ELDRED, NY — Adherence to simple norms like speed limits and class attendance were topics of discussion at the Eldred school board meeting on January 9.

Superintendent Dr. John Morgano reminded those present of the newly posted speed limit along Route 55 in front of the Junior-Senior High School. During school days, the limit is 25 miles per hour between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Approval to reduce the speed limit had been announced at the November meeting but at that time the signs had not yet been posted by the county.

This initiative has been on Morgano’s radar since he arrived in the district, citing the number of cars and large trucks that barrel down the hill into Eldred. Although he was clearly pleased with the speed limit reduction, he looked for more in the way of a flashing light sign indicating a vehicle’s speed.

Anthony Delvillar spoke about his charge to improve student attendance. Over his prior nine years as security officer in the district, Delvillar has developed a rapport with the students and parents and is able to approach them in a way that makes adherence to rules harder to buck. He credits the office personnel at both schools with keeping him aware on a timely basis about students whose attendance records bear looking into. He works directly with the parents of the elementary students through emails, phone calls and home visits, when warranted. In the upper levels, he engages both the students and parents, some of whom may be surprised to learn that their student has not been showing up for school. He goes the extra mile, literally, when necessary to get the student into the classroom, and has on occasion gone to the student’s home to transport them.

In addition to the ramifications for the student, attendance is a factor that affects the amount of state aid a district will receive. Because of the convoluted formula it isn’t possible to say that one absence results in a particular dollar amount lost, but the effect of chronic absences is significant.

In other business, the board approved the payment of up to 10 additional days of consultation in the area of mathematics curriculum and instruction support at a cost of $500 per day. In the case of a principal being absent, the board also approved the payment of a $150 per day stipend to one of five teachers with administrative credentials to provide temporary coverage; the teacher’s classroom responsibilities would be covered by a substitute. No mention was made as to what budget line item these funds would come from.

Maureen Petkus was hired as a certified teacher of keyboarding classes, per an authorization approved in November.