Ah, what a clever title. Rhyme. Witty use of the word “schooling” and, best of all, me learning a lesson.
The other day, NEPArtisan (aka pretty much me) criticized the Scranton School Board for voting down CTC funding. Our (my) rationale was that each district must pay its share.
Scranton School Board member Chris Phillips posted a response and an offer of more information for us.
I took him up on that. Here’s what I found:
Nallo, guru over at CTC, provided the district a feasibility study, which indicated that the building needed lights, computers, updated wiring, etc. and while that’s all well and good, Nallo did not provide details, like costs associated with specific purchases or vendors from which goods would be purchased.
My gut tells me (Stephen Colbert would be proud) that, having not had the information they wanted since July, the Board could’ve voted earlier, rather than waiting for all other districts to finish, but since Scranton is fitting most of the bill, it’s only right for them to want details. In fact, it’s only right to want details at any time.
Director Phillips also offered a very fascinating cost-saving measure: Since the CTC teaches students about trades, such plumbing, electric, etc. then why not have the students put their learning into practice on improving the building? Mr. Phillips pointed out that when he went to Vo-Tech, they built a house, which still stands, on Main Avenue. This would be an invaluable learning experience for students, putting into practice all of the skills they are being taught, and it would save all districts in the Consortium money.
Thank you to Director Chris Phillips for taking the time to speak with me and sharing these insights.
NEPArtisan has been properly schooled!
While I think its a good idea to use the kids that go to the school to help out with updating the building, I think from a liabilty level, it’s not a good idea. This day and age is different from a long time ago. If one of these kids make a mistake and get seriously injured or even worse, who would be responsible to pay for the lawsuit that would follow. The taxpayers would be. The Scranton school board has no problem with pumping millions into a football stadium.
I hadn’t thought about liability; however, isn’t there a liability with the projects they are already doing? Or, legally, does working on the building itself open up a whole new can of worms?
Good call on the stadium. The amount of money invested in sports as opposed to, say, a Chess Club, or Debate Team, or academic after school programs in general, tends to be abysmal no matter where you are.
The issue of liability is valid but in this instance, in my opinion can be solved. The students are engaged in the same activity it the classroom. They are already doing the work so instead of having them build a “dummy wall” have them build a real one. Certainly some aspects of the project would need to done by professionals in that field but empowering the students to partake would be advantageous, creative and a positive experience.
As for the stadium, while I was not on the board at the time my understanding is that 2,000,000.00 of the cost was to be covered by a state grant secured by Senator Bob Mellow. When Bob had a disagreement with some members of the previous board he pulled the grant leaving the district to foot the bill. I think most of that money wound up in Mellow Park and Cougar Stadium. Just Bob being Bob and giving it to the taxpayers yet again. Call him, ask him and give him my “Regards”.
I did not know about that issue with a grant, that is an absolute shame. It seems that karma is at work, though. I’ve heard several names floating as potential challengers to Mellow.
I really do like the idea of students doing the repair work that at least mimics their work already. I hope that comes to pass.