CASB votes to hold public hearing for new Brandywine middle schools; Caln Elementary, old middle schools to be closed
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, CoatesvilleTimes.com
COATESVILLE – After much discussion and deliberation, the Coatesville Area School Board unanimously voted to continue the planning of two new middle schools at their meeting Tuesday.
The board’s vote only scheduled a public hearing on the construction of the new Brandywine North and South Middle Schools. The meeting is scheduled for May 7 at 6 p.m. in the Coatesville 9/10 Center’s auditorium.
Under the proposed plan, the old middle schools will be closed along with Caln Elementary. Students will be redistributed throughout the district with the possibility of sending elementary students to Scott Middle School. Board President J. Neil Campbell expressed his desire to see the new buildings completed rather than renovating the current middle schools.
“Some may look upon this board, this administration, as being irresponsible, trying to build two brand new school buildings in a bad economy. I feel that it is totally irresponsible to allow pumping multimillions of dollars…into three buildings that are in the condition that they are in,” said Campbell.
Campbell went on to remind board members that all three buildings are in dire need of renovation and inefficiently use current resources. According to Campbell, Scott Middle School is twice the size of the Brandywines, but only uses about two-thirds of the natural gas that they do.
“You cannot ignore efficiency in a new building,” said Campbell.
Board member Paul Johnson agreed with Campbell’s statements, expressing concern that the board has waited too long to make this difficult decision.
“For too long I’ve been silent…I’m not here for a popularity contest; I’m hear to educate the kids,” said Johnson
While all board members voted in favor to move forward on the two new schools, several voiced concerns over the estimated $63.5 cost of the new buildings.
“I know that these buildings do need replacement or rebuilding…I’m still convinced we can do these for less. There needs to be some things to look at to take out,” said board member Richard Ritter.
Board member Tanya Thames Taylor had reservations about placing so much emphasis on the buildings themselves, reminding the board that the education of students mattered most.
“I will support this… but let’s not twist this; buildings don’t teach children, people do,” said Thames Taylor.
The Coatesville Area School Board will hold their next meeting on Apr. 23.
