Marlei Martinez
Wednesday November 12, 2008
With its crumbling walls and grimy bathrooms, Blodgett School is in serious need of repair. This West Side Syracuse elementary school is ranked as one of the most run-down schools in the entire country said Nicholas DiBello, district facilities chief. So with the school's undeniable need for repair, Blodgett parents, students and faculty members who attended the Syracuse Board of Education meeting Wednesday evening are confused about how their school "went from top of the priority list to completely off of it" said Reverend Joseph Coudriet III of the Abundant Life Christian Center. Abundant Life in East Syracuse helped raise money to build a library for Blodgett School.
“Blodgett School was originally issue number one on the list,” Commissioner Calvin Corriders said. “But we had to take it off because the district cannot afford the $46 million cost.”
Wednesday November 12, 2008
With its crumbling walls and grimy bathrooms, Blodgett School is in serious need of repair. This West Side Syracuse elementary school is ranked as one of the most run-down schools in the entire country said Nicholas DiBello, district facilities chief. So with the school's undeniable need for repair, Blodgett parents, students and faculty members who attended the Syracuse Board of Education meeting Wednesday evening are confused about how their school "went from top of the priority list to completely off of it" said Reverend Joseph Coudriet III of the Abundant Life Christian Center. Abundant Life in East Syracuse helped raise money to build a library for Blodgett School.
“Blodgett School was originally issue number one on the list,” Commissioner Calvin Corriders said. “But we had to take it off because the district cannot afford the $46 million cost.”
During the meeting, District Superintendent Daniel Lowengard said the board cannot develop a plan until “we have the numbers.”
But considering that project manager Gilbane, Inc. just provided the school board with its estimated $46 million calculation, those who attended tonight’s meeting are confused about what numbers Lowengard is waiting for.
“We’re still confused about what they’re going to do with the school,” school counselor Mark Mason said after the meeting.
By the end of the night, the big question still remained- Will anything be done to fix Blodgett School?
“Unfortunately this is one of those things with that come up because of fiscal reality,” Commissioner Kim Rohadfox-Ceaser said. “And reality is harsh.”
This was the closest answer to a yes or no heard all night. And it sounded like a “no.”
Blodgett parents, students and faculty are still waiting for a definitive answer.
“I’m a man of faith,” Rev. Coudriet said at the end of the meeting. “Of course I believe Blodgett will be fixed.”
At the end of tonight’s meeting, Lowengard said the board is planning to hold a meeting at Blodgett School on Tuesday, November 18th at 3PM for faculty and 6PM for parents, students and other people in the community to further discuss this issue.
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