GOWANDA — Gowanda Central School District’s plans to repair and update the school’s pool are still awaiting state approval.

Gowanda Superintendent Robert Anderson said at the most recent board meeting that because the state’s office in charge of approval for school projects has been “understaffed and overwhelmed” and the state’s focus was on projects that would directly link to safety to get students back to school.

Starting this month, the state began looking at other projects, like Gowanda’s project to repair and update the pool. “We’re not alone, there’s other schools in our boat,” said Anderson. The district anticipates an estimate on a timeframe for the state to review the plans shortly.

Anderson also spoke at the recent meeting about how school returned “smoothly” despite the ongoing capital project and noted how it was nice to be back to normal. “It was really our first normal opening since 2019, so it was really refreshing,” said Anderson.

The superintendent’s remarks concluded with a highlight of the Panthers varsity football team’s season-opening victory over Silver Creek-Forestville. Multiple board members celebrated the football team’s victory in their remarks, as well. “It’s always nice to start the year with something like that,” Anderson said. “I’m looking forward to a great year.”