LOCKPORT SCHOOLS: DeWitt Clinton targeted for closing; John Pound, for reuse

By Joe Olenick<br><a href="mailto:joe.olenick@lockportjournal.com">E-mail Joe</a>

DeWitt Clinton and John Pound elementary schools could have their bells ring for the final time in June, as the schools are in serious jeopardy of closing this fall.

Superintendent Terry Ann Carbone announced that DeWitt Clinton would close and John Pound would be re-worked into housing universal pre-kindergarten, district records and the technology department. The moves are expected to save $1.2 million, just a portion of the $3.6 million in cuts Carbone revealed Wednesday at a Board of Education meeting at Lockport High School.

“These are not decisions we enjoy making,” Carbone said. “We will get through this, we will live within our means.”

Still, some audience members in the packed auditorium were not happy to hear it. Peter Robinson, who has a son in the first grade at DeWitt Clinton, called the school a gem of the neighborhood. Robinson said he is from the DeWitt neighborhood, which is on Clinton Street at North Adam Street.

“That is our identity in the lower ward, everything we hold dear, especially with out children,” he said. “You’re telling us perhaps you’re cutting our school. That’s all we have. And along with that, you’re telling us we still have to pay perhaps a 10 percent raise in our tax? And we still lose our school?”

During a lengthy public comment period, most who spoke were unhappy with either the school closings or an increase in the tax levy. Resident Karen Carroll said the board needs to remember the taxpayer while making difficult decisions.

“We can no longer pay increases in taxes just because we don’t want to make difficult decisions,” Carroll said.

“This is going to devastate the school district,” resident Michelle Roman said. “I want to know how many administrative positions will be cut. I haven’t heard one word about that. If our enrollment is so low, why do we keep adding more people at the board office? Why do you have an assistant to your administrative assistant?”

Lockport teachers union President Gail Niparts said the board needed to slow down the process. There’s more information needed before making some serious decisions and we don’t know what final state aid numbers are, she said.

“There is no need to rush to make decisions,” Niparts said. “There are still too many unknown factors and unanswered questions.”

The addition of more aid in the state budget seems to be the only way to save the schools or reverse any other cuts, Carbone said. Lockport was not expecting any help from Albany. Gov. David Paterson presented his budget proposal in January, which called for a $1 billion cut in state school aid, but state lawmakers still have to act.

“We don’t think there will be any increase in state aid,” Carbone said.

With the school closings, two building principals will be laid off, although one will be relocated to Charles Upson Elementary School as an assistant principal. However, Carbone did have good news. Elementary librarians, who were facing possible reductions, will not be cut. Instead further cuts to equipment and supplies will cover it.

Parents will be notified by the district about what school their children will attend. Roy B. Kelley, Charles Upson and Anna Merritt will absorb the students who are moving from DeWitt Clinton and John Pound. Carbone said the average class size districtwide will remain at about 22 students.

Other potential cuts include eliminating the equivalent of 38 positions, which are helped by 14 retirements and the reduction of some positions. Previously mentioned cuts include the elimination of summer school, academic intervention services, the Early Start program, after school programs and the summer reading program. There will also be cuts to materials, technology and equipment, districtwide.

For the 2010-11 school year, the district is facing a $7.9 million deficit comprised of a $4 million increase in expenses and a $3.9 million cut in state aid. With the $3.6 million in cuts and to further help offset the reduction in revenue, Lockport will use about $3 million from reserve funds. However, more work will continue on the budget, because as it stands right now, taxpayers would see an 11.91 percent in the tax levy, the part of property taxes that make up a school budget’s revenue.

Carbone said discussions are ongoing with the teachers union about extending the retirement notification deadline to March 24. Niparts said there could be some who might be willing to take retirement, which would save other teachers from being laid off.

The Board of Education plans to adopt a final version of the budget by its April 14 meeting, with a public hearing held in May. All school districts in New York State will hold a public vote on school budgets and school board elections on May 18.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick at 439-9222, ext. 6241.

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