Waldwick November 14, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Waldwick public schools reopened last Thursday in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, but the discussion on how and when to make up the eight school days cancelled due to the storm continues. Parents who attended the board of education’s regular meeting last week, which had to be relocated to town hall because of erratic power at the middle school, seemed supportive of taking the makeup days first from the February break, not the spring break, and not extending the school year in June, if possible. “More families go away in April than in February,” said one parent. “And it’s better than going to school late in June.” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Raupers explained that the taking the needed days from the spring break is already established by contract with the teachers’ union and by the school calendar. Taking away the Febru- Parents weigh in on making up lost school days ary break would require the union’s consent, she said. Board President Patty Levine noted that may not be a problem, given that the union has been most cooperative, readily agreeing to work last Thursday and Friday, when the schools were originally expected to be closed for the annual New Jersey Education Association convention. “Our teachers are great,” Levine said. Other possibilities that could be considered, Dr. Raupers said, are half-day Saturday sessions, and having students share available buildings attending half day sessions if all the building did not become operational at the same time. Trustee Dr. Dominic Novelli explained that as of the meeting each building was only partially available, with two having heat and no power, and the others power and no heat. The school buildings suffered virtually no damage, except for some glass in one of the cafeterias, Dr. Raupers said, so that they could open as soon as power and heat were operational. All schools reopened on Thursday, Nov. 8, with full power restored. One parent asked that the board consider announcing school closings or reopening earlier in the afternoon rather than the evening. She said childcare plans have to be made early and paid in advance, so a late decision puts those parents at a disadvantage. Rosa Terraciano asked if a contingency plan could be set up for children to work on line. Dr. Raupers said while it would be good for the students to keep up with their work, it would not count as an official school day. She also said that it would be difficult to give out the lessons if there were no power. Karen Payne asked if there was a long-term plan. Levine said there is no other place in town where classes could be held. Business Administrator John Griffin said it was impossible to anticipate the circumstance in each case, and that each scenario requires a different strategy. “We are limited in space and resources. Two or three days are manageable. This is extraordinary,” Griffin told the frustrated parents. “We have no information from the state. There is nothing else we can do,” agreed resident Adele Badalamenti. “The board is working for the good of our kids. The administration, too; and our teachers have proven their cooperation,” she added. Area school boards are asking the state to decrease the 180 day attendance requirement, given that the crisis was a state-declared emergency. Waldwick has (continued on page 11)