Many residents living in the Neshaminy School District turned out on Tuesday night in order to speak out against the current consolidation plans put forward by the school board, which would close three elementary schools and build a “mega” school.
Nearly 35 residents of the district in total got up to speak about the consolidation plan. There were no proponents of the plan present.
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Many of the speakers were concerned about their children’s schools closing, the program which would move fifth grade into the middle school and busing concerns.
“There is not one student who is more important than another,” said one concerned resident on the topic of certain schools going without renovations in the years leading to the current problem of closures.
“I wholeheartedly oppose the flawed consolidation plan,” said Jennifer Wallover, a teacher in the district who lives in Levittown.
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Other members of the community got their chance to speak during the second public comment session, when a line of nearly 40 individuals stood up to speak in opposition of the consolidation plan.
Some of those speaking against the plan admitted that they have been residents for their entire lives, and noted that if the plan actually went though, they would possibly be leaving the district.
“Listen to what the community is telling you,” pleaded one speaker.
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It was made clear by the end of the line of speakers that the public appeared to be in total agreement about the plan when not a single proponent of the plan spoke.
The board defended itself during the board comment, however, any many members explained that they are simply doing what they believe is best for the district.
“I don’t want to close any schools, we’re trying to deal with the realities that we have,” said board member Stephen Pirritano. “Communities are truly what we are all about.”
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No action was taken during the meeting to indicate that the board has begun the process of re-thinking the consolidation plan.
Related:
- Neshaminy Gets First Look at Preliminary Plan for New Elementary School
- Neshaminy Residents Plan to Fight Potential School Closings
- Neshaminy Board Hears Updates on Consolidation Plan
Editor’s Note: A quote – “I appreciate the passion for the neighborhood schools. We are bound by an unbelievable financial constraint.” – was removed from the story after it was accidentally attributed to school board member Mike Morris, who has been very vocal about not closing schools. LevittownNow.com staff is working to determine who said the comment during the meeting.
