All the work done prior to March 13 on next year’s Brookfield Central School District budget has been set aside.
During the BCS Board of Education meeting last week done remotely and shown live on YouTube, Superintendent Jim Plows told the board and the 16 people watching that the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic means a do-over on the budget work. “Before the pandemic we had a good idea of state aid and were working on the budget,’’ Plows said.
“We have our new state aid numbers now. The state could not increase our aid. We have a long ways to go to put together a budget for voters to vote on,’’ Plows said.
When the meeting opened, board members, Plows, Principal Carrie Smith and Board clerk Christa Case had all chosen backgrounds of the Golden Gate Bridge, on a deck with water nearby or the solar system.
Smith opened the 45-minute meeting with a review of how teachers and students have quickly adapted to online learning starting March 16. “We got a lot of instructional material out to kids with very little downtime,’’ she said.
The next packet of learning materials, to be delivered via school bus to students in the district, will be done April 29. “Every student from pre-K to 12th grade is participating in online learning,’’ Smith said.
Plows began his remarks with heartfelt messages to parents, students and the BCS teaching and support staff. “We are in uncharted waters and we know it’s a difficult time.
“Give it your good effort. Parents, we know you’re stressed. Reach out to teachers. I want to recognize our teachers. They didn’t have a week to prepare. We will continue to pull together,’’ he said.
Plows then spoke to the seniors in the Class of 2020. “We realize there are many year-end activities yet to occur. We will do our best to see you can experience those celebrations, once we get clearance,’’ he said.
As of the meeting, no decision has been made on whether the spring sports season will happen or be canceled. Plows next addressed those student-athletes about the season.
“Many are holding out hope we have a spring sports...