Seated: Vice President Dana Szalay-Delaney, Janet Vogtli and Barbara Weston. Standing: Lynn Guzzetta, President Mark Nephew, David Barnes, and Ronald Cook. Submitted Photo.

GOWANDA — Less than a month ago, public schools across New York state closed their doors and transitioned all instruction to an online format.

In this unprecedented situation, Gowanda Central School, like every other district, has been challenged to deliver course content in accessible, reliable ways, while also caring for students’ physical, social and emotional needs with minimal or no in-person contact. Families with limited or no internet access, financial struggles, and multiple school-aged children or children with special needs are hit hardest by this situation and are the ones that, in the words of high school principal Rebecca Moraites, “We’re up at 2 a.m., worried about…”

The already-challenging situation is compounded by school board members suggesting teacher lay-offs and arguing with one another, which was the case during Gowanda’s second school board meeting since the March 13 closure.

At the beginning of the board’s April meeting, Superintendent Dr. Robert Anderson acknowledged the changes since the last day of school.

He noted, “Within two weeks, the district has done a 180 in terms of instruction and care. It’s a heavy lift, but people across the district have done remarkable work in doing that. Making plans — short term and long term — is a bit challenging.”

Concern for students who lack internet was raised, as building administrators discussed the means of communication and instruction. According to Middle School Principal Todd Miklas, 8% of his students (grades five through eight) have been unreachable by phone or internet. “We’re working with Student Resource Officer Shields to go out to homes,” he said. “That’s the next step for us here really soon.”

Board member Janet Vogtli asked Miklas how students can contact teachers during their daily office hours, which are two hours reserved for communicating with parents and students. District Clerk Kathy Ferneza said all calls received by the central office, which is now operating out of the middle school, are forwarded to teachers directly.

“I tried calling the school today and hit many numbers, but got nowhere,” Vogtli said.

School board member David Barnes said, “A parent called me and said that they tried for three days, six hours a day, to call the school district but got nowhere.”

Anderson explained that informational packets were sent home to students and families that explained that all calls should be directed to the middle school office, which would then be directed to teachers.

Vogtli replied, “Let’s look at the packets and see what’s going out. We are known for not including everything.” She pointed out that most teachers have personal cell phones and wondered if that information could be shared.

Board member Lynn Guzzetta said, “How do you know what should be left off and what should be included? I’m not sure all the teachers’ phone numbers should be included.”

Vogtli responded with a sentiment she had expressed during the last school board meeting on March 18. “These teachers are working an hour or two maybe a day,” she said. “We’re paying them. Maybe it’s time to start laying off.”

Guzzetta replied, “That’s always your go-to.”

“Lynn, if you don’t have anything positive to say, shut up,” Vogtli replied.

The conversation shifted to the safety of the building for those essential staff members who continue to work in the building. Anderson explained that essential staff include those involved with preparing food, maintaining daily operations, cleaning the building and preparing the educational packets that go home with students. Vogtli asked why Anderson isn’t in the building every day.

He replied, “I talk to 27 superintendents twice a week in conference calls. I go back and forth working at my home and my office (at the school).”

Barnes laughed. “You were at the district for three hours last week,” he said.

Anderson asked, “Were you here watching me?”

“Yes, I was, Bob,” Barnes replied.

Anderson said, “I saw you driving by. I waved a couple times.”

Vogtli said, “I talked to three school board members and two superintendents who say they’re in school daily because there are employees there. That’s what a good leader does.”

Anderson replied, “Thank you for the criticism.”

Guzzetta pointed out that staff who are able should work remotely to the greatest extent possible. She said, “I think a good leader leads by example, Bob, and you’re supposed to be maintaining a safe distance, so I thank you for that.”

Anderson thanked Guzzetta. “I’ve probably worked more over the last three weeks than I have in the past 30. I’m bouncing back and forth. Some of my work, I can do remotely. I don’t want to expose people if I can help it. Our essential staff is using precautions.”

Board President Mark Nephew asked if it was possible to get masks and gloves for those who want them.

Richard Smith, director of facilities, responded. “Everyone has gloves — everyone. They may not have them when they’re doing the packets, but when we’re doing lunches, everyone is in gloves,” he said. “I have cases of gloves. We cannot get masks in. I have them ordered, but I can’t get them. I have one staff member that is continually going around doing touch points: door knobs, crash bars and bathrooms are cleaned continually throughout the day.”