By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The Board of Education gave permission for an ad hoc facilities committee to move forward with honoring retired educator and athletic director Martha Slack.

The committee is trying to raise money to buy aluminum lettering over the gym wing entrance naming it after her, along with a plaque in the adjoining hallway, between the auxiliary gym and basement entrance, according to Duane Richards. He is a Massena elementary principal who spoke for the committee at the Thursday school board meeting.

During Slack’s time at MCS, she worked as a teacher, coach, director of physical education, athletic director and principal.

Board President Pat Bronchetti said the committee originally aimed to unveil the project during Hall of Fame weekend, but that may not happen.

“The target date was ambitious. It was the Hall of Fame weekend. They’re probably not going to make it. They’re looking at a home football weekend, depending on how the fundraising progresses,” he said, adding that they chose Hall of Fame weekend because Slack was a big part of its founding.

He said Slack initially resisted the idea, but is now open to it.

The committee committed to having her know, not surprise her. Pat Henrie did the footwork and sat down with her. She was a little reluctant at first, but she’s all for it,” the board president said.