School/city cooperation
North Tonawanda School Board member Michael P. Carney issued a challenge to city officials during Tuesday night's board of education meeting.
Carney, himself a former alderman, said he wants the Common Council and the administration of new Mayor Robert G. Ortt to sit down with school officials and "brainstorm" ways to save money.
"We've got to find ways to be more efficient and to work together," Carney said.
Board member Joanne Dal Porto volunteered for the second board liaison post when Superintendent Vincent J. Vecchiarella asked the board if someone else would also be interested.
Items stolen during phys ed
Board member Frank DiBernardo told the board he's received several calls from parents and students over the past few weeks about thefts during high school gym classes.
DiBernardo said the thefts have occurred from wallets and purses that have not been locked up -- which itself he acknowledged was not a wise decision.
Apparently when calls were made to school officials, parents were told that the school is not responsible if the items are not locked away.
"That's a canned message," he said, "and that's a message I wouldn't want to hear."
DiBernardo said the board has a responsibility to make sure the schools are safe.
Football stadium name
Carney also told the board he received a letter from several district residents who would like the school's current football stadium to take the name of the old stadium behind the former Lowry Middle School on Payne Avenue. That stadium is named after legendary coach George Vetter.
--Aaron Besecker
tagged
Education | government | North Tonawanda
