Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Homecoming
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The scene was familiar to Chris Niles.
Cheers, clapping and high fives. “Eye of the Tiger” booming. A community pep rally to honor its hero.
The Hickory Township resident relishes competition. Niles’ latest victory overshadowed sports.
The 1995 Laurel graduate made a public appearance yesterday afternoon almost seven weeks after suffering a spinal injury.
“Just amazing,” Niles said of the approximately 100 people who gathered outside his Lakewood Road home. “It’s crazy. I didn’t expect it.
“There’s a lot of people who care about me. That’s a good thing.”
Laurel Elementary students crafted approximately 600 signs to welcome Niles’ return and encourage him in his recovery. The signs, each attached with a green-and-white, heart-shaped balloon, lined the length of Lakewood Road — from Eastbrook Road to Maitland Lane.
The community joined high school and elementary school cheerleaders in celebrating his arrival. Youth baseball players whooped, hollered and smacked their coach’s hand as he passed by.
The accident occurred in early March when a partially dead tree fell on Niles as he worked to take it down. He was trapped for four hours before rescue personnel arrived.
“I knew it was bad,” his brother, Jeff, recalled. “It was overwhelming that day. Chris was a trooper. I don’t know if most people could handle that.
“He is so strong and positive. It’s mind-boggling. He’s very positive and thankful to be alive.”
Niles was taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for surgery and transferred to Mercy Hospital for initial rehabilitation. While paralyzed below the waist, Niles has taken an aggressive attitude toward therapy.
“Anything that was in front of me, I figured a way to get it done,” he said. “I feel that way about this, too.
“I’ve got kids to raise. When I was at Mercy, I put two pictures up of them. Every morning, I just got up and looked at them. I got up and did what I had to do. I didn’t do anything else. I didn’t think about the pain.”
Brother-in-law Ray Omer said doctors hope Niles’ gains will take place through additional rehab.
“He’s worked hard at it. When they call him “Rocky,” it’s no joke. He trains hard at everything he’s done. He’s overcome a lot of obstacles already.”
Niles is a former Laurel High School athlete, who played in the Laurel vs. Shenango alumni football game in November. He also won a national jujitsu title last summer in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in Columbus.
Family, friends, neighbors and strangers bonded to help the Niles’ family.
“When you get hurt, all those things you can’t do you think about,” Niles said.
They cleared the back lot, performed work on the home and took on household chores.
Husband-and-wife architects Frank Ross and Toyna Natale started the process to adapt the house to Niles’ needs. Ross said doors will be widened, an elevator installed, barrier-free restrooms built and other modifications completed within a couple of months.
“We’ve had a ton of help,” he said. “People are coming over with saws.”
Niles had been to his home twice before yesterday’s event.
“The first day was tough for me. (Wife) Jennifer and I just cried. The second time was easier.”
Jennifer Niles said the community’s response has been incredible.
“Everyone in the community has come out to support us. We want to thank everyone for all they have done.”
Omer said the events dispelled a notion he had.
“Just when I thought it was every man, woman and child out for themselves, there’s been an awaking for me as well. The goodness of people is just pouring out.”
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The scene was familiar to Chris Niles.
Cheers, clapping and high fives. “Eye of the Tiger” booming. A community pep rally to honor its hero.
The Hickory Township resident relishes competition. Niles’ latest victory overshadowed sports.
The 1995 Laurel graduate made a public appearance yesterday afternoon almost seven weeks after suffering a spinal injury.
“Just amazing,” Niles said of the approximately 100 people who gathered outside his Lakewood Road home. “It’s crazy. I didn’t expect it.
“There’s a lot of people who care about me. That’s a good thing.”
Laurel Elementary students crafted approximately 600 signs to welcome Niles’ return and encourage him in his recovery. The signs, each attached with a green-and-white, heart-shaped balloon, lined the length of Lakewood Road — from Eastbrook Road to Maitland Lane.
The community joined high school and elementary school cheerleaders in celebrating his arrival. Youth baseball players whooped, hollered and smacked their coach’s hand as he passed by.
The accident occurred in early March when a partially dead tree fell on Niles as he worked to take it down. He was trapped for four hours before rescue personnel arrived.
“I knew it was bad,” his brother, Jeff, recalled. “It was overwhelming that day. Chris was a trooper. I don’t know if most people could handle that.
“He is so strong and positive. It’s mind-boggling. He’s very positive and thankful to be alive.”
Niles was taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for surgery and transferred to Mercy Hospital for initial rehabilitation. While paralyzed below the waist, Niles has taken an aggressive attitude toward therapy.
“Anything that was in front of me, I figured a way to get it done,” he said. “I feel that way about this, too.
