WGXC-90.7 FM
Controversial Chatham bond vote looming
Nov 15, 2013 1:00 am
The outcome of a vote Tuesday will determine if a proposed consolidation plan for the Chatham Central School District will move forward as is, or it could possibly force the Board of Education to come up with an alternative proposal. In an interview with Philip Grant on the WGXC Morning Show Fri., Nov. 15, Chatham Board of Education President Melony Spock explained the priorities that guided the board's decision-making around the project. PLAY (:48) Wayne Coe, a member of the Chatham Educational Alliance and capital project opponent, spoke with Grant, Thurs., Nov. 14, about the potential for alternatives to the current plan and why he is opposed to the measure. PLAY (1:38). Katie Kocijanski reports in the Chatham Courier not a single comment or concern was raised by community members during the public hearing held Tues., Nov. 12. Under the pending proposal, Chatham Middle School will be closed and consolidated with the high school, making Chatham a one-campus district. The bond will finance a build-out of Chatham High School and the Mary E. Dardess Elementary School. The project will include the addition of a gymnasium, an orchestra room and fitness center, as well as classroom and cafeteria renovations. District voters will cast their ballots, Tues., Nov. 19, in the elementary school gym from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. [Grant's interviews with Coe, David Levow and Steve Gillger, and with Spock and Chatham Superintendent Cheryl Nuciforo can be found online at wgxc.org/archives.]