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June 8, 2010

Consolidation projects heads to a vote

Patrick E. Litowitz New Castle News

NEW CASTLE — New Castle school board members will vote tomorrow night on a scaled-down consolidation plan.

Last week, Superintendent George Gabriel learned the school district was one of 46 statewide awarded a portion of $602 million in federal stimulus funds. The district submitted an application for a no-interest bond issue seeking $21 million for an early learning center.

It received a $15 million allocation.

David Esposito of Eckles Architecture & Engineering presented a revised plan that keeps Harry W. Lockley Kindergarten Center as the site of a center for kindergarten through second grade.

Two of the district three primary centers would be closed. The third center, most likely John F. Kennedy, would house third-graders.

Esposito pegged the price at $19.3 million. Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said the district would use $4.3 million from its fund balance to pare the cost to $15 million. Upon completion, the district is eligible for $6.5 million in state reimbursement.

The original $29 million plan focused on an early learning center, renovations at George Washington Intermediate Elementary School and the closure of the three primary centers.

A majority of the seven members attending the work session was required to place the measure on tomorrow’s agenda.

Vice President Mark Kirkwood, Karen Humphrey, Anna Pascarella and Mary Ann Tofel voted in favor. Dr. Marilyn K. Berkely and Barbara Razzano were against the motion while Brad Olson Jr. passed.

Board President J. Allan Joseph and Fred Mozzocio were absent.

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