Dundee looks for state guidance on fall classes

DUNDEE--Dundee Central School District Superintendent Kelly Houck announced during the Thursday, June 4 board meeting she has been told in order for school to reopen in the fall it is likely all students and staff will have to be tested for COVID-19. Houck mentioned the need for all students and staff to potentially be tested when the board was discussing the possibility of holding fall athletic seasons.
"We are waiting for state guidelines, so we are in a holding pattern," Houck said. "I haven't heard it with athletics but I have heard there will be a health screening process when school returns in general. There is a strong possibility that all students and staff will have to be screened unless a person has already tested positive for the (COVID-19) antibodies, then you are exempt."
Houck added that the templates for devising plans to reopen while still respecting social distancing guidelines and the like were expected in June from the state but that the district has yet to receive it.
Houck added she expected the process to receive ongoing information and devise a reopening plan will continue for the foreseeable future and will adapt as guidance comes out.
One thing Houck said gave her some hope for reopening is she was one of the regional superintendents invited to take place in a regional meeting with state officials about reopening.
"I feel fortunate to be part of the regional state reopening meetings," Houck said.
During the regional reopening meeting, Houck said that a number of topics will be discussed, including digital equity, transportation, special education, financial issues, staffing, social-emotional learning and more.
As it pertains to the fall sports season, which will mark the first season Dundee partnering with the Bradford Central School District for certain sports, district officials said they are proceeding as if a season will occur. Sports that are anticipated to be merged are all levels of boys' and girls' soccer, volleyball and cross country.
For winter, the high number of basketball players for both schools means they will not be merged.
Houck also briefly touched upon summer lunch services, saying that they would continue for students throughout the summer through Sept. 2.