“I’ve got kids to raise. When I was at Mercy, I put two pictures up of them. Every morning, I just got up and looked at them. I got up and did what I had to do. I didn’t do anything else. I didn’t think about the pain.”
Brother-in-law Ray Omer said doctors hope Niles’ gains will take place through additional rehab.
“He’s worked hard at it. When they call him “Rocky,” it’s no joke. He trains hard at everything he’s done. He’s overcome a lot of obstacles already.”
Niles is a former Laurel High School athlete, who played in the Laurel vs. Shenango alumni football game in November. He also won a national jujitsu title last summer in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in Columbus.
Family, friends, neighbors and strangers bonded to help the Niles’ family.
“When you get hurt, all those things you can’t do you think about,” Niles said.
They cleared the back lot, performed work on the home and took on household chores.
Husband-and-wife architects Frank Ross and Toyna Natale started the process to adapt the house to Niles’ needs. Ross said doors will be widened, an elevator installed, barrier-free restrooms built and other modifications completed within a couple of months.
“We’ve had a ton of help,” he said. “People are coming over with saws.”
Niles had been to his home twice before yesterday’s event.
“The first day was tough for me. (Wife) Jennifer and I just cried. The second time was easier.”
Jennifer Niles said the community’s response has been incredible.
“Everyone in the community has come out to support us. We want to thank everyone for all they have done.”
Omer said the events dispelled a notion he had.
“Just when I thought it was every man, woman and child out for themselves, there’s been an awaking for me as well. The goodness of people is just pouring out.”
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Primary center's destiny delayed
By PATRICK E LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
New Castle’s school board agreed to wait on a consultant’s recommendation before deciding on an early learning center’s future.
In the only show of unity regarding the $19 million project, the board voted 8-0 last night to hire Education Management Group LLC for $3,700.
Superintendent George Gabriel requested that the board allow a third party provide an analysis on whether it’s best to maintain the district’s three primary centers or renovate Lockley Kindergarten Center into a facility for students in kindergarten through second grade. At Monday’s work session, four of the seven members requested a vote to reconsider the project.
Company representative Dr. Ronald Stainbrook, a retired state Department of Education official, will supervise the evaluation.
“He will identify educational advantages (and) disadvantages to keeping the three elementary facilities or closing them and operating a single new (and) renovated facility,” Gabriel said.
Stainbrook, who worked as the state’s director of schools, was part of a group that studied that district’s finances in the early 1990s.
“This is his expertise,” Gabriel said.
The report will be completed within 20 days of his visit to the district. Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said he will speak to Stainbrook today regarding his arrival date.
Except for a question seeking clarification, the board passed the measure without comment.
During the visitors’ portion of the meeting, a district kindergarten teacher and a former school board member offered different views on the project.
“(Lockley) has not changed to meet the demands of our earliest learners,” said Victoria Bober, who teaches at Lockley. “This is also true for our other existing primary centers.”
Bober said the kindergarten center lacks the basics to accommodate its 300 students. She cited a leaking roof and malfunctioning boiler system among its problems.
“It is not an uncommon sight to walk down the hall without students having to walk around buckets that our collecting rainwater.
“Putting a Band-Aid on a severe wound that is bleeding profusely does not work.”
Philip Conti said the board must focus on the district’s $60 million debt service and the state’s reduced assistance.
“We cannot afford to assume any more debt,” said the former board member and retired educator. “Anyone who doesn’t understand that doesn’t understand fiscal responsibility.”
He added that although the board hasn’t raised taxes in at least seven years, New Castle has the highest taxes in Lawrence County.
“Where are you going to get the money to fund that debt? It’s going to have to come from the taxpayers,” he said.
“Debt is the most vicious form of taxation.”
Board member Mary Ann Tofel participated in the meeting through a conference call. Fred Mozzocio was out of town on a business-related trip.
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
New Castle’s school board agreed to wait on a consultant’s recommendation before deciding on an early learning center’s future.
In the only show of unity regarding the $19 million project, the board voted 8-0 last night to hire Education Management Group LLC for $3,700.
Superintendent George Gabriel requested that the board allow a third party provide an analysis on whether it’s best to maintain the district’s three primary centers or renovate Lockley Kindergarten Center into a facility for students in kindergarten through second grade. At Monday’s work session, four of the seven members requested a vote to reconsider the project.
Company representative Dr. Ronald Stainbrook, a retired state Department of Education official, will supervise the evaluation.
“He will identify educational advantages (and) disadvantages to keeping the three elementary facilities or closing them and operating a single new (and) renovated facility,” Gabriel said.
Stainbrook, who worked as the state’s director of schools, was part of a group that studied that district’s finances in the early 1990s.
“This is his expertise,” Gabriel said.
The report will be completed within 20 days of his visit to the district. Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said he will speak to Stainbrook today regarding his arrival date.
