Bonding will go forward for an addition to Jonathan Law High School after the Board of Aldermen approved funding for the project Monday night, largely along party lines. The board heard numerous pleas from a crowd of parents and education officials to pursue the bonding, due to lower construction costs -- bids came back roughly 25 percent cheaper than expected -- and complaints of overcrowding and outdated facilities at the school, which serves 1,050 students.
Alderman Raymond Vitali was the sole Republican to break from his party and join all nine Democrats in voting for the bonding.
In response to questions from members of the board, Law Principal Janet Garagliano said that in the upcoming school year, every classroom will be used during every period, and 15 teachers will be on carts, without permanent classroom homes.
The $3.2 million addition would add eight classrooms, including two new science rooms, and "some desperately needed storage spaces," she said.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. and GOP aldermen, Judith Toohey and Minority Leader Vincent Ditchkus Jr., urged the board to reject the bonding, cautioning that there are no guarantees in a shaky economy.
that's hemorrhaging jobs and strapped taxpayers can't afford extra expense.
"It's not about our commitment (to the capital improvement plan)," Richetelli said. "It's about taking prudent financial steps and sending the right message to our taxpayers. I don't like putting these projects off. However, now is not the time."
Board Chairman Benjamin Blake and several Democrats countered that the project is "a scaled back version" and should be done now to take advantage of a favorable bond rating and low costs that will save about $1 million, plus avoid wasting $250,000 already spent on architectural and engineering fees.
"Fiscal responsibility is not only cutting spending," Blake said before the vote. "Fiscal responsibility is also understanding the importance of thrift. This is a no-brainer."
Ditchkus said the additional bonding would amount to "almost a backdoor tax. We've already balanced the budget. We have to come up with the money."
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