Move to create task force on facilities fails in Carlynton
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Carlynton school directors have rejected a proposal to create a task force to evaluate a feasibility study, which has 10 options for upgrading facilities, curriculum and programs.
A vote to create a task force was defeated Thursday by a 6-2 vote with only Nyra Schell and Ray Walkowiak in support. Sharon Wilson was out of town.
Ms. Schell said creating a task force would be a show of good will.
"Valuing our community is more important than having a big brand new school," she said, prompting applause from many parents in the audience of nearly 100 people.
Mr. Walowiak said the task force would have brought together perspectives from both sides of the issue.
School Director Betsy Tassaro, who said she really favored creating a task force, added, "I want to make it clear that I voted against the task force in order to be part of the majority and to be able to bring it up again at another time."
The feasibility study evaluates the capacity and efficiency of the two elementary buildings and the junior-senior high school in Robinson.
Among the most controversial options would be to consolidate Crafton and Carnegie elementary schools, a move that Superintendent Michael Panza has said would save the district an estimated $250,000.
While the feasibility study has been a hot topic throughout Crafton, Carnegie and Rosslyn Farms, school directors have set no timetable to select an option.
Prior to the votes, Carnegie resident Mark Popovich said creating a task force would be divisive.
He said he favored the option to build a new school in Crafton, adding, "no matter how much you spend on an old building, it is still an old building."
Former board member David Russos of Crafton said he was disappointed the board did not favor creating a task force. He contended that the board was moving forward with a decision that is already made.
Director Ronald McCartney responded, "We have been totally open and upfront about this issue."
First Published November 24, 2010 5:50 am