Except for a question seeking clarification, the board passed the measure without comment.
During the visitors’ portion of the meeting, a district kindergarten teacher and a former school board member offered different views on the project.
“(Lockley) has not changed to meet the demands of our earliest learners,” said Victoria Bober, who teaches at Lockley. “This is also true for our other existing primary centers.”
Bober said the kindergarten center lacks the basics to accommodate its 300 students. She cited a leaking roof and malfunctioning boiler system among its problems.
“It is not an uncommon sight to walk down the hall without students having to walk around buckets that our collecting rainwater.
“Putting a Band-Aid on a severe wound that is bleeding profusely does not work.”
Philip Conti said the board must focus on the district’s $60 million debt service and the state’s reduced assistance.
“We cannot afford to assume any more debt,” said the former board member and retired educator. “Anyone who doesn’t understand that doesn’t understand fiscal responsibility.”
He added that although the board hasn’t raised taxes in at least seven years, New Castle has the highest taxes in Lawrence County.
“Where are you going to get the money to fund that debt? It’s going to have to come from the taxpayers,” he said.
“Debt is the most vicious form of taxation.”
Board member Mary Ann Tofel participated in the meeting through a conference call. Fred Mozzocio was out of town on a business-related trip.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Corbett Effect: Board to reconsider renovation
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The New Castle Area School Board is prepared to halt plans for an early learning center.
Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget has some board members worrying how the district can operate with $3.3 million less in state subsidies while undertaking a $19 million renovation project.
Its fate is expected to be determined during tomorrow’s regular board meeting. Four of the seven board members want to reconsider the venture in response to Superintendent George Gabriel’s call for a vote of confidence.
“I think about everywhere I went — phone calls I received — people in the community are scared,” Anna Pascarella said at last night’s work session. “The ones who really want to be honest with us will say we probably should not move forward with this.
“If we do, we need to scale it down from $19 million.”
Pascarella was joined by Dr. Marilyn K. Berkely, Brad Olson and Barbara Razzano.
“Up to this point we had additional funding. Now we don’t,” Pascarella said later in the meeting. “That makes a big difference.”
J. Allan Joseph, Mark Kirkwood and Karen Humphrey said they want to continue with the project. Fred Mozzocio and Mary Ann Tofel were absent.
The development comes as Gabriel was prepared to release a video and unveil a website designed to promote and answer questions about the renovation.
“We did a very poor job of getting the word out,” the superintendent said.
The Harry W. Lockley Early Learning Center would bring students in kindergarten through second grade into one facility, located on the site of the Lockley Kindergarten Center. Third-graders are scheduled to move to the George Washington Intermediate Elementary School. The consolidation plan closes West Side, John F. Kennedy and Thaddeus Stevens primary centers.
“Whether you build the project or you can it, you still have $3.3 million you have to deal with,” Gabriel said. “Plus, if you can it, you have four old buildings you have to deal with.”
Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said the district will hold sessions next month as it prepares the 2011-2012 school year budget. The district also is in negotiations with its teachers union.
“We have made substantial cuts, but we just haven’t brought it to the (board) yet,” Gabriel said.
He added that district administrators and staff have been asked to provide input on trimming expenditures. The superintendent also noted “raising taxes is not on our radar.”
With a $12 million fund balance, Ambrosini said New Castle is “doing OK financially.”
He called the early learning center an opportunity to generate additional savings through reductions in staff and building costs.
“I’m the last person who would stand behind this building project if I didn’t think it was a good idea financially,” he said. “I would tell George that.
“Don’t lose sight of consolidating four buildings into one. That’s the difference.”
Olson asked what would happen if state funding continued to decline.
“Yes, we have a great fund balance right now,” he said. “We can make plans to adjust for this year’s $3.3 million loss. What if next year, it’s a $3.3 million loss additional and the following year is another $3.3 million.”
Gabriel said if that were the case then all of the state’s public school systems would eventually shut down.
“I guess we can all agree it’s not going to get any better,” Berkely said.
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The New Castle Area School Board is prepared to halt plans for an early learning center.
Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget has some board members worrying how the district can operate with $3.3 million less in state subsidies while undertaking a $19 million renovation project.
Its fate is expected to be determined during tomorrow’s regular board meeting. Four of the seven board members want to reconsider the venture in response to Superintendent George Gabriel’s call for a vote of confidence.
“I think about everywhere I went — phone calls I received — people in the community are scared,” Anna Pascarella said at last night’s work session. “The ones who really want to be honest with us will say we probably should not move forward with this.
“If we do, we need to scale it down from $19 million.”
Pascarella was joined by Dr. Marilyn K. Berkely, Brad Olson and Barbara Razzano.
