certain amount of days may occur prior to Labor Day, which is why the student school year typically starts following Labor Day.
The District does not have the authority to “move” the school year, it could only be changed via special legislation. During this period of time, schools must have at least 180 “student instructional days”, as that term is defined in NYS Regulations, to receive all state aid. If the district ends early, it would be short on student instructional days and would receive a significant hit to state aid, at an otherwise financially difficult time.
l How are we evaluating teacher/ staff through this?
This has yet to be determined. We anticipate APPR will be waived for this year. Most schools are not “evaluating” staff during this period of time, as that term is used for APPR purposes, but administrators are still tasked with monitoring the continuity of education plans being implemented.
l Are there any special education laws/regulations we are missing if we cancel the school year early and start early?
Yes – many implications, including not fulfilling the IEPs of special education students. And again, the decrease to state aid would be far too great to cancel school without authority or waivers from the governor.
l We are regulated to provide meals and childcare (subbing out to Mechanicville) until when…Governors says so or 180 days are up or fiscal year ends?
Until the school year ends, which will be the earlier of 180 days or when the Governor says.