Deadline for non-public school transportation requests extended to April 15

Due to the closure of schools pursuant to the Executive Order(s) issued by the Governor for the COVID-19 crisis and recognizing such requests need to be incorporated into a school district’s budget, the New York State Education Department has directed all public school districts to accept all parental requests for transportation to charter and non-public schools submitted on or before April 15, 2020.  The Department deems such Executive Order(s) be a reasonable excuse for a delay under Ed. Law 3635.

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Erie County Comptroller shares estimated sales tax revenue loss due to COVID-19

Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw has analyzed sales tax projections for every village, town, city and school district through June for “best and worst-case scenarios,” depending on the percentage of sales tax reduction due to the COVID-19 pandemic March through June 2020. Using figures currently available to his office, including total sale tax received from March to June in 2019, members of Comptroller Mychajliw’s Accounting Division ran this analysis to assist local leaders and superintendents as they monitor and adjust their budgets.

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Groups planning events asked to contact Emergency Services Coordinators

Akron-Newstead Emergency Services Coordinators are asking all groups, churches, and organizations planning events in the next two to three weeks to contact them at 716-542-4573 Ext 213 as soon as possible. Coordination of planned events such as drive through barbecues, etc. through Emergency Services will help maintain social distancing and protect those having the event and those participating.

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Sound Out

Letters to the Editor It is important to come together as a community The COVID-19 outbreak has been a challenging time for all of us, as our daily lives have changed drastically. While the future remains uncertain, it is important that we come together as a community and do everything we can to get through this unprecedented situation.

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Akron/Newstead group organizing mask making effort

A group of Akron quilters have taken their love of sewing and turned it into an effort to help provide masks to nursing homes, doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other places that need them during the COVID-19 pandemic.  They are hoping more will join them, as they have more requests than resources to fill them. The sewers have already delivered some to Brothers of Mercy and to the office of Dr. Richard Charles. They are working on some for the Akron-Newstead food pantry which is still holding their regular distribution despite reduced staff. Mary Charles (542-2081), Sandy Kreher (542-4266), and Maxine

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