“Up to this point we had additional funding. Now we don’t,” Pascarella said later in the meeting. “That makes a big difference.”
J. Allan Joseph, Mark Kirkwood and Karen Humphrey said they want to continue with the project. Fred Mozzocio and Mary Ann Tofel were absent.
The development comes as Gabriel was prepared to release a video and unveil a website designed to promote and answer questions about the renovation.
“We did a very poor job of getting the word out,” the superintendent said.
The Harry W. Lockley Early Learning Center would bring students in kindergarten through second grade into one facility, located on the site of the Lockley Kindergarten Center. Third-graders are scheduled to move to the George Washington Intermediate Elementary School. The consolidation plan closes West Side, John F. Kennedy and Thaddeus Stevens primary centers.
“Whether you build the project or you can it, you still have $3.3 million you have to deal with,” Gabriel said. “Plus, if you can it, you have four old buildings you have to deal with.”
Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said the district will hold sessions next month as it prepares the 2011-2012 school year budget. The district also is in negotiations with its teachers union.
“We have made substantial cuts, but we just haven’t brought it to the (board) yet,” Gabriel said.
He added that district administrators and staff have been asked to provide input on trimming expenditures. The superintendent also noted “raising taxes is not on our radar.”
With a $12 million fund balance, Ambrosini said New Castle is “doing OK financially.”
He called the early learning center an opportunity to generate additional savings through reductions in staff and building costs.
“I’m the last person who would stand behind this building project if I didn’t think it was a good idea financially,” he said. “I would tell George that.
“Don’t lose sight of consolidating four buildings into one. That’s the difference.”
Olson asked what would happen if state funding continued to decline.
“Yes, we have a great fund balance right now,” he said. “We can make plans to adjust for this year’s $3.3 million loss. What if next year, it’s a $3.3 million loss additional and the following year is another $3.3 million.”
Gabriel said if that were the case then all of the state’s public school systems would eventually shut down.
“I guess we can all agree it’s not going to get any better,” Berkely said.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Judge supports district in race case
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A federal court has dismissed a race discrimination lawsuit against the New Castle Area School District.
In a ruling issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose granted the district’s request for a summary judgment in its case with former student Joshua Stewart. Ambrose, citing a report prepared in February, ruled Stewart failed to prove that the district expelled him based on his race.
The lawsuit was an offshoot of the drug-related death of Erica Jo Million. The New Castle High sophomore consumed oxycodone Feb. 27, 2007, while in school. The 16-year-old died five days later.
Her death was ruled accidental.
A month later, the school board voted 7-0 to expel Stewart for violating the school’s drug policy in distributing and selling a controlled substance to Million. The board’s decision was later upheld in Lawrence County common pleas court.
Stewart was placed on juvenile probation in April 2008. Common pleas Judge John Hodge said the evidence against the teen supported a juvenile charge of possession with intent to deliver.
Stewart’s attorney, Keenan D. Holmes, argued his client’s punishment was excessive when compared to white students who had committed similar offenses. Attempts to reach Holmes were unsuccessful.
The report, authored by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell, said Stewart could not prove the school district’s investigation was biased.
“(New Castle) had evidence that the plaintiff violated its Drug and Alcohol Policy,” Mitchell wrote.
The federal Office for Civil Rights had determined in October 2007 that Stewart “did not provide a sufficient factual basis to support his claim that he was treated differently than (white students).”
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A federal court has dismissed a race discrimination lawsuit against the New Castle Area School District.
In a ruling issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose granted the district’s request for a summary judgment in its case with former student Joshua Stewart. Ambrose, citing a report prepared in February, ruled Stewart failed to prove that the district expelled him based on his race.
The lawsuit was an offshoot of the drug-related death of Erica Jo Million. The New Castle High sophomore consumed oxycodone Feb. 27, 2007, while in school. The 16-year-old died five days later.
Her death was ruled accidental.
A month later, the school board voted 7-0 to expel Stewart for violating the school’s drug policy in distributing and selling a controlled substance to Million. The board’s decision was later upheld in Lawrence County common pleas court.
Stewart was placed on juvenile probation in April 2008. Common pleas Judge John Hodge said the evidence against the teen supported a juvenile charge of possession with intent to deliver.
Stewart’s attorney, Keenan D. Holmes, argued his client’s punishment was excessive when compared to white students who had committed similar offenses. Attempts to reach Holmes were unsuccessful.
The report, authored by U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell, said Stewart could not prove the school district’s investigation was biased.
“(New Castle) had evidence that the plaintiff violated its Drug and Alcohol Policy,” Mitchell wrote.
The federal Office for Civil Rights had determined in October 2007 that Stewart “did not provide a sufficient factual basis to support his claim that he was treated differently than (white students).”
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