Gazette: Board of Ed puts off final decision for Wheaton-Edison modernization

Board members soliciting feasibility study to see what's possible for schools' campus

by Jeanette Der Bedrosian | Staff Writer

Parents, students and community members eager to see plans for the future of Wheaton and Edison high schools will have to wait a little longer.
Board of Education members entered Monday's meeting expecting to make a final vote on the best way to modernize the two schools: whether to build two separate buildings or one building with two separate entrances. But after a staff presentation, they said they didn't have enough information to make a final decision...

_________________

Comment from Theresa Defino, Edison Parent:

Thank you for this accurate story, which reveals the lengths to which MCPS and Dr. Weast will go when his plans are threatened. When it was clear his vision of a diminished Edison and a merged school wasn't getting board support, he pulled out all the stops. It is also important for everyone to understand: there was ALWAYS going to be a feasibility study; this is mandatory for modernization/construction projects. The board did not even need to take the action it did, though we greatly appreciate the expressions of support. The study was already funded and the architects chosen months ago--the same ones who made the "pretty pictures." I urge everyone who cares about Wheaton and Edison to join with us as we move into the feasibility study process. We need more to ensure the process is fair and isn't subverted at the end (and all the way through!) like we've seen so far. We need more community/parent/business involvement. Please contact me at TDefino@aol.com.