Thursday, December 4, 2008

City School Renovations May Not Help Blodgett-- Tuesday, November 17th, 2008


More than two dozen people showed up at the Syracuse City School District Board of Education meeting tonight, many holding signs to try to protect the school they love from being torn down. "It needs to stay there," said Spanish and English as a Second Language Teacher Kerry Read who wore a Blodgett School t-shirt. "Not just because I love it, but because the students love it." 

Eight years ago, Blodgett was at the top of the list for district renovations. But after a $46 million estimate to revamp the school from the program manager Gilbane Building Co., board members say it would be cheaper to tear down the building. "Clearly, what was planned four years ago, six years ago, even two years ago is not going to happen," said Superintendent Dan Lowengard during the meeting. 

Still, students, parents and other Blodgett supporters made sure the board heard their voices.

"There's one thing I haven't heard with all of the discussion of the numbers," said Outreach Ministries Pastor for Abundant Life Christian Center, Reverend Joe Coudriet, during his speech to the board. "I've not heard one member of the board here ever say that getting rid of the Blodgett school was consistent with your mission… and I'm happy about that."

While the Center is in the suburbs, of its nearly 3,000 members Assistant Director of Student Ministries Fran Coudriet says nearly 60 percent live in the Syracuse area and many near Blodgett.

In 2001, Abundant Life donated a library and media center to the school, costing $410,000.

"This board, we still have some tough decisions to make," said Commissioner Calvin Corriders. "There's a fiscal reality to everything we're talking about tonight." 

Blodgett supporters will have another chance to speak at a 6 p.m. meeting next Tuesday, November 18th. Superintendent Lowengard will host the meeting at Blodgett. 

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