Questions slow consolidation effort

May 8, 2010



By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com

The million-dollar question is whether it’s prudent to move ahead on a $29 million school district consolidation plan.

That was the worry expressed earlier this week to members of a New Castle Area School Board sub-committee. The five-member panel is reviewing plans to overhaul the district’s elementary schools.

The proposal features the creation of an early learning center while closing three primary centers: West Side, John F. Kennedy and Thaddeus Stevens. Harry W. Lockley Kindergarten Center would be renovated to hold students in kindergarten through second grade.

The district’s third-graders would be moved to George Washington Intermediate Elementary School.
The cost to upgrade Lockley and make improvements to George Washington is estimated at $29 million.

“We can all agree for the past eight years, the writing on the wall has told us our No. 1 financial and policy concern involves a declining enrollment,” said former board member Donna Donati. “That alone dictates that a consolidation is imminent.”

However, economic realities forced Donati and others in attendance to question if it is time to move ahead.

She cited the state government as the culprit of her uneasiness — a looming spike in the state-funded pension plan, deficit spending, a potential reduction in education subsidies and an upcoming election. They are all reasons for concern and their potential effects on taxpayers, she said.

“You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t,” said Lawrence County Controller David Gettings, who served on the ad hoc committee that examined the district’s building needs. “I’m to the point now where I don’t know what the right answer is.”

Last month, business manager Joseph Ambrosini outlined how the closure of schools and a reduction in staff would pay for the venture. He pegged the savings at $800,000 annually.

The yearly expense of the consolidation would be $700,000 to $900,000 during a 20-year period. That amount includes state reimbursement.

Ambrosini said if the consolidation plan was scrapped, the district would still spend the same amount to run the primary centers. The district would have to upgrade those buildings, which generates additional expenses.

“The issue comes down to what is the responsible position for where you are going and can you support it in some degree or fashion,” Gettings said.

Board member Dr. Marilyn Berkely said the committee should consider two points — can the district afford consolidation and will it improve the children’s education.

“As parents, we want the best for our children, but it should be only the best we can afford,” she said. “Bricks and mortar may make a new school, but they do not ensure an improved product.”
Stan Magusiak, assistant to Superintendent George Gabriel, expressed frustration with the ad hoc committee.

“You’re saying we can’t do it, because we can’t pay for it,” he said. “You had to think we could pay for it when you’re making those decisions.

“There’s all good questions here. But what are we trying to do? We’re spinning our wheels and not making decisions.”

The committee’s next meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday in the district’s administration building, located at 420 Fern St.