Community meeting in Niles looks at schools’ future

NILES — School administrators are pleased with the outcome of Thursday night’s community meeting, in which a majority voted to support new school construction and a property tax increase to help fund it.

The session, which drew about 65 Niles residents, is the first of three public meetings to discuss two specific construction options and, in the view of administrators, to generate support for a bond issue that is expected to be presented to the public this November.

“We are at a crossroads and we need to pass this issue,” said Superintendent Rocco Adduci.

The public was able to vote interactively following a presentation in which school representatives explained that the city’s four elementary schools and McKinley High School have fallen well below state standards in room size and quality of facilities. McKinley is more than 50 years old; the oldest building, Washington Elementary, was built in 1924.

“The allotment of space is not correct for the delivery of education to your children today,” said Robert McAuliffe Jr., construction manager.

For more, see Friday’s Vindicator and vindy.com