Board, audience debate over what to do with Harding

A World War II veteran said soldiers returned to Harding after the war — and knew they were home.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

WARREN — It has become obvious that those close to Warren G. Harding High School don’t want just the historic façade retained as space is made for a new high school.

That was the consensus, at least, of about 80 people who attended a special board of education meeting Thursday. They expressed their opinions about what part of Harding should remain standing as work proceeds to open the new, adjacent school in the fall.

After the 90-minute session, board President Robert Faulkner Sr. said he wants to see the board make a decision by its Tuesday meeting. If not, he noted, the decision will be made by the Feb. 19 regular session.

District voters approved $1 million for the preservation of the old Harding, but estimates are as high as $6.3 million to keep the façade, auditorium and offices.

Another option is to maintain the free-standing façade with supports on the back of it. Architect Raymond Jaminet, however, told the group that an estimate isn’t currently available because it isn’t known if the supported façade would be structurally sound.

Another idea has been tossed around to make the columns of the building as the entrance to a parking lot on campus.

Neil Corsatea of Cortland, a Harding graduate, poetically spoke against the idea to a standing ovation. “Throughout the winter season, a blanket of snow lies between the sidewalk and imposing architecture of the high school. And you want to replace this high school with a parking lot?” he told the board.

He said the lyrics of a Joni Mitchell song came to mind on his way to the meeting: “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

Larry Dueber of Warren questioned why it has taken the board since 2003 to now be forced into a decision when it should have been made years ago. He suggested that a committee be formed to make recommendations that stay within the $1 million allocation.

Dennis Alexander of Warren, a 1967 Harding graduate, called on the board to allow residents time to raise additional money to preserve the building.

Kenneth Wareham, a 1945 graduate, recalled when those who served in World War II and became “the greatest generation” returned to Harding — and knew they were home.

Some called on the board to apply for preservation grants to support the effort.

Some graduates, including Bette Daily, class of 1963, said they felt betrayed by the board for even suggesting only the pillars be used to remind others of the school’s history.

Faulkner and board member Kevin Stringer have said they favor future education of students rather than preservation. This means board members Edward Bolino, Shari Harrell and Patricia Limperos will have to make up their minds.

Faulkner said after Thursday’s meeting that no one has approached the board with a donation for preservation and $1 million isn’t enough to save the façade and the auditorium.

“There is a time when you have to bite the bullet and move forward,” Faulkner said.

yovich@vindy.com