Students Will Attend School on Election Day

Election Day is next Tuesday, but it will not be a day off for students as it has been for the past several years. The Board of Education voted Tuesday night to make Election Day a regular school day, not just an in-service day for teachers.

This week's unplanned hiatus from school is already taxing the district's plans for weather contingencies. Although it is not ideal to have student in schools that also serve as polling places, the missed days need to be made up somehow.

Superintendent of Schools Karen List also said February vacation may need to be shortened to make up for missed days.

Administrators hope to be able to open schools by Monday. "If it's safe to open, we will," said Board of Education Chair Clare Kindall. "The safety of the students is paramount," she said.

As of Tuesday evening, was the only school with power.

Mayor Scott Slifka also addressed the Board of Education, and provided an update on the state of the town. Restoration of power is critical, and town officials are in constant communication with CL&P. The latest update information can be found on CL&P's outage map.