Sunday: Nyack Schools to Decide on Reopening

UPDATE (5:15 PM SUNDAY): The Nyack school district has decided to keep schools closed on Monday.

The district reports that some schools are still without power, and that some area streets remain blocked by down trees and utility lines.

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Every morning at 11 a.m., Nyack Mayor Jen Laird-White is and will be in front of village hall with an update on post-hurricane conditions. On Saturday morning, Laird-White said school officials are going to have a conference call mid-day Sunday to talk about reopening this week.

On Friday, Nyack Schools Superintendent gave an update on the district's status.

"We’re going to try to get our kids back in our schools as soon as possible. The schools is a safe haven for kids, however, we’re experiencing the same difficulties you are in your homes," he said. "The only school (with power)—that came online (Thursday)—is the middle school. The largest problem is Liberty School, which houses downed power lines on the property and like everybody, we’re trying to reach out to Orange and Rockland. We have not heard when they’ll be able to be there."

He added that O&R is in the process of surveying schools in the county.

"My understanding is that they’re trying to make schools a priority so that we can get all of our kids back into schools as soon as possible." 

Since the middle school had power, the district opened up the cafeteria on Friday and Saturday to the public with tables and power strips for those who need to charge or warm up.

"I met (Friday) with all school superintendents and with BOCES superintendent and (Scott Vanderhoef). Rockland County executive and emergency management (say) not to open schools simply because many traffic lights in town are not operational and do not want school busses riding through town through (downed) intersections. We don’t want kids out in these circumstances," he said. "There should be on a conference call at noon on Sunday with the county office of emergency management as to … what the situation is like, improvement and we’ll be calling our parents through reverse 911 in regard to whether or not we’ll be able to open up schools on Monday."

The SATs on Saturday at Nyack HS was canceled because of lack of power and the schools are working with College Board to get those SAT tests rescheduled.

"The state wants schools operational for elections. Schools need to (be open for) 180 days or they lose state aid," he said. "We’re out of snow days and there hasn’t been a drop of snow on the ground."

He said that he’s working with the state on this and working with teacher unions and looking at several dates to open schools, like Veteran’s Day, to make it to the 180 days