The first phase for more than 700 school districts across New York state that submitted reopening plans amid the COVID-19 pandemic was completed last week.

What You Need To Know

  • Fredonia Central Schools completed phase one of its required reopening plan
  • Leaders waiting on further state guidance later this week
  • Fredonia roundabout in need of new drainage structure to prevent future flooding
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"Now we have to get down to the nitty gritty and the details of the plan," said Dr. Colleen Taggerty, Fredonia Central School District interim superintendent.

Fredonia Central Schools is now in the next phase of its state-required reopening plan, which calls for students pre-K through 4th grade to be back in the classroom five days a week.

Leaders say the plan comes complete with plenty of space for social distancing between the main campus and Wheelock Primary School, in addition to a sick and well room for the nurse.

"We certainly need parent support. We need the families on board with us ensuring the students are wearing their masks into the building. We will do the temperature checks before they enter," said Dr. Taggerty.

The same cannot be said for students in grades 5 through 12, as a lack of space requires middle and high schoolers to learn two days a week in school and three at home. 

School leaders will continue to fine tune their plan based on guidance Governor Andrew Cuomo said Monday he'll give out later this week.

"I would say it was challenging because there were so many unknowns. We also need to reach out to our families to say, ‘are you going to send your children?’ I mean we know that there are some families that aren't comfortable," said Dr. Taggerty. 

Another potential challenge facing the district at the start of the school year is the traffic from a partial re-construction of the county’s only roundabout after state department of transportation leaders say they need to redesign portions of the drainage system after a recent storm caused the traffic circle to flood.

"I can't say I'm overly concerned because I was not even aware of it," said Dr. Taggerty.

State Department of Transportation leaders say the project will be completed in the fall as crews are currently in the process of installing a new drainage structure to better carry storm water from the nearby Fredonia School District Campus that should prevent future occurrences of flooding.

"Last year during the construction, Fredonia was able to work out how to manipulate and maneuver around the roundabouts. I'm assuming the traffic patterns would be similar if in fact it has to be shut down again," said Dr. Taggerty.

It’s just one more reason Dr. Taggerty is asking parents for their continued patience. 

"This is a work in progress and we certainly know the importance of your children's safety, health, well-being, and the need for a quality education. And we're working on that," said Dr. Taggerty.

The first day of school is tentatively set for Tuesday, September 8.