Pantele and the Schools

I am troubled by what I am hearing from Pantele these days. It seems like he is playing politics with ADA school settlement/City of the Future money. Both Wilder and Council want to use the issue against each other, rather than solving the issue. It sounds like the School Board chair, Braxton, is siding with Pantele […]

December 17, 2007; 6:42 AM • by Oregon Hill

It sounds like the School Board chair, Braxton, is siding with Pantele and Council against Mayor, though that is not helping the schools or students either. Wolf is at least vocal and wants to see ADA solved, but I am not hearing much from our School Board rep, Carr.

If they are looking for “large renovation projects” (because that is what Pantele is insisting on), then Open High could certainly use a ADA elevator addition.

I find it disgusting that the City is giving 50 million to the VaPAF/downtown arts center, but can’t give squat to solve this ADA crisis NOW.
ADA Kids and parents are still suffering needlessly. Is the City waiting until they sue again? What’s it going to take, the National Guard, just like in Little Rock?

Proposal:

Fix up Open. Energy audit, put solar on the roof and make it part of the science curriculum, add ADA elevator and other needed items. Bring in Community High program from West End to Grace Arents building THOUGH keep Community High and Open High programs separate (keep good teacher/student ratio), Make sure at least some of the money from sale of Community High building sale goes back into school system (do NOT let developers have all the profits), Maintain Community and Open High’s building and standards (hello local media, they just won NATIONAL RECOGNITION!). Do NOT let Trani and VCU decide the future of Open High, but hopefully keep allowing Open/Community students attend some college classes. Bring in more community gardening and park service projects.

I would like to hear other suggestions.