The bells in the schools of Uniontown Area School District are set to ring on Tuesday, despite rumors that the start of classes would be pushed back a second time for the 2010-11 academic year.
Dr. Charles Machesky, district superintendent, said rumblings regarding everything from black mold found in the band room to unsafe conditions in other areas of the high school are all untrue statements circulating in the community.
"None of the air quality reports from the specialists show any indication of problems. It's just a rumor. Anyone can come view the reports," he said.
"It just keeps getting louder and louder. But there are no alligators in the swimming pool. No special meeting Wednesday night to cancel school. We are opening on Sept. 7."
School was originally scheduled to begin on Aug. 30, but delays in the extensive renovation projects at the high school and LaFayette and Ben Franklin schools forced school officials to adjust the academic schedule pushing the start date back just over a week.
This week, some area residents voiced their concerns about the rumors to social media networks and questioned Machesky about other unconfirmed reports that school may not open on the already-delayed schedule.
Renovation crews needed more time to complete projects that would provide safety for students entering the high school, and Machesky said those renovations will be complete by the start of school.
Additional renovations will occur during the school year, with crews arriving after the school day, Machesky said. "We would never jeopardize students or teachers by putting them into a dangerous building," he said.
"It's not going to be the optimum conditions like it was before any renovations began, but it's very manageable. There will be no disruption in the educational process."
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In addition, I would be interested to know why the new rules regarding public comment were not included in this article. I had to read about them in a Pittsburgh paper.
From the Tribune Review: (In an unrelated matter, Fike announced changes to the manner in which residents will be permitted to speak at the close of council meetings. He said individuals who wish to speak on similar subjects will have to choose one spokesperson to represent their views, and the spokesperson will be limited to five minutes.
Fike, who said he believes the change is permitted by law, said it is needed because public comment at past sessions has put council in a negative light.
"In the past, I allowed open comment at the end of every meeting as a courtesy," Fike said. "I feel this courtesy has been taken advantage of. I cannot tolerate this body to be made a mockery of.")
The only ones making a mockery of the council are the members and the mayor. How dare you attempt to silence your critics, Mr. Fike?! When did you decide that our fundamental rights as tax paying citizens were a "courtesy"? You should be run out of this town with tar and feathers trailing your sorry excuse for leadership...an d I wouldn't be as generous with a couple of your lame flunkies like Palumbo and Jones.