Until students can return to classes in the buildings, Clinton Central School Board of Education members said the district will not begin sports activities.
The Clinton Central Schools Board of Education met virtually to discuss new business Tuesday evening.
During the meeting Superintendent Dr. Stephen Grimm gave an update on the athletic situation after the state said practices could start Feb. 1. The state has allowed high-risk winter sports, such as basketball and ice hockey, to begin this week.
He and other superintendents in Oneida County have been working with County Executive Anthony Picente and the county Health Department to determine the best course of action. Picente put out a statement last week that said it appears too risky to allow students to play those sports.
In his report, Grimm said sports has to be permitted by the respective local health authorities. Several factors need to be considered including whether there has been a more-transmissible variant of Covid-19 identified in the area, local rates of Covid-19 transmission or rate of positivity, and local ability to monitor and enforce compliance.
Travel for practice or play is prohibited outside of the region or contiguous counties/regions.
During the discussion Board members, although voicing support for sports, said they could not risk beginning sports prior to allowing students back for instruction.
Board President Mary Lou Lauchert expressed her desire to see the return of Warrior athletics, but not before at least a 50 percent everyday return to in-person learning for students. Several board members supported Lauchart's perspective.
Because of ongoing cases of the coronavirus in the district and community, Clinton is on remote-only instruction through Feb. 22.
Grimm said it is possible some athletic program in the district could be available when students return.
The winter season would extend into mid-March, overlapping slightly with the postponed football season to start March 1. Grimm said the district needs to see a trend in few coronavirus cases by then.
During public comment one resident said she…
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