Weathersfield schools chief orders closing

Thirty-nine pupils went on a trip to Toronto last week.
WEATHERSFIELD --Schools Superintendent Rocco Adduci was to decide today if district buildings will remain closed longer this week than just today.
As a precaution, Adduci ordered classrooms to be closed one day so he could check with state health officials to determine if pupils are at risk of SARS as the result of a recent band trip to Toronto.
Thirty-nine pupils in seventh through 12th grades went to the Canadian city Tuesday and returned Thursday.
The trip was planned and sponsored by the Mineral Ridge High School Band Boosters, not the school district.
Adduci said no band members have exhibited any of the flulike symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome.
The World Health Organization has placed Toronto on a list of places travelers should avoid because of an outbreak of the contagious virus there.
Checked before trip
Adduci said the band boosters organization checked with local health officials before leaving and were told the trip would not present a hazard.
Adduci said he wants to discuss the issue with the Ohio Department of Health before making a decision on reopening school or keeping classrooms closed.
Depending on the answers, Adduci said he could keep the district closed for the rest of the week, if not longer.
The district has one remaining calamity day, the superintendent pointed out, noting the school year might have to be extended and graduation moved back if classes remain closed.