By THOMAS LUCKIE III

OGDENSBURG -- With the Ogdensburg Free Academy Blue Devils headed to the state Public High School Athletic Association Class C football title game at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse on Friday, the Board of Education casually approved the possibility of providing low-cost school bus transportation for students and their parents or guardians wishing to attend the game.

The fourth-ranked Blue Devils are scheduled to take on the top-ranked and undefeated Newark Valley Cardinals of Section IV at 6 p.m., marking the first time a Section X football team will play for a state championship.

Superintendent Timothy Vernsey suggested the idea to the board at Monday's meeting, where he also stated that district sponsored transportation would be contingent on both the number of interested passengers and an appropriate amount of corresponding chaperones.

Vernsey proposed a cost of $10 per person for school bus transportation, although no exact amount was finalized.

A 2:45 p.m. departure time was also suggested by Vernsey.

While the proposition was not voted on by the board, several board members expressed their support.

"I think this is a good idea, this doesn't happen very often," said board member Laurie Zweifel.

While OFA students are already enjoying an especially short Thanksgiving week due to Monday's snow day, Vernsey said that the school's administrative offices will be open until 2 p.m. on Wednesday and those wishing to partake in the bus trip will have until then to pay for a seat.

Vernsey also mentioned the possibility of multiple buses in the case of high demand.

The cost of each bus was quoted at $1,083.