http://images.wikia.com/fixpa/images//a/a7/Chelsa-to-MarkRoosevelt6.13.08.pdfChelsa Wagner is an athlete. She is also a key player in Harrisburg as a member of the PA House. Furthermore, in Harrisburg, she has roles and keen interests in education.
I was able to talk to Chelsa and her staffers and explain a few of the details in this saga. Within a few short days -- she sent out this letter.
People are watching. And, people are not happy. Furthermore, the concept of opening these boutique high schools and not having scholastic sports is terrible.
Chelsa also came to understand how Mark Roosevelt's move to fire all the swim pool workers at the school means that the kids in physical education classes will have to both provide their own swim suits and towels. Mark Roosevelt killed swimming in our schools in physical education classes.
Who wants to have a wet suit and wet towel in their book bags and lockers in high school?
Text of letter:
June 10, 2008
Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent
Pittsburgh Public Schools
341 S. Bellefield Avenue
Room 245, Administration Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
SENT VIA FACSIMILE AND U.S. MAIL
Dear Mr. Roosevelt,
Over the past few weeks, I have had many constituents contact me with their concerns about the closure of Schenley High School and the restructuring of other schools in the city that would accompany this action. In order to adequately address their concerns and answer any further questions that they may have, I am requesting the following information from you:
1. A detailed cost analysis of the renovations and repairs that would be necessary to
reopen Schenley High School in the fall of 2008.
2. A detailed cost analysis of the improvements to other facilities that would be necessary
to accommodate Schenley High School students if it does not reopen.
3. The availability of sports and extracurricular activities for students who will attend Specialty Schools if Schenley does not reopen.
I would also welcome the opportunity to meet with you to address these issues more fully.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Chelsa Wagner
State Representative, 22nd District
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4 comments:
John K. says: Oh so we get to the meat of the bone. It's all about swimming. They have to provide their own towels? My heart bleeds.
Mark, I know your heart is in the right place and you are a tireless champion for all that is good about the city, but CW is a bit late to the party. It isn't like another go round can be scheduled on this. June 25 to the opening of school is a short two months. The subject has been veted to death. It all comes down to how many people come down on each side. Or more accurately, how many of nine.
This letter is wonderful. Do you have contact information handy so that we can let Chelsea Wagner know how much we appreciate this? And, now that there is one state rep on board, we may be able to get others- ie, forward her letter to our own reps and ask them to take this same step on our behalf.
This was a 4-5 vote. One or more votes can flip.
The school can be repaired.
The lies from FEB are now out.
This has not been vetted to death but by the Roosevelt spin machine and the media. He had the upper hand. He has dozens of staffers, if not more.
We will win.
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