Consolidation could save $250,000, Carlynton superintendent says
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Consolidating Carnegie and Crafton elementary schools could save the Carlynton School District an estimated $250,000, according to superintendent Michael Panza.
Combining the schools is among 10 options in a feasibility study conducted by L.R. Kimball to upgrade facilities, curriculum and programs and evaluate the capacity and efficiency of the elementary buildings and the junior-senior high school in Robinson.
The options also include upgrading both elementary schools, adding a gymnasium wing and administrative wing at Crafton, renovating and expanding Carnegie or building two new elementary schools.
Several options addressed where to consolidate the elementary schools: at the site of Carnegie Elementary School, at the Crafton athletic field site, at the Carnegie stadium site or on the high school campus.
School directors still are evaluating the options.
At last Thursday's meeting, Director Ray Walkowiak presented a spread sheet to determine if the district has enough money to do the project without raising taxes for the next six years.
"We do have a sufficient fund balance on whatever choice, including the [Public School Employees Retirement System] increases," he said. Mr. Walkowiak's tabulations show that the district has $10.5 million now, and that amount will grow to $12.5 million by January.
Dr. Panza said Crafton is so overcrowded that classes are being held in closets and hallways. Some teachers who are traveling between buildings can teach only four classes rather than five because of commuting time.
He said the teachers would like to have team meetings but they can't during the school day because they are in different buildings.
Dr. Panza said book costs would be lower if there were one elementary school, noting the music department now needs 60 books -- 30 for each building. The district also is paying aides and personnel to run two cafeterias and two gymnasiums.
And, there are heating and energy costs for both buildings.
Former board member David Russos asked the board to put the question of consolidation to a referendum.
"We will not be having a referendum," board President Thomas Brown said.
Solicitor Greg Gleason said the state does not permit an advisory referendum.
Crafton parent Megan Shriver said the district needs to keep its elementary schools for the children's emotional security. She said her son asked if they could start saving cereal box tops to raise money to keep Crafton Elementary School open.
First Published October 28, 2010 6:01 am
