CHENANGO COUNTY – In March, schools began closing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Since then, the virus has created new fiscal challenges for schools in Chenango County.

DCMO BOCES Superintendent Perry Dewey said that currently the largest expenses are providing food and technology to students at home.

“At this point in time we've been charged with feeding students, organizing daycare, and educating students. One new expense is the continuation of feeding students and delivering meals and the cost that goes with providing the food and transporting it. Another new expense is the cost of technology,” said Dewey.

Schools have had to make investments in tablets to provide to students and software to allow students and teachers to stay connected.

Dewey anticipates that when school is back in session, there will be new expenses schools will need to plan for.

“Social distancing and preventing spread will be a new expense. When students return to school, the schools are going to have to ensure they're keeping up with disinfecting,” said Dewey. “I'm not sure what that will look like, but for right now, they're going to have to follow the health and safety guidelines that are set forth by the governor.”