WICU12

The Erie School Board next week will consider major renovations and repairs at several schools. CLICK FOR VIDEO  The board hopes to use federal stimulus funding to obtain zero interest construction bonds to finance the work. The top priority is a major facelift  and expansion at Strong Vincent High School. The estimated price tag is $39 million. The school is now 80 years old.  It's one of the city's architectural gems. But the original roof now badly leaks, causing water damage in hallways and classrooms. And wind, rain and snow have combined to cause extensive damage to brick work and the facade. Repairs have been made over the years, but officials say a brand new roof is needed. District Maintenance Supervisor Leroy Ganska said, "It is to the point right now that we are going up every year, patching, replacing sections and it is to the point it needs to be replaced. We can't keep up with repairs on it." Plans also call for a major upgrade to athletic facilities including replacing locker rooms and the two small gyms with a regulation size facility, allowing teams to practice and play basketball games at the school. Right now more than 1,000 students in grades 9-12 attend Strong Vincent High School.

Paul Wagner