With a surge of cooperation, camaraderie and support, the Seaford School District re-opened its doors to three of its four schools, Nov. 6, and returned to full operation, Nov. 13 — two weeks after Superstorm Sandy tore through the tri-state region and devastated those in its path.
Students from the powerless Seaford Harbor Elementary School spent three days receiving instruction at Manor Elementary School where combined classes accommodated the nearly 600 additional students until the school passed an electrical inspection and regained power.
“Everyone has been extremely helpful in executing recovery plans from this unprecedented storm,” said Seaford Superintendent Brian Conboy. “In true Seaford fashion our staff, students and parents came together to almost seamlessly combine two elementary schools and regain a sense of normalcy. I am thoroughly impressed by their outstanding efforts."
Prior to re-opening, administrators devised a plan to transport Harbor Elementary students to and from Manor Elementary School and instituted other instructions to ensure a smooth transition for all students and staff. The plan was posted on the district website and announced through the district’s automated phone system, Shout Point.
Families have been asked to update their child’s emergency contact information and contact the district if they find themselves newly eligible for transportation or reduced or free meals due to the impact of Superstorm Sandy. For more information, visit www.seafordschools.k12.ny.us.
Congratulations to all in the Seaford school system that got education back so quickly, you did lead from the front.
My question to you is: is it the Students loss of 5 days of eduction , the Teachers being paid for days not worked or a combo of both?
The regs are clear: hold school for 180 days if your district wants to earn their full share of State Aid, (money we all paid-in for the education of the children across the state). IF there is any criticism to be made, it would be of the SED for not re-affirming the regs and suggesting that districts develop plans to make-up missed days, or at least notify families and employees of their intention to make-up days depending upon the winter weather to come. But that should be no more necessary than having the Highway Patrol re-affirm the speed limit on 135 instead of enforcing it. Reopening schools in both districts went very well, in my opinion. But even that is not a universally held opinion, as you may appreciate. That is now behind us, We all need to keep looking ahead, vigillantly, especially the leadership of our school districts. (And I am not suggesting that they are not already doing that, but) the SED may need to step up to the mic and say a few words.
As seafordites address rebuilding concerns the board needs to quickly adjust the calendar as to not hear complaints in January from either parents or teachers. That would be the smart way to go. I also heard Levitown as well as Merrick areas are canning the Presidents week vacation. Thanks Chris for a well stated position of logic.
http://rockvillecentre.patch.com/articles/rvc-school-district-loses-most-of-february-break For RVC it was about their own educational priorities rather than any new guidance from the State.
http://www.levittownschools.com/resources/parent/Calendar%20Revision%20Letter.pdf#page=1&view=FitH&navpanes=0
The history here been more concerned with Fields of Non-Dreams, and cheer leading camp. Rockville centre, syosset, Merrick, Jericho......and so on have their educational mandated priorities in order.....I will patiently await the decision here in Seaford. Sadly I have do believe the union rules the roust.
If you are under the impression that the sale of this building will “fix” the “fiscal cliff” you may want to recrunch your numbers / check timeline of dispersement dates of said funds. The sale of the school is not a “lifesaver.” As to your opinion on the condition of the school, have you read the repair/retrofit report?
Have you read the repair/retrofit report?
The figure is closer to five million (I do find it most interesting how people can pad the number for their argument). Suggestion: Foil the obvious paperwork, crunch the numbers, have a moderate knowledge base of construction/hazards/general bulding market/list of the big-boys in the real estate market and THEN make an "educated" decision. After doing my homework, I believe the best case scenario is to sell it. But not for the reasons most are screaming about. RESEARCH, first. OPINION, second.
The building is NOT crumbling- in fact it is quite sound - the MAJOR and only issue is the asbestos. IF we vote NO on this sale to THIS builder for the proposed 112+ condos and REmarket PART of the property perhaps 3 acres only to single family home builders we accomplish a few things simultaneously . We KEEP the Ave School. , which we can refurbish completely with the approx 3 million in revenue from the 3 acre sale. We then ALSO add additonal tax revenue to our tax base with the addition of the single family homes we also eliminate the MANY loop holes int he current contract which allows the current builder to do what they when they want and how they want as well we dont see a dime until at the earliest AS PER THE CONTRACT ..2015! The Board themselves has said we will see NO tax reductions EVER from this sale. So, As it stands now with the current proposal on the table we will NOT see any additional tax relief, we lose the building, we change the landscape of this community FOREVER with the eyesore of 112+ condos, which we have NO control over who or what lives there. there are too many negatives to THIS particular sale, We are NOT in DIRE financial straights, We are however in a situation that will create a bigger issue for this community if we go forward with THIS particuular sale to THIS particular builder. The ONLY financial CLIFF we are on is SELF imposed.
One question, why do we need this building and why should we refurbish it. I am not questioning your research relative to construction costs, but how would the district win from the scenario that you describe?
8:51 am on Sunday, November 25, 2012 On another note, what is the current opposition to the sale of the Seaford Avenue School all about. The proposed builder acquiesced to the desires of some community members relative to the wording of the contract. The district is in DIRE financial straights as a results of a small residential tax base, declining property values, the new 2% tax cap, and a never-ending variety of unfounded mandates from Albany. We are truly hanging on a fiscal cliff. If the district does not realize some relief in the way of new income or exemption from mandates, we will be in serious trouble soon. Please explain to me, seriously, why we should wait. The building is crumbling, not fit for use by anyone, would cost an estimated $6 million to retrofit to present health and safety codes, etc. where is the logic in the opposition? I have lived in Seaford for over 40 years and don't get it! Eighth line, yes it is you. No, they do not give out the name to more than one person.
I am not arguing with you. I am though quite curious how you actually find the truth of a situation. To read the media sources (which are neutral or vary in opinion), or listen strictly to the emotional reasoning for either pro or con (of this topic or any other important topic) is a waste of time. I am simply asking you to enquire unbiasedly, research a bit, and then profess your opinion.
Not too long ago the Distrcit was looking to BUY BACK the Jackson ave school.. The buidling has viable uses if renovated. . AND if we go GREEN in the refurb we could have funding available thru grants both State & Private. We just need to look fruther then our noses! http://www.p12.nysed.gov/funding/currentapps.html#cclc
What happens LONG term Tom if the HARBOR school is damaged or flooded or cedar creek goes BOOM... WHERE do we put those students LONG TERM ? a week of enjoined classes is fine short term but long term aside from a safety hazzard it is educationaly irresponsible to think that it will be effective or serve the needs of the students. Again we have to PLAN for the future and ALL the contigencies that may come our way including dramatic climatic possibilities. What would The SD have done if the Harbor school situated next to treatment plant and in a flood zone was closed indefinately? PUNT? or possibly send the students and staff to school in the 112 condos?