By Antonio D. French
Filed Wednesday, June 14 at 9:52 AM
As was expected, the St. Louis School Board voted last night to move the students and staff of Cleveland NJROTC High School to Pruitt Middle School. They also voted to approve a proposal to work with the newly formed group dedicated to raising private funds to repair and upgrade Cleveland with the goal of eventually bringing the students back.
The resolution, proposed by board member Bill Purdy, also directed the district to continue to provide basic maintenance and security to Cleveland after relocation so that the building is not vandalized and does not fall further into disrepair.
Purdy's resolution replaced one approved earlier in the meeting which was submitted by Superintendent Creg Williams. Williams' proposal also moved the students out of Cleveland for the 2006-2007 school year, but it did not address what SLPS was going to do with the building once empty.
Board members Ron Jackson and Bob Archibald said they believed that the issue of repairing Cleveland should not be considered seperate from the numerous aging buildings owned by the district, each with their own structural and maintenance-related problems.
Archibald added that he believes the district still has too many schools for the number of students it serves. "We really need to have seventysome schools, not ninetysome," he said. He suggested that Cleveland be included in a broader discussion held over the next three months on how to address the district's infrastructure problems.
Several people addressed the board on the issue of preserving the 93 year-old building, including Alderman Craig Schmid; attorney Matt Ghio, a board member of Landmarks Association which has joined the Alliance to Save Cleveland High; and Travis Reems, also a member of the Alliance. See videos:
The board approved the measure with Archibald, Jackson, and Board President Veronica O'Brien voting against it.
Click here to download Purdy's resolution.
3 Comments:
The Castle and the community owe a great debt of gratitude to those members that voted for working with the community to keep the Castle open, especially member Flint Fowler, the deciding voter.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006 10:12:00 AM
I am really glad to see the community starting to really get involved education. Actually it is about time. Let us remember that schools are one of the anchors that hold a community together. When you pull up an anchor what happens to the ship? However I also encourage the Cleveland Alliance to go beyond just fixing a school. Be a voice to help handle some of the other problems that face this and other St. Louis Public Schools. Remember the Vashon Coalition? They wanted and got a brand new school. They also have some of the best sports teams in the area. However why are there so many fights? Also why do teachers fear for their lives or do not want to teach there? So remember to help fix the software after fixing the hardware.
One other thing. After raising the money to fix the school hang on to it. Show the plans to the SLPS School Board but pay the contractors directly. Being a member of various volunteer organizations donations rarely get used for what they are intended for. In one organization money that was raised and donated did not go to fixing a building that need some renovation. The renovation did happen several years later. Plus continue to raise money to setup a maintenance fund for the school. If you want to keep this school open be able to do what it takes to keep it open.
The school board should be excited about seeing a group who stepping forward to help fix a school. But what do we hear from our Superintendent “it would be cheaper to close the school and build a new one.” One of the things that make St. Louis so unique is the architecture. Now don’t get me wrong about saving every old building. However these building were built, maintained, and anchored a community for nearly a hundred years. We just cannot tear or close down every old school in order to build a new building to torn up. Remember it takes a community of people to raise a child not a fancy building.
Thursday, June 15, 2006 7:50:00 AM
Of course Ron Jackson and Bob Archibald vote Mr. Purdy resolution down. Of course they would not be in favor of saving Cleveland, due to the fact they are of the regime who has plans for that property. People need to see the writing on the wall! Don't forget the next School Board election.
Also, regarding the Budget which the SLPS Board rejected, the board wants a balance budjet! Craig Williams financial team must reduce those salaries,including his $300,000.00 salaries plus incentives to help balance that budget! If, Mr. Williams have any loyality to this school system, why not take a cut of at least $100,000.00 plus the incentives that the previous Slay board team gave them in the first place. People,"Old Jessie James and his boys" still robbing the SLPS system. Don't cut the teachers, or their salaries, cut down 801! You need the teachers to educate the students! I don't care what you say, Jackson and Archibald voted to approved these folks high salaries.
Finally, Craig Williams is one of the top 10 highest paying superintendent in this country! Look at the size of those school districts compare to SLPS! Do the research! As a first time Superintendent, checkmate!
Tuesday, June 20, 2006 7:53:00 AM
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