Published Thursday, Aug. 12, 1999 Fred J. Hoffman, West Hill principal, said Wednesday the start of the school year has been moved from Aug. 31 to Sept. 7. He said the four days will be added to the end of the school year.
School officials said the delayed start wasn't due to construction, instead they cited a lack of furniture.
Superintendent Richard Rossi said student desks have not arrived. He said the furniture is expect Aug. 30.
Rossi said he realizes the change may inconvenience some people, especially graduating seniors.
Sandy Malgieri, a parent of a senior, asked Rossi if he would consider taking the four days from vacations throughout the year. She suggested having a meeting with the senior parents to discuss alternatives.
Rossi nixed that idea, saying he would "get 200 other opinions." He said he feels the board agrees with him that the longer year is the best way to handle the problem.
Director Pamela Corini said a later end to the school year presents a personal conflict for her but she agrees with the decision.
Hoffman said the vacation days during the year are necessary because some work on the renovation is scheduled for those days. He said Musser is to be completed in November and West Hill in December or early January.
Mrs. Corini said the outside appearance of the schools is deceiving to passersby. Michael Calla, principal of Musser, said the heavy equipment at the schools won't be there when the students arrive for their first day.
Rossi stressed the delays are "nothing that would hurt education." He said the schools will be safe for the students when they arrive.
