Dear Parents/Guardians:
As of July 9, 2020, schools have yet to receive reopening guidance from New York State. Governor Cuomo has indicated that guidance documents will become available on July 13 and then each school district will have until July 31 to submit its reopening plan to the State. 
In anticipation of formal reopening guidance (in anticipation of because, again, we still have no specific guidance), there are potential issues involving transportation that will need to be addressed. If social distancing is mandated on busses, the district would only be able to transport six students on large bus at any given time. Obviously, such a scenario is not feasible. So, if it is not possible to socially distance while on a bus, the district anticipates guidance will stipulate that all students will then be required to wear a face covering while being transported.
If face coverings are required, the district will be tasked with enforcement. It is unrealistic to expect bus drivers to be able to enforce such a policy while driving. As a result, the district is interested in hiring temporary bus aides.
Based on past experience, it will not be easy to locate and hire 10 or more bus aides. So, one of the ideas the district is considering is hiring parents who are willing to ride on the same bus with their child(ren) while also serving as a temporary bus aide to help with the enforcement of a potential face covering policy. Again, this is just an idea at this point – we are simply being proactive and trying to determine its feasibility.
If you are interested in serving as a temporary bus aide until a potential social distancing/face covering mandate is lifted, please email me at rmigliori@westmorelandschool.org. Prior to hiring, other issues, such as fingerprint clearance and training, will need to be addressed.
Importantly – if schools reopen in September, but you will be transporting your child(ren) to and/or from school instead of them taking the bus due to COVID-19, please contact/notify Director of Transportation Mike Sweeney at (315) 557-2632. This will allow the district to plan appropriately.
If you would like more information, please contact me via email or phone at (315) 557-2614.
Sincerely,
Rocco Migliori
Superintendent of Schools