ELDRED — After sounding the alarm at past board meetings and in other communications to residents regarding the dire consequences of a failed budget, voters responded by passing the Eldred school budget by a vote of 826-214. In the same vote, Nancie Davis, running unopposed, received 780 votes, with 99 write-in votes for a plethora of other possibilities. 

Superintendent Dr. John Morgano thanked the voters for the overwhelmingly positive result and credited the tally as a vote of confidence in the administration’s efforts to improve academic and financial outcomes in the district. 

The school board met the following evening, conducting the event via Zoom, the transmission of such continued to leave much room for improvement. In response to this, Morgano stated that, going forward, the meetings will continue to be held via Zoom but attendees will also be welcomed at the physical meeting; they’re expected to respect social distancing requirements and wear masks. He said, “We hope that this provides the public with a viable option for participation.”

Regarding public input, Morgano also stated that his door is always open for anyone to come in and discuss whatever is on their minds and that the district website has a section “Ask the Superintendent” and he would respond to any input.

During the meeting, the board ratified the recommendation to grant three-percent increases to the attendance officer, business manager, district secretary and transportation manager. Per their contracts, the increase could range from 0 to 3 percent and each was rated highly effective. Other bargaining unit employees will receive increases from 2 to 3 percent in accordance with their contracts. These increases are effective July 1. 

Looking to the upcoming school year, Morgano said that, as was the case with the task force on bullying and school safety, he would welcome any and all who wish to participate in addressing re-opening concerns, with the proviso that anyone who participates should be available for all working sessions. Such sessions are anticipated to occur in late July and August, pending the issuance of parameters from the governor’s office. “I don’t want to waste anyone’s time trying to solve a problem that does not exist. Let’s see what the governor says and then we will, through the work of the committee, recommend to the BOE a plan for reopening that is as safe as possible.”