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School board pushes bond issue approval
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Watson Elementary students enjoy a snack after a performance by Jocko the Clown. They were entertained while their parents attended the Austintown bond meeting April 21.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Austintown Board of Education President David Ritchie (left) assists Ray Jaminet in showing exactly where the new schools would be located and how the flow of traffic would be improved. Jaminet is the architect that will be designing the schools if the bond issue passes May 4.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem.Jocko the Clown had the full attention of these Watson Elementary students as he put on an entertaining and educational show. Their parents are learning the details of the Austintiown bond issue while they learned about the science of toys and the five senses.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
May 4 is close at hand and residents of Austintown must make an important decision regarding the future of their schools.
Watson Elementary held an informational bond meeting April 21 for Austintown residents. It included a breakdown of the bond issue, the advantages of its approval and the potential situation that may arise if the issue is rejected.
The two proposed new schools would replace Lloyd Elementary, Lynn Kirk Elementary, Watson Elementary, Woodside Elementary and Frank Ohl Intermediate.
Watson Elementary principal James Carchedi said the schools are outdated and newer facilities will benefit the students and the community.
“This building looks wonderful, but is 50 years old and there are issues that need to be dealt with,” he said.
Safety is a main concern for the schools. Carchedi explained that the current Watson Elementary has several school entrances which are not protected by cameras or a security system. He said the school was built in an era where crime was not a main concern. That era has come and gone.
The new schools are said to feature a state-of-the art security system with cameras galore. Police officers would be able to see what was going on in and outside the school from footage that would be streamlined to their patrol cars. It will also feature rooms tailored to kindergartners with in-room rest room facilities and miniature fixtures.
Watson school teacher Sheila Palombo said she sees first-hand how a new school would benefit Austintown students. Additional rooms are needed for tutors, conferences and storage. Living in the current times of technological advances, she believes the school system needs to upgrade its resources in order to keep up with the advancing academic environments .
“We have a grave need for new schools and technology to promote optimal education for the children,” Palombo said.
Watson Elementary students were entertained by Rocko the clown during the bond meeting, but they are also have something to say about the issue. Third-grader Matthew Ferree hopes the bond issue passes this time. He likes the idea of a new school.
“I want a new school so it can be bigger,” Ferree said. “We can have a bigger playground and more rooms.”
If the issue does not pass May 4, Austintown will become a lapsed district. This means that $2.9 million that was allotted by the state to build the new schools will be offered to another school system.
In addition, Austintown students may face being moved to other schools to balance enrollment numbers.
Austintown resident Stacy Wayland attended the meeting to gain more insight on the bond issue. She said she was in favor of the issue prior to the meeting, but after receiving the details of the new school and its funding, it just makes sense.
“We’re gonna have to put money out there no matter what,” said Wayland. “It’s better to have a modern and updated building. I want it to pass.”