Thurs. Pottstown School Meeting Emotionally Charged

After four years of discussion and debate, the fate of Rupert and Franklin elementary schools was voted on and came down to a split decision. With over 50 people in attendance, the school board voted 5-4 against president Richard Huss’ taskforce recommendation.

Huss suggested three elementary schools -- Barth, Lincoln and Edgewood -- for pre- kindergarten through fifth grade, shutting down Rupert and Franklin elementary schools.

The president’s recommendation drew tough criticism from parents and taxpayers in attendance.

“I am just sick of this crap that goes on around here,” said Penny Griffin of 176 South Roland Street. “You guys get to just sit in meetings and decide our fate. It’s unfair.”

Other parents threatened to move out of the district if the board wouldn’t have voted their way.

“I want you to know that I am taking my kids to Boyertown if this doesn’t settle because I am not settling,” said Christopher Miller of 1214 N. Franklin St. “I’ve lived in this house and struggled so hard to get to where I am at and now you guys are going to take Franklin from me. I don’t want my kids to have to walk far to school.”

How they voted (Yes- 3 schools, No- 5 schools):

White

Hylton

Wilson

Harris

Huss

Weand

Hartman

Pargeon

Wausnock

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

 A Second Battle:

Following the rejection of the Taskforce’s recommendation, board member Robert Hartman made a motion to issue a referendum. His referendum proposed that voters would decide whether to support additional borrowing necessary to meet the state’s guidelines on renovating the five schools properly for the next 20 years.

If passed, the fate of the two schools would shift from the school board to the voters. This fact drew heavy criticism from board member Thomas Hylton.

“I just want to say that this is clearly a delaying tactic,” said Hylton. “It is phony and for that reason I will be voting no.”

According to Hartman, in order to properly renovate the five schools, it would cost $39.5 million and to renovate three, it would cost $32.9 million. “If our taxes are going to go up, give us what we want,” said Griffin during public comment.

How they voted (Yes- To leave it to election No- Shoots down referendum):

White

Hylton

Wilson

Harris

Huss

Weand

Hartman

Pargeon

Wausnock

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Hylton’s Plan:

After striking down Hartman’s referendum, Hylton made the motion for a $13 million upgrade to all five elementary schools to be up-to-par for 20- 30 years. The motion called for renovations on Rupert and Lincoln to begin in the summer of 2012. Barth and Franklin would be renovated during the summer of 2013 and Edgewood in the summer of 2014 if not sooner.

Hylton also called for the architects and engineers to investigate the use of geothermal heating as well as installing elevators in Lincoln, Barth, Rupert and Franklin schools. He also suggested a neighborhood committee be formed to help the process run smoother.

This plan drew heavy criticism from board member Polly Weand. “Where is the money going to come from,” asked Weand. “It is going to come from the taxpayers. They are not going to enjoy higher taxes.”

When Weand asked who is going to pay for the higher taxes, President Huss said “Mr. Hylton.”

How they voted (Yes- Utilize Hylton’s plan):

White

Hylton

Wilson

Harris

Huss

Weand

Hartman

Pargeon

Wausnock

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

A Battle Won, But With Concerns

At the end of the meeting, Board member Robert Hartman acknowledged that he is grateful students will not have to leave their respective schools; however there is great concern that lies ahead.

“I have a great fear that we just have started to go down a path of no return,” said Hartman. “We will have a building there but in the next couples of years we may have to cut programs and pay for the short-term debt. “

Board member Weand also expressed her grief.

“I know you think we are the enemies up here, but we are not,” said Weand. “But I have worked on that budget and it is that budget that makes me realize that what we may have done tonight may cause some extreme circumstances in the future. All I am going to say is good luck to this district and I would be extremely disappointed if we have to declare bankruptcy.”

However, it was school board vice president Dennis Wausnock who was disappointed in something other than the outcome.

“I think the board has to work better together,” said Wausnock. “I am tired of coming in here and going into war zones and personality problems. We have to start working together. We are not always going to agree on an issue, but we don’t have to get nasty about it.”