November 17, 2008

Students, teachers, parents and faculty from Blodgett School filled the Syracuse Board of Education meeting room tonight, carrying signs protesting the potential demolition of their school on the West Side. Blodgett, a school that used to be at the top of the renovation list, is now nowhere to be seen.

The Joint Schools Construction Board proposed a four-phase renovation plan. Phase one addresses schools in desperate need for repair.  Blodgett was one of seven schools proposed for the phase one renovations.

Gilbane Building Company, the project manager, estimated Blodgett needs at least $46 million to renovate and only $20 to $25 million to knock down and rebuild a new school.

Daniel Lowengard, the District Superintendent and a member of the Joint Schools Construction Board, said the district has money to build a new school but not to renovate.

Members of the Board of Education, sympathized with Blodgett, but recognize renovating is something the district cannot afford.

"There is a fiscal reality to everything we're talking about tonight," said Commissioner Calvin Corriders.

But, the district's facilities and construction director, Nick DiBello, said a new school would cost more than $30 million. "I say renovate it," an emotional and frustrated DiBello told the board.

Ten more parents, students, and faculty from Blodgett spoke to the board. 

"I can speak for a lot of kids who want to keep it open," said Yoonaybe Ferman, a 6th grade student at Blodgett.

Ferman’s mother, Liz Rivera says she will do anything to make sure Blodgett stands. “I think it’s worth it. I’m not giving up,” Rivera told student reporters.

Lowengard will hold a meeting Tuesday, November 18 for parents, students, faculty and staff to talk about the future of Blodgett.

The Joint Schools Construction Board is scheduled to vote on Thursday, November 20 on a phase one compromise.

Right now, it looks like Blodgett will not make the cut.