The Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education passed a resolution Tuesday that amends the districtwide safety plans and allows the district to have a remote day of learning during what would otherwise be a snow day with canceled classes.
The amendment is aimed at helping get to the minimum number of days of classes as required by the state in the event there would be more snow days than expected throughout the year.
“The amendment is necessary that in the event that we have various snow days, New York State has now allowed that we schedule a remote day of learning so as not to drop below the required number of days and hours that we must meet according to the New York State Education Department,” interim Superintendent Lisa Ruiz said during her board report.
Ruiz went on to say that there is a minimum of 180 days for elementary schools and 900 hours to hold classes.
The superintendent clarified that the amendment does not mean every snow day will be remote learning and that there are currently two snow days built into the current school calendar.
“This enables us to meet our requirements and helps us protect our state aid,” Ruiz said. “For any days we go below the 180 or number of hours, we risk losing state aid.”
In unrelated district news, elected officials and administration recognized the board for their hard work in honor of school board recognition week by the New York School Boards Association.
Floral Park Deputy Mayor Lynn Pombonyo and Trustee Frank Chiara gave the board a proclamation commemorating the week and additional remarks were given from district administration and members of the PTA.
Additionally, a brief video was shown of students interviewing each member of the school board and finding out for themselves how important it is to be a board member.
Principals John Dekams and Susan Fazio were also recognized by the PTA for their hard work in honor of October being national principals month.
The next regular meeting for the Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education will be held on Monday, Nov. 14